All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is respected.
Support Groups for Youth
Youth and Young Adults: Stronger Together
Alternate Tuesdays, Oct. 1 through May 2020, 6:30-8:00 pm in Fairfax City. This peer support group is for youth ages 14 – 22. Parents, caregivers, and guardians meet elsewhere at the same time, and both groups are facilitated by professionals. Light dinner included. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-2020-stronger-together-peer-support-groups-tickets-64441154227?
People First for Young Adults
2nd Tue. monthly, 6:30 – 8:30 pm The Arc , 2755 Hartland Rd Suite 200, Falls Church. Youth with disabilities age 14-26 practice public speaking skills, plan social outings, learn from guests on topics of life skills and advocacy, and do projects to enhance social skills. Information: Call Diane Monnig at 703-208-1119 x 118.
Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups
These are concurrent drop-in groups for teens (ages 14-17) and their parents every Thursday 6:00-7:30 pm at the Merrifield Center.
Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/heads-up-talk-it-out
Support Groups for Parents
Alpha Moms
This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Dads
Meets one evening monthly in Falls Church. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Jenny ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 703-472-4678.
- Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kim riffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
- Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 2nd Wed. of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or blittle@windingroadcoaching.com
- West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group 3rd Thur. of each month at 7:30 pm Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
- West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group 1st Tues. of each month at 10:30 am Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center
2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-8 pm in Alexandria Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome
3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm in Alexandria. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
For problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. 7:30 pm every Tues. Room 201.1 Fairfax County Courthouse – call 703-246-2495.
Kinship Caregivers Support Group
2nd & 4th Thur. monthly, 6:30-8:00 pm, South County Gov. Ctr. Rm. 220, 8350 Richmond Hgwy, Alexandria. Free dinner and resources. Register 1 week ahead: KFI@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-246-4653
Kinship Café
Meets monthly on the 2nd Wed. in Fairfax. Free dinner. Activities for children and discussion for adults. Register 1 week ahead by calling 703-246-4653 or online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/EReg/Registration.aspx?groupID=27
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Naomi 703-862-9588 or email at verdugo.naomi@gmail.com
OCD Family Support Group
1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm in Arlington. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.
Northern Virginia Tourette Support Group
Meets the 2nd Sunday of each month at noon at the Chantilly Public Library. Contact: mark.bramer@gmail.com
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC)
Meeting times and location posted at: https://poac-nova.org/events/
