Health Care Support Groups Near You

UCLA Health and its community partners offer a number of support groups, available in person and by telephone, designed to support and inform patients, families and caregivers coping with a variety of diagnoses, including Alzheimer's and dementia, heart disease, Parkinsonian disorders and others.

Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer

AYA Cancer Support Group

Our AYA Support Group is held on the second Tuesday of every month, for patients diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 21 and 39. Our group is dedicated to providing a safe space for all young adult cancer patients to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
When: Second Tuesday of every month / 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - please RSVP to obtain Zoom meeting link.
RSVP & Info: [email protected]

AYA Breast and GYN Cancer Support Group

Our AYA Breast and GYN Cancer Support Group is held on the first Wednesday of every month, for women diagnosed with breast cancer between the ages of 21 and 39. Our group is dedicated to providing a safe space to discuss challenges around areas such as sex and sexuality, fertility, and body image.
When: First Wednesday of every month / 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - please RSVP to obtain Zoom meeting link.
RSVP & Info: [email protected]

'Cancer Hacks' Series

Cancer Hacks is a monthly discussion forum and virtual hangout meant to empower adolescents and young adults during cancer treatment and beyond. Open to all patients diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39.
When: Third Thursday of every month / 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - please RSVP to obtain Zoom meeting link.
RSVP & Info: [email protected]

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

The Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA and the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program offer the following support groups for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias:

Alzheimer's and Dementia

Free virtual support groups are for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Reservations required.
When: Every Wednesday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Info: Monica Moore, MSG at [email protected]
Call-in number: 415-655-0003 (RSVP required for call-in access code)

When: First and third Mondays of the month, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Info: Monica Moore, MSG at [email protected]
Call-in number: 415-655-0003 (RSVP required for call-in access code)

Spanish Speaking Support Group

This free virtual support group is conducted in Spanish.
When: Every Monday, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Info: Dr. Mirella Diaz-Santos 424-835-0843 or [email protected] (RSVP required for call-in access code)

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

This free virtual support group is for family caregivers who need a supportive environment to share, learn and gain emotional support from other Lewy Body Dementia caregivers.
When: First and third Tuesdays of the month, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Info: Monica Moore, MSG at [email protected]
Call-in number: 415-655-0003 (RSVP required for call-in access code)

Young-onset Alzheimer's Disease

This free virtual support group is designed for family caregivers of those diagnosed with young-onset Alezheimer's Disease (AD).
When: First Tuesdays of the month, Noon – 1:30 pm
Info: Monica Moore, MSG at [email protected]
Call-in number: 415-655-0003 (RSVP required for call-in access code)

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

This free virtual support group is designed for family caregivers of those with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
When: Third Tuesday of the month, Noon – 1:30 pm
Info: Monica Moore, MSG at [email protected]
Call-in number: 415-655-0003 (RSVP required for call-in access code)

Brain Tumor

Caregivers of Brain Tumor Patients

This support group provides a safe and supportive space for caregivers of patients with brain tumors across their illness trajectory. Dinner is included.

When: Second Thursday every month, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite B265
RSVP & Info: Jacqueline Dillon, MSW at 310-267-9413

Clinical Nutrition

Healthy Avocado Trial

The Healthy Avocado Trial, or "HAT," is a multi-site nutrition study looking at the effect of avocado consumption on abdominal fat, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, gut microbiota and vascular health. The UCLA Center for Human Nutrition is seeking healthy male and female participants age 25 or older with increased waist circumference (≥35 inches for women, ≥40 inches for men). Participants will either be provided with one avocado per day to eat with their usual diet for 6 months or will be asked to maintain their usual diet (minus avocados) for the same duration. The study will last 6 months with 10 clinic visits. Eligible participants will be compensated with $550 for completion of the study in full and valet parking will be comped for all study visits.

Info: 310-206-2962 or e-mail [email protected].

Diabetes

UCLA Insulin Connection (IConnect) Meet-up Groups

Join one of our support groups for people with diabetes who use insulin through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. Become informed, network and get support from your peers in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. There is no cost for this group, and no referral is needed.

Thousand Oaks
When: Thursdays, July 12 & September 13 / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: 100 Moody Court, Suite 200

Westwood
When: Tuesday, August 14 / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 520-10

Santa Monica
When: 2nd Tuesday of every month / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
1250 16th Street

RSVP – Info: 310-794-1299 or diabeteseducati[email protected]

Head and Neck

Head/Neck Cancer Support Group

For head and neck cancer patients and their support system.

When: Third Tuesday of every month / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite B265
Contact: Liz Morasso, LCSW - 310-267-3135 or [email protected]

Patient Support Group

For Head & Neck cancer patients.

Days Available: Third Tuesday of every month
Times: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Radiation Oncology Conference Room
200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Level B2
Contact: Liz Morasso, LCSW 310-267-3135

Heart Disease in Women

WomenHeart West Los Angeles

This peer-led support group is part of WomenHeart, a national coalition for women with heart disease. Sessions include peer support, advocacy and education.

When: Monday, April 13, May 11 & June 8 / 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: UCLA Cardiac Rehab Center, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 206C
RSVP & Info: [email protected]

Lupus

Lupus LA Adult Support Group

Join our monthly, confidential support group to learn more about lupus and how to live well with the symptoms of lupus.

When: Tuesdays, April 2, May 1 & June 4 / 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Rheumatology - Rehabilitation Center Building, 3rd Floor Library, 1000 Veteran Avenue, Los Angeles
Info: 310-657-5667 or [email protected] or lupusla.org

Neurosurgery

Brain Aneurysm Support Group

A topic is presented to the group, followed by an open forum for discussion. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for reassurance and personal exchange between survivors and caregivers. This support group aims to empower the patient and the caregiver in the care and recovery processes.

When: Monday, August 22, 2022 / 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, PST
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - please RSVP to obtain Zoom meeting link.

Please RSVP with Marie Rodolfa via email at [email protected]

 

Neurosurgery Patient and Family Virtual Support Group

For all neurosurgical patients, family members, and caregivers. The meetings provide information and education on a variety of topics for both the patient and the caregiver. 

When: The meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm PST
Where: Zoom Virtual Meeting - please email [email protected] to obtain the Zoom link or if you have any inquiries.

Stroke

Stroke Education and Support Group

This group welcomes people who have had new strokes and those who have had strokes in the past. It provides hope, encouragement and education to stroke survivors, family members and caregivers.

When: Wednesdays January 16, February 20 & March 20 / 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, 1250 16th Street, Conference Room 4
Info: 424-259-8390

 

Clinical Social Work Support Groups

Our office of care coordination and clinical social work hosts the following support groups:

Adult Heart/Lung Patient/Family Support Group

For pre and post heart & lung transplant patients and their family members.

Days Available: Once a month, 1st Monday of each month. Light refreshments served
Times: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Contact: Eileen Sudeck, MSW 310-267-9728

Comforting Hearts Bereavement Support Group

For parents and siblings of pediatric UCLA patients who have passed away.

Days Available: Group meet monthly. For more info, call Gina Kornfeind at 310-825-0731
Times: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: St. Albans Church in Westwood
Contact: Gina Kornfeind, MSW 310-825-0731

Liver and Multi-organ Transplant Support Group

For pre transplant patients, post transplant patients and families.

Days Available: Meets every Wednesday at 12:00 pm
Location: 200 Medical Plaza Suite 206
Refreshments served, no RSVP needed.
Ask your social worker for details.

Neonatal Intensive Care Support Group

For parents, families and caregivers of children during their hospitalization at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

Days Available: Tuesdays and Fridays
Times: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Contact: Sara Montes, MSW 310-267-8014

Pediatric Intensive Care Support Group

For parents, families and caregivers of children during their hospitalization at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

Days Available: Wednesdays
Times: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: PICU Conference Room
Contact: Sarah Miller, LCSW 310-267-9759

Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Support Group

For parents, families and caregivers of heart, liver and small bowel transplant children during their hospitalization at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

Days Available: Every Wednesday
Times: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Contact: Blair Butler, MSW 310-267-9732

Teen Adventure Program (TAP)

Activities and Support for Teens and Young Adults with Cancer (ages 15-25)
Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Days Available: Meets once every other Month
Contact: Marla Knoll, MSW 310-267-9751 or Alexis Gentry, MSW 310-267-9734.