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. 2 through May 2019, 6:00-8:00 pm in Fairfax. This peer-to-peer support group is for youth ages 14 – 22. Parents, caregivers and guardians meet at the same time. Light dinner included. Register: http://www.formedfamiliesforward.org/registration-for-free-support-groups-now-open/
People First for Young Adults
2nd Tue. monthly, 6:30 – 8:00 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.
Community of Solutions Helping Teens Cope with Life Stress www.facebook.com/cosdcmetro/
‘Meraki’ Teen Drop-In Group Thursdays 6:00-7:30 pm, at 1st Floor Lobby of Merrifield Center, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax Contact: (703) 207-7893 Peer Recovery Support Staff.
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 7:00pm. Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com - West Fairfax CHADD Parent Support Group 3rd Thu. of each month at 7:30 pm Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or call 703-716-4646.
- Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 4th Wed. of the month at Cascades Library in Potomac Falls. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or blittle@windingroadcoaching.com
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 Thur. 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 – meets 1st & 3rd Thurs. monthly in Alexandria. Free dinner and resources. Child care may be available. Contact: Mary E. Fleming at (703) 246-4653.
Kinship Café – meets monthly on the second Wed. in Fairfax. Free dinner. Activities for children and discussion for adults. Register 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 Family Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Naomi Verdugo 703-862-9588
OCD Family Support Group 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call (202) 215-5859.
POAC: Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia. Bimonthly Support Group Contact: Nicole Zupan at nicizupan@gmail.com
Padres de hoy — Support group in Spanish. Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm Brookside FACE Ctr. 601 Four Mile Run Trail, Alexandria. Call (703) 824-6865 to register. Free childcare.
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/
