Overview

Overview

Cleveland Clinic offers support groups throughout our Northeast Ohio communities. For an up-to-date list of upcoming meeting times for support groups, please visit our Support Groups Events Calendar or refer to contact information for individual groups that you can find below.

A-F

A-F

Adolescent Health

At Risk Support Groups for Adolescents
Weekly therapy groups for adolescents ages 13 to 18 who have had problems with alcohol or drugs, but are not chemically dependent. This is a low-intensity therapy group to get adolescents back on the right track. The group is covered by most insurance providers. All participants must have a formal evaluation before joining the group.

  • Boys Group - Hours: Mondays, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Girls Group - Hours: Mondays, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Contact: Kathleen Alcorn, LISW, LICDC
Phone: 216.444.3998 or 800.223.2273, ext. 43998 (toll-free)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

For patients, families, and friends to learn about ALS and share information.
Location: 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, Ohio, 44115
Date: First Monday of every other month
Time: 1 p.m.
Contact: Northeast Ohio Chapter
Phone: 216.592.2572
Website: ALS Association

Bereavement Support Groups

Bone Marrow Transplantation and Post-Transplant Preparation

Post-transplant Preparation Group
The post-transplant preparation group is an educational group to help current inpatients and their caregivers prepare for care and treatment after a bone marrow transplant.
Location: G110 lounge
Date: Meets monthly
Contact: Jane Dabney, LISW-S, OSW-C
Phone: 216.445.2483 or 800.223.2273, ext. 52483 (toll-free)

Brain Cancer (Brain Tumor)

For patients, families, and friends to share resources on coping with brain tumors.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center conference room CA5-124A
Dates: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Phone: 216.444.6448 or 800.223.2273, ext. 44648 (toll-free)
Free parking at Euclid Avenue visitor’s garage (P1)

Breast Cancer

For patients at any stage of breast cancer.

Locations

Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
Taussig Cancer Center, Gross Family Art Therapy Suite on the first floor
Date: Third Monday of the month
Hours: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Contact: Rene Barrat-Gordon, LISW-S
Phone: 216.444.2260 or 800.223.2273, ext. 42260 (toll-free)
Free parking at Euclid Avenue visitor’s garage (P1)

Cancer Center - Judith and Richard Kinzel Campus – Sandusky
417 Quarry Lakes Drive in the Sycamore Meeting Room
Date: Fourth Monday of the month (starting in January)
Hours: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact: Lori Scott, LISW
Phone: 419.626.9090 or 877.544.6222

Breastfeeding

Mothers, bring your babies and share concerns and information with a lactation consultant.

A support system for breastfeeding mothers. Group setting, but individual advice and attention from a lactation consultant provided. Problem solving for engorgement, latching on, weaning, pumping and storing milk, growth spurts, etc. Mothers only for privacy reasons.

Cancer

Men with Cancer Support Group
Location: Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center - Mansfield, 1125 Aspira Court in the Lower Level Conference Room
Date: First Monday of the month
Time: 11 a.m. - Noon
Contact: Sarah Close, LSW, MSW
Phone: 419.756.2122

Women with Cancer Support Group
Location: Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center - Mansfield, 1125 Aspira Court in the Lower Level Conference Room
Date: Second Monday of the month
Time: 11 a.m. - Noon
Contact: Sarah Close, LSW, MSW
Phone: 419.756.2122

Cancer Caregiver

Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a support group offering a series of educational and supportive sessions for adults caring for loved ones with cancer. Each meeting offers information to help Caregivers in adapting to their roles.
Contact: Christa Poole, LISW-S, OSW-C
Phone: 216.445.4557

Caring for Caregivers
Location: Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Mansfield
1125 Aspira Court in the Lower Level Conference Room
Date: Third Monday of the month
Hours:11 a.m. - Noon
Contact: Sarah Close, LSW, MSW
Phone:419.756.2122

Living with Cancer and Caregivers Care
For Cancer Caregiver and (any) cancer patients. Individuals that have been touched by cancer of any type.
Location: Cancer Center - Judith and Richard Kinzel Campus – Sandusky 417 Quarry Lakes Drive in the Sycamore Meeting Room
Date: First Monday of the month
Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Contact: Lori Scott, LISW
Phone: 419.626.9090 or 877.544.6222
Light refreshments will be provided; please RSVP.

Chemotherapy

Look Good, Feel Better

The Look Good Feel Better program is a nonmedical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to women in active cancer treatment to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of treatment. The program is a collaboration of the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, and the Professional Beauty Association. Cleveland Clinic Foundation is a program host.

Registration is required. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to register.

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Taussig Cancer Center
2010 E 90th Street, Cleveland
Location varies. Red Coat Greeters will direct you upon arrival.

Fairview Hospital
Moll Cancer Center Pavilion
18200 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
Sessions located in the 1st-floor conference room unless otherwise noted
Hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Hillcrest Hospital
6780 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Check in with Cancer Center front desk for session location
Hours: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131
Sessions located in 6th floor of Infusion Center unless otherwise noted
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Lorain Family Health Center & Surgery Center
5700 Cooper Foster Park Rd, Lorain, OH 44053
Sessions located in back conference room behind the Ambulatory Surgery desk on the first floor unless otherwise noted
Hours: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Mansfield
1125 Aspira Court, Mansfield, OH 44906
Lower Level Conference Room
Hours: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
2018 Dates: Jan. 10, April 11, Aug. 8, Dec. 12

Cancer Center - Judith and Richard Kinzel Campus – Sandusky
417 Quarry Lakes Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870
Sycamore meeting room
Hours: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center
16761 South Park Ctr., Strongsville, OH 44136
Sessions located in the 3rd Floor Hematology/Oncology Dept. unless otherwise noted
Hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Colorectal Cancer

Ostomy Association Support Group
Date: Every Thursday
Contact: 216.264.9479
Website:http://www.clevelandostomy.org/

Crohn's Disease

Ostomy Association Support Group
Date: Every Thursday
Contact: 216.264.9479
Website:http://www.clevelandostomy.org/

Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

Ostomy Association Support Group
Date: Every Thursday
Contact: 216.264.9479
Website:http://www.clevelandostomy.org/

Epilepsy

Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group
The mission of our Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group is to meet and address the needs of families who are caring for children afflicted with difficult-to-control epilepsy.
Location:Children’s Hospital, M Building, Cleveland Clinic’s main campus
Hours: Weekly, please call for times.
Phone: 216.445.9818

G-L

G-L

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Individuals who are seeking weight loss, weight loss surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery are invited to participate in any of the following programs.

General Bariatric Surgery Support Group
These groups are informal, interactive discussions led by one of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's healthcare team members encouraging patient-to-patient dialogue and support. The meetings follow a monthly theme, such as nutrition, exercise, additional weight loss tips and resources, and co-morbidities common to bariatric patients.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute - 9500 Euclid Avenue - 6th floor, M Building, M61
Dates: Second Thursday of every month 
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m
Website: clevelandclinic.org/bariatricsurgery

Binge-eating Group Session
Binge eating can be a very serious disorder common in candidates for bariatric surgery. This group supports you in making changes in your attitude toward food, and enhancing your ability to find new skills to cope with your stress and eating habits.
4 sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room 
Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

MASTERY
(Managing After Surgery: Tools, Eating, Relationships & You)
This series of group sessions is designed to help optimize your success and adjustment after surgery by addressing multiple changes and challenges you may be facing. Topics include: grieving the loss of food as a source of pleasure/comfort; enhancing coping skills; increasing pleasurable activities; overcoming barriers to exercise; assertive communication; social skills for social eating; body image and changes; personal relationship and mindfulness.
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Substance Risk Reduction Group
This group is designed for bariatric patients (pre and post-surgery) with an established pattern of problematic drinking or previous history of addictive behaviors.
Dates: Fourth Thursday of every month
Hours: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Life After Surgery Group
Life After Surgery gives post-surgical patients the opportunity to explore the benefits they have experienced and address the obstacles they are facing. Such barriers may include poor body image, changes in relationships, and unrealistic expectations.
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m 
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

GET SET
(Getting Expertise Today for a Successful Experience Tomorrow)
Learn how to increase your benefits of bariatric surgery. Preparing for surgery involves changing your current everyday patterns, which requires hard work and commitment. Getting more support and information will help you succeed. We will address eating behaviors, body image, stress and coping, and expectations before and after surgery.
4 Sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Grief

Hearing Aids

Hearing Update Support Group
Learn about how we hear, what happens when we lose our hearing and recent advancements in hearing aid technology.
Location: Solon Family Health Center
Contact: Tina Anthony, AUD for information and details 
Phone: 440.519.6950

Hearing Loss

Hearing Update Support Group
Learn about how we hear, what happens when we lose our hearing and recent advancements in hearing aid technology.
Location: Solon Family Health Center
Contact: Tina Anthony, AUD for information and details 
Phone: 440.519.6950

Heart / Heart Disease / Heart Valve Disease / Heart Surgery

Mended Hearts Support Group
Mended Hearts is a national organization dedicated to providing support and inspiring hope in heart disease patients and their families for more than 60 years. Mended Hearts of Greater Cleveland is a chapter of this national nonprofit organization. Mended Hearts helps people understand that there can be a rich, rewarding life after a heart event. They bring patients, families and caregivers together to form a network of caring individuals. Members listen, share their experiences and learn from healthcare professionals.

For dates of upcoming support group meetings and more information, visit MendedHearts138.org or email info@mendedhearts138.org.

For our national office, visit MendedHearts.org.

Location: Mended Hearts office
Phone: 216.444.4190 or 800.223.2273, ext. 44190 (toll-free)

Family Resource Group (Cardiothoracic Surgery)
Provides family members the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about the what you need to know before you travel home.
Location: Building J, Room J5, Family Education Room
Hours: Wednesday mornings, 9 a.m

Heart Transplantation

TRIO-Transplant Recipient International Organization
This support group is for transplant candidates, recipients and their families.
Fourth Wednesday of every other month (even numbered months) 
Phone: 440.473.8979

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus Group
For any adult or parent of a pediatric patient affected by hydrocephalus. Family members are welcome.
Locations: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Dates: Monthly on Wednesdays
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Hilary Rossen, LISW
Phone: 216.445.3495 or 800.223.2273, ext. 5-3495 (toll-free)

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura

The ITP Support Group
For education and for patients and families to provide one another support.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center - Conference Room B
Dates: Second Thursday, every other month 
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Barb Hise at 216.752.8051 or Caroline Kruse at 440.526.0629

Infectious Disease

HIV Support Group
For HIV+ adults to share, support, educate, and empower.
Location: Infectious Disease conference room G2-100 - 2nd Floor of G Building
Dates: Second Thursday of the month
Hours: 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Kristen Boyer, Patient Liaison Coordinator
Phone: 216.444.8831

Kidney Cancer

For patients, families, and friends to share their experiences in coping with kidney cancer.
Contact: Karen Fireman, LISW-S, OSW-C 
Phone: 216.444.0945

Kidney Transplantation

TRIO-Transplant Recipient International Organization
This support group is for transplant candidates, recipients and their families.
Dates: Fourth Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, December.
Phone: 440.473.8979

Leukemia / Lymphoma

Leukemia
Provides support for adults diagnosed with or whose children have been diagnosed with any type of leukemia. Family members and friends are welcome. Gain information, share concerns, and gather for support.
Location: The Gathering Place in Beachwood
Dates: First Monday of each month

Life After Transplant
Quarterly group for individuals and family members of individuals who have gone through bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. The focus is on providing education and support. The group is co-sponsored by The Gathering Place and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Cleveland West Side Family Support Group
Location: Moll Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital
Dates: Third Wednesday of each month

Akron/Canton Family Support Group
Location: Stewart’s Caring Place in Akron
Dates: Third Thursday of each month

Youngstown Family Support Group
Location: Forum Health Cancer Care Center in Youngstown
Dates: Third Thursday of each month

Lymphoma Family Support Group
Provides support for adults who have been diagnosed with or whose children have been diagnosed with any type of lymphoma. Family members and friends are welcome. Join others going through similar experiences to gain information, share concerns, and gather for support.
Phone: 216.445.2148

Location: The Gathering Place in Beachwood
Dates: Fourth Monday and Thursday of each month

Location:Taussig Cancer Institute
Contact:Christa Poole, LISW-S, OSW-C

Teen Talk
Open to teens ages 13 - 18 who are currently in treatment or post treatment.
Location: The Gathering Place in Beachwood
Dates: Fourth Thursday of each month
Contact: Stacey Bene, MSSA, LISW or Debbie Kendig of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 216.910.1234 or 800.589.5721.
Pre-registration is required

Liver Disease

American Liver Foundation Meetings
This group features physician updates, adjustment issues by transplant social workers, quarterly dinners (beginning at 6:30 p.m.) and informational speakers. Open to pre- and post-transplant patients, families and friends as well as visitors wishing for information.
Location: Bunts Auditorium, Room 102 - Jennings Building (TT)
Dates: Third Monday of each month
Time: 7 p.m.

Quarterly dinners
Location: Doctor’s dinner room
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Annette Humberson, LISW
Phone: 216.444.6271 or 800.223.2273, ext. 46271 (toll-free)

Lung Transplantation

TRIO-Transplant Recipient International Organization
For transplant candidates, recipients and their families.
Dates: Fourth Wednesday of every other month (even numbered months)
Phone: 440.473.8979

Lupus

Lupus Foundation of America Support Group
An informal monthly group designed to provide education, information and support to people with lupus, their families and friends. The group is funded in partnership with the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.
Phone: 440.717.0183

M-Q

M-Q

Miscarriage

Love Lives On
For parents who have experienced pregnancy loss due to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy; Family members welcome.
Location: Hillcrest Hospital
Third Thursday of the month
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.8841

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease Support Group
For patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease.
Four times per year.
Contact: Hilary Rossen, LISW
Phone: 216.445.3495 or 800.223.2273 ext. 53495 (toll-free)

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma
For patients, families, and friends affected by multiple myeloma. Meets quarterly.
Location: Taussig Cancer Institute
Contact: Barb Savage, LISW-S, CASWCM
Phone: 216.444.6465 or 800.223.2273, ext. 46465 (toll-free)

Obesity

Individuals who are seeking weight loss, weight loss surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery are invited to participate in any of the following programs.

General Bariatric Surgery Support Group
These groups are informal, interactive discussions led by one of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's healthcare team members encouraging patient-to-patient dialogue and support. The meetings follow a monthly theme, such as nutrition, exercise, additional weight loss tips and resources, and co-morbidities common to bariatric patients.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute 
9500 Euclid Avenue - 6th floor, M Building, M61
Dates: Second Thursday of every month
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m
Learn more about bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic.

Binge-eating Group Session
Binge eating can be a very serious disorder common in candidates for bariatric surgery. This group supports you in making changes in your attitude toward food, and enhancing your ability to find new skills to cope with your stress and eating habits.
4 sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room 
Hours: Mondays: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

MASTERY
(Managing After Surgery: Tools, Eating, Relationships & You)
This series of group sessions is designed to help optimize your success and adjustment after surgery by addressing multiple changes and challenges you may be facing. Topics include: grieving the loss of food as a source of pleasure/comfort; enhancing coping skills; increasing pleasurable activities; overcoming barriers to exercise; assertive communication; social skills for social eating; body image and changes; personal relationship and mindfulness.
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. 
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Substance Risk Reduction Group
This group is designed for bariatric patients (pre and post-surgery) with an established pattern of problematic drinking or previous history of addictive behaviors.
Dates: Fourth Thursday of every month 
Hours: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Life After Surgery Group
Life After Surgery gives post-surgical patients the opportunity to explore the benefits they have experienced and address the obstacles they are facing. Such barriers may include poor body image, changes in relationships, and unrealistic expectations.
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – Noon
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

GET SET
(Getting Expertise Today for a Successful Experience Tomorrow)
Learn how to increase your benefits of bariatric surgery. Preparing for surgery involves changing your current everyday patterns, which requires hard work and commitment. Getting more support and information will help you succeed. We will address eating behaviors, body image, stress and coping, and expectations before and after surgery.
4 Sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Parkinson’s Disease

Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Support for those with young onset Parkinson’s disease and for their caregivers.
Location: See complete schedule for location information.
Hours: Tuesdays: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Email: Janera Scott, PA-C
Phone: 216.444.8860
Learn more about Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

Parkinson Educational Program of Cleveland
An educational support group for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, their families, caregivers and friends.
Location: Cleveland Heights Recreational Center/Senior Center
Corner of Mayfield and Monticello Boulevard
First Wednesday of each month
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.691.7377

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer
A group offering information and support for men facing prostate cancer. Family members are welcome to all meetings.

Locations: The Gathering Place East (23300 Commerce Park Drive, Beachwood, OH 44122)
Contact: Ellen Heyman, RN, MSN, CS
Phone: 216.595.9546

Location:Cancer Center - Judith and Richard Kinzel Campus – Sandusky
417 Quarry Lakes Drive in the Sycamore Meeting Room
Dates: Fourth Monday of the month (starting in January)
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Contact: Lori Scott, LISW
Phone: 419.626.9090 or 877.544.6222

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

This meeting is held for patients, caregivers, family and friends of those diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Most meetings involve a brief presentation by an expert on some aspect of dealing with pulmonary fibrosis, such as understanding the disease, available treatments, and the basics of supplemental oxygen.

The presentation is followed by a question/answer session and then a discussion led by the group.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Conference Room A in the lower level
Contact: Karen VanKerkhove or Jessica Glennie at 216.445.4538
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m
Dates:

  • December 19, 2017, Holiday party
  • March 8, 2018
  • June 14, 2018
  • September 13, 2018
  • December 13, 2018
R-V

R-V

Radiation Therapy

Look Good, Feel Better
For patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments. Skin care and make up tips are some of the of the topics discussed. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the National Cosmetology Association, the American Cancer Society and the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center sponsor this program. All participating patients receive a complimentary gift bag of skin care and cosmetic products.

Locations

Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
 Conference Room R3-027 - 3rd floor of building
Hours: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Phone: 216.444.7923 or 800.862.7798 (toll-free)

Cancer Center - Judith and Richard Kinzel Campus – Sandusky
417 Quarry Lakes Drive in the Sycamore meeting room
Hours: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Contact: Lori Scott LISW
Phone: 419.626.9090 or 877.544.6222

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Mansfield
1125 Aspira Court in Lower Level Conference Room
Hours: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact: Charity Johnson, MSW, LISW-S, ACM
Phone: 419.756.2122

Sarcoidosis

Dates:

  • December 21, 2017, Holiday Party
  • February 5, 2018
  • April 2, 2018, Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
  • May 4, 2018
  • August 6, 2108
  • October 1, 2018
  • December 3, 2018

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
Meeting Room A- Lower Level
Contact: Karen VanKerkhove, 216.444.3613
RSVP: sarcoidosis.NEO@gmail.com

Smoking Cessation

Smokeless in Cleveland
Taught by specially trained respiratory therapists and psychologists, this program offers behavioral interventions, social support and motivation to quit smoking. We encourage you to bring a buddy!
Locations: South Pointe, Hillcrest and Euclid Hospitals
Dates: Several times a year.Four week sessions
For more information, dates for upcoming classes and to register, call 440.312.6741.

Stroke

Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Support Group
Stroke and brain aneurysms are serious neurological diseases which can leave a person with a wide variety of deficits affecting them physically, cognitively and/or psychologically. The Cerebrovascular Center at Cleveland Clinic is dedicated to helping those affected by strokes and brain aneurysms by offering a support group that focuses on alleviating the effects of the disease through support and education.
Topics discussed vary by meeting, but may include:

  • Rehabilitation challenges
  • Recurrent stroke prevention
  • Updates in stroke treatment
  • Additional support resources

Participating in a support group allows you to meet others with similar health concerns and issues. It allows you to connect with others in comparable situations and share experiences and coping strategies. Anyone who has suffered a stroke and/or brain aneurysm is welcome to come with or without a family member or support person.

2024 Meetings

  • Second Thursday of the month starting in June
    • No meeting in December
  • 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Date/Topics

  • June 13th: Music therapy
  • July 11th: Chair yoga
  • August 8th: Physical therapy
  • September 12th: The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center
  • October 10th: Research studies
  • November 14th: Mental health

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Conference Room B (8th floor)
5001 Rockside Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

No registration required. Meetings will be streamed virtually as well as in person. If you're interested in attending virtually or have any other questions, please reach out to Kayla Petricini at strokesupport@ccf.org.

Weight Control

Individuals who are seeking weight loss, weight loss surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery are invited to participate in any of the following programs.

General Bariatric Surgery Support Group
These groups are informal, interactive discussions led by one of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's healthcare team members encouraging patient-to-patient dialogue and support. The meetings follow a monthly theme, such as nutrition, exercise, additional weight loss tips and resources, and co-morbidities common to bariatric patients.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute
9500 Euclid Avenue - 6th floor, M Building, M61
Dates: Second Thursday of every month
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m
Learn more about bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic.

Binge-eating Group Session
Binge eating can be a very serious disorder common in candidates for bariatric surgery. This group supports you in making changes in your attitude toward food, and enhancing your ability to find new skills to cope with your stress and eating habits.
4 sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Mondays: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

MASTERY
(Managing After Surgery: Tools, Eating, Relationships & You)
This series of group sessions is designed to help optimize your success and adjustment after surgery by addressing multiple changes and challenges you may be facing. Topics include: grieving the loss of food as a source of pleasure/comfort; enhancing coping skills; increasing pleasurable activities; overcoming barriers to exercise; assertive communication; social skills for social eating; body image and changes; personal relationship and mindfulness.
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Substance Risk Reduction Group
This group is designed for bariatric patients (pre and post-surgery) with an established pattern of problematic drinking or previous history of addictive behaviors.
Dates: Fourth Thursday of every month
Hours: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Life After Surgery Group
Life After Surgery gives post-surgical patients the opportunity to explore the benefits they have experienced and address the obstacles they are facing. Such barriers may include poor body image, changes in relationships, and unrealistic expectations.
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – Noon
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

GET SET
(Getting Expertise Today for a Successful Experience Tomorrow)
Learn how to increase your benefits of bariatric surgery. Preparing for surgery involves changing your current everyday patterns, which requires hard work and commitment. Getting more support and information will help you succeed. We will address eating behaviors, body image, stress and coping, and expectations before and after surgery.
4 Sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030 or 800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)