Support Groups
Support Groups
You are not alone. There are many people struggling with similar issues. Together you too can better navigate your journey. Below is an alphabetical list of support groups in the Finger Lakes Region.
Asperger's Support Group/Square Pegs was founded in 2008 by Deborah Tedone out of her desire to find friends for her daughter. Over time, Square Pegs evolved into a group dedicated to the Adult with Asperger's Syndrome and is now by and for people with Asperger's, or "aspies." It is a place where adults with Asperger's can gain support without being judged by rules that we didn't make and may not know.
The Brain Injury Association of NYS: The Frank Peirce Memorial TBI Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Al Sigl Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Door #1, Rochester, NY 14620. This support group is for individuals with TBI and their families. Come share your stories, questions, and feelings on being a survivor of a TBI. Contact: Sharon Johnson 315-516-8162
Brain Injury Support Group UR Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is partnering with a local community-based organization, Empowering People’s Independence, to host a brain injury support group for both survivors and their loved ones. Meets the 4th Wednesday of Every Month, 5 - 6 p.m. on Zoom.
DiabetesSisters offers SisterTalk blogs - an outstanding network of women who share their thoughts and feelings about the nuances of living with diabetes in weekly blogs. Comments are welcome, as are people interested in blogging! Support groups meet approx once per month, check the website for contact information.
The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valleyis a Champion for LGBTQ Life and Culture. We envision a future where all members of the greater Rochester LGBTQ communities, at all stages of their lives, are free to be fully participating citizens, celebrating their lives in which they are safe, stable and fully respected.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) National Hotline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States. All of our services are free and confidential. We speak with callers of all ages about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more!
The In The Driver's Seat Registry is a way to connect with others to find a roommate, ride share, or find someone with similar interests.
An Introduction to NAMI and their Family-to-Family Program from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. is held on the first and third Thursday of every month at Mental Health and Wellness, 300 Crittenden Boulevard, Room G-9271. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides support, education, and advocacy to individuals and families who are living with mental illness. Family-to-Family is a course designed to help all family members understand and support their loved ones with mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. Refreshments will be served.
My Autism Team is a social network and online support group for parents who have children with autism.
The NYS Self-Determination Coalition is a group of parents, and a few professionals, who care about and support self- determined people with developmental disabilities. We are not funded or paid, and we are not sponsored by any governmental or voluntary agency. As parents, we feel we have a unique voice.
The Roc City Sicklers Advocate Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at the UR Medical Center 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY. FREE Parking (will receive validation sticker at the meeting). Take Silver Elevators to the second floor. Conference room A/B, overlooking hospital lobby.
The Rochester Spinal Association offers a social/support group for individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families & friends. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month, 6:00 - 8:00pm, at Monroe Community Hospital, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. FREE parking (use Lot 3 near the Main Entrance as other entrances are locked).
Suicide Prevention Resources
- The National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
- The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 and provides free crisis intervention by trained counselors via text messaging. Text Home to 741741 to connect to a counselor.
- The Warm Line through East House (585) 563-7470 has Peer Support Specialists available to talk over the phone about issues/problems you may be experiencing
- The Mental Health Association's Self Help Drop in Center at 539 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. The Drop-In Service is open seven days a week from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. No referral or appointment necessary. For more information, call (585) 454-3530
- Call Lifeline/Mobile Crisis (585) 275-5151 or 211, or TDD (585) 275-2700 to reach a mental health emergency team for individuals and families within Monroe County, NY, who are experiencing a crisis in mental health
- MY3 is a FREE suicide prevention support app that can be downloaded at the Google Store or the Apple App Store.
- Stay connected to your network when you are in a time of crisis with MY3. With MY3, you define your network, and your plan to stay safe.
- With MY3 you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are feeling suicidal.
- Remember, there is hope and a life to look forward to even in your darkest moments – this app can help you get through the difficult moments.
Contact Stacey Smith @ StaceyL_Smith@urmc.rochester.edu or call 276-7932 to add your services to this list, make changes or suggestions.