The city of Boston, Massachusetts is renowned for its rich history, quality education, and thriving communities. However, even in such a vibrant city, life can bring its fair share of challenges. Support groups offer a safe space to help individuals navigate difficult times, providing them with invaluable connections and resources. This comprehensive guide will help you find the top support groups in Boston, covering a wide range of topics, including addiction, mental health, cancer, grief, parenting, and LGBTQ+ support.
Addiction Support Groups in Boston
In Boston, there are numerous addiction support groups designed to help individuals struggling with substance abuse and their families. These support groups provide vital resources, guidance, and emotional support for individuals at different stages of recovery.
a. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Boston
Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program that offers support for individuals dealing with alcohol addiction. With multiple meetings held throughout the city, you can easily find a gathering that fits your schedule and location.
Website: http://aaboston.org
Phone: (617) 426-9444
b. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Boston
Narcotics Anonymous is another 12-step program that focuses on helping individuals struggling with drug addiction. NA meetings can be found in various neighborhoods throughout Boston, providing a strong network of support.
Website: https://nerna.org
Phone: (866) 624-3578
Mental Health Support Groups in Boston
Mental health support groups in Boston provide a nurturing environment for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
a. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Boston
NAMI Boston offers support groups for individuals with mental health conditions and their families. These groups are led by trained facilitators who have personal experience with mental illness.
Website: https://namimass.org/support-groups/
Phone: (617) 580-8541
b. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Boston
DBSA Boston provides support groups for individuals experiencing depression or bipolar disorder. These peer-led groups create a safe space for participants to discuss their experiences and find support from others who understand their challenges.
Website: http://dbsaboston.net
Phone: (617) 855-2795
Cancer Support Groups in Boston
Cancer support groups in Boston cater to patients, survivors, and their families. These groups offer emotional support and practical advice, helping individuals cope with the challenges of cancer treatment and survivorship.
a. The Cancer Support Community (CSC) Boston
The CSC Boston offers support groups for cancer patients and their families, with a focus on providing emotional and social support. They also offer educational workshops and resources to help individuals better understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
Website: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/find-support
Phone: (888) 793-9355
b. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides a variety of support groups for patients and their families. These groups are led by trained facilitators and cover specific cancer types, as well as topics like caregiving and bereavement.
Website: https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/support-services-and-amenities/support-groups/
Phone: (617) 632-3000
Grief Support Groups in Boston
Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a challenging and isolating experience. Grief support groups in Boston provide a compassionate environment where individuals can share their feelings and find comfort in the company of others who have experienced similar losses.
a. The Samaritans Boston
The Samaritans offer grief support groups for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. These groups are led by trained facilitators and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to process their grief.
Website: https://samaritanshope.org/grief-support-services/
Phone: (617) 536-2460
b. Good Grief Boston
Good Grief Boston provides a variety of grief support groups, including those for parents who have lost a child, widows and widowers, and individuals who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. These groups provide emotional support and a sense of community.
Website: http://www.goodgriefboston.org
Phone: (617) 383-4655
Parenting Support Groups in Boston
Parenting can be a rewarding, yet challenging journey. Parenting support groups in Boston offer guidance, advice, and camaraderie for parents as they navigate the ups and downs of raising children.
a. Parents Helping Parents (PHP) Boston
PHP provides support groups for parents throughout the Boston area. These groups provide a safe space for parents to discuss their struggles and successes, as well as to learn from one another’s experiences.
Website: https://www.parentshelpingparents.org/support-groups
Phone: (617) 926-5008
b. Boston Area Mothers of Multiples (BAMOM)
BAMOM is a support group specifically for mothers of twins, triplets, and other multiples. They offer meetings, playgroups, and social events to help parents connect with others who understand the unique challenges of raising multiples.
Website: https://www.bostonareamom.org
Phone: (617) 686-2256
LGBTQ+ Support Groups in Boston
LGBTQ+ support groups in Boston provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and others within the LGBTQ+ community.
a. Fenway Health LGBTQ+ Support Groups
Fenway Health offers a variety of support groups for the LGBTQ+ community, including groups for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, LGBTQ+ youth, and LGBTQ+ people of color. These groups provide a safe and affirming space to discuss shared experiences and foster connections.
Website: https://fenwayhealth.org/care/behavioral-health/support-groups/
Phone: (617) 267-0900
b. PFLAG Boston
PFLAG Boston provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and friends. They offer monthly support group meetings, as well as educational and advocacy resources.
Website: https://gbpflag.org
Phone: (781) 891-5966
Conclusion
In a diverse and bustling city like Boston, there are numerous support groups available to address a wide range of needs. Whether you’re seeking help for addiction, mental health, cancer, grief, parenting, or LGBTQ+ support, this guide will help you find the resources and community you need. Reach out to the organizations listed above to begin your journey towards healing and personal growth.
