ALL IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUPS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH GROUPS
We are pleased to offer some support focused virtual groups during this time of physical distancing to provide extra support and space for LGBTQ/TGE people. Virtual groups that are open to the public are free and intend to offer extra support during the pandemic. For participants who have the ability to pay at this time, please consider donating to Howard Brown. For therapy based virtual groups, more screening is needed to register and your participation will be billed to your insurance or assessed on your sliding scale fee.
To register for a group, please contact our Groups Coordinator at: kenjik@howardbrown.org. Registered participants will need access to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and have access to private space during the group meeting time.
SUPPORT-BASED GROUPS
The Bridge
A supportive process group for LGBTQ/GE folx navigating the stress of an ever changing landscape. We’ll build affirming community where common experience is normalized, differences are acknowledged and the healing power of community is celebrated. Admission is on a rolling basis and we ask each group member to commit to participate for a minimum of four weeks to help build cohesion and a shared language for experience.
Meets Friday from 2 – 3 p.m. via Zoom.
Coping with COVID
A group that helps participants learn tools for stress and anxiety management.
Meets Thursday at 3 p.m. via Zoom.
ACT for Adults
This group is an acceptance and mindfulness group geared towards adults who are looking to add useful personal and professional skills to their toolbox. Some topics of this group will include self-care, managing family scheduling, stress management, unplugging from technology, and ways to provide developmentally appropriate information to children and adolescents. This group will meet virtually on a weekly basis for one hour on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. This group is open to all adults. Weekly participation is not required. Please feel free to join as you can.
Apoyandonos
Este es un grupo monolingüe de habilidades de afrontamiento colaborativo en Español para personas que buscan comunidad mientras se ajustan a los cambios de nuestro mundo actual y manejan su salud mental o emocional (es decir, la ansiedad y la depresión). Algunos temas de este grupo incluirán mindfulness, autocuidado, manejo del estrés, así como desconectarse de la tecnología y los medios de comunicación.
Apoyandonos se reunirá virtualmente una vez a la semana por una hora. Como se trata de un grupo abierto, las personas pueden participar en cualquier sesión del ciclo de 6 semanas. Este grupo está abierto a personas de todas las identidades de género, mayores de 18 años.
Envíe un correo electrónico a Vanessa Cisneros a vanessac@howarbrown.org para obtener información adicional.
Lunes a la 1 p.m.
Holding Space for Nurses Working with COVID-19
All healthcare workers in the state of Illinois are welcome. This group is a facilitated peer support group sponsored by Howard Brown Health and led by a licensed mental health professional. To learn more, please contact mauricior@howardbrown.org.
Meets Wednesday at 4 p.m. via Zoom
Daily Self Check-In
The Daily Self Check-In, is a brief mindfulness or mediation session facilitated by the behavioral health team at Howard Brown Health. These sessions are free and open to everyone. Participants should note they will not be able to see or hear other participants. Attendees will only be able to see and hear the therapist from Howard Brown.
Meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12 – 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Rae Goins at raeg@howardbrown.org or Hayley Van Serke at hayleyv@howardbrown.org.
THERAPY-FOCUSED GROUPS
Our therapy focused groups include the therapy groups Behavioral Health have been offering over time. To join one of these groups, you will need to complete a mental health assessment with our groups coordinator.
DBT Skills Group
A therapy group designed to help manage stress in healthier ways. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group is an inclusive skills building group that runs cyclically in 4 distinct 10 week modules. These modules include Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance.
Mindfulness for Mood
Meets Thursdays, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
A therapy group designed to help manage depression and anxiety. The group is a gender-inclusive, skill-based group designed to be a supportive space for folks who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. Group members will learn about how mindfulness meditation can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Clients will learn techniques and practice these in group, while also connecting with other people who may have similar experiences and challenges with mental health. Group runs in 10 week cycles.
Grief and Resilience
Meets Thursdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
A therapy group designed to help explore loss and resilience in affirming community. Grief and Resilience is an episodic support group focused on creating a safe space for LGBTQIA and Gender Expansive people to come together and explore the challenges of loss. The group focuses on the power of community while exploring resilience and remembering as a way of healing.
Contact Hugh Cole, LCSW/CADC/CGP at 773.572.8364 or hughc@howardbrown.org
Genderf**k
Meets Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Howard Brown Clark, 6500 N. Clark
A therapy group focused on exploring gender identity and expression. In this group, we will examine, question, and confront conventional gender expectations. By undoing how we are taught gender “should” be, we work to move closer to intentionality and authenticity. Genderf**k is a fit for anyone interested in exploring their gender, regardless of how they currently identify. This group is ongoing and requires an 8 week commitment, and is able to be continued past 8 weeks. A brief phone screening is required before beginning group.
For more information about this group, contact Tom Doctor, LCSW, CADC at tomd@howardbrown.org or 773-388-1600 ext. 2273.
Recovering Together
Meets Wednesdays 6 – 7 p.m at Howard Brown Health Counseling Center, 3948 N. Sheridan Road
The Recovering Together group is for those who want to maintain abstinence or are working towards achieving abstinence from all substances. We welcome people at different stages of recovery to learn from each other. Are you preparing to stop using, but don’t know where to start? Do you feel unsure about AA, CMA or other 12 step groups and want to explore abstinence in a familiar place? Have you tried peer support groups and are looking for something more/additional support (or do you just need a refresher)? Have you recently relapsed and need to get back on track? Are you completing inpatient or IOP treatment and need ongoing support? This group is for you!
Group topics include:
- Stopping the addictive cycle
- Identifying your triggers
- Time management
- Learning positive coping skills
- Relapse prevention
- Relationships in recovery
To learn more about this group, please call Sara Hays, LCSW, CADC at 773.572.8362
Rainbow Recovery
Meets Saturdays Noon – 1 p.m. at Howard Brown Health Counseling Center, 3948 N. Sheridan Road
Inclusive towards all identities, however substance use will be a weekly theme within the group topics. This will be a closed group that runs for 9 weeks. Group topics will be based on the original meanings of each color within the pride flag created by the late Gilbert Baker. Each color represents an aspect/virtue of life which the group will use to reflect upon towards their own personal use and challenges. Some of the areas that will be explored include: sexuality, peace, life, and nature.
To learn more about this group, please contact Joey Metler, LCSW at 773.388.1600 ext. 1089
VRP Support Group
Meets Tuesday evenings
Are you in a relationship that feels unfair? Come talk to us… Does your partner put you down, pressure you into sex, physically hurt you, financially control you or threaten to “out” you? We provide a safe place to heal from emotional, financial, sexual and physical abuse that allows you to be open about your sexual orientation, gender identity and sexuality. A brief phone screening is required before attending group.
Contact the VRP Line at 773.388.8882 or Hugh Cole, LCSW, CADC at 773.572.8364 or HughC@howardbrown.org
This group is not currently accepting new patients. Please check back soon.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
VIRTUAL DIABETES SUPPORT GROUPS
Juntos: Una Vida Saludable Con Diabetes
El grupo incluirá educación básica, apoyo emocional, recursos, y un espacio dedicado a discutir métodos para enfrentar las dificultades de vivir con diabetes.Este grupo de apoyo se enfocará en empoderar la comunidad Latinx para vivir una vida saludable mientras manejando la diabetes.2° y 4° Martes De Cada Mes
12 P.M. – 1 P.M. virtualmenteAnais Cotillas • 773.388.1600 ext. 2942 or 773.708.3166 anaisc@howardbrown.orgFelicia Hernandez • 773.388.1600 ext. 2980 feliciah@howardbrown.orgThis is our Spanish speaking diabetes support group.
Type 2 Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes Type 2 Support Group is hosted every first and third Tuesday of the month from noon til 5:30 p.m. through the Zoom virtual meeting space. The group is drop-in style, no commitment necessary, and is open to everyone that is living with Type 2 Diabetes. This group will provide some basic diabetes education, emotional support, resources, and overall, a safe space to discuss how to cope with the difficulties of living with diabetes. For more information, contact Anais Cotillas at 773-388-1600, ext.2942 or anaisc@howardbrown.org
ADULTS (18 and over)
RESOURCES FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS:
Tuesday Night Live
Tuesday Night Live (TNL) meets every week on Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. TNL is a peer-led group in which group members help lead the flow and discussion with facilitation by experienced staff. TNL is a space for any persons 21 and older, regardless of gender, race, or identity, who are living with HIV/AIDS. The group gives participants the opportunity to talk about shared experiences and unique challenges, while also allowing participants a space to socialize with others. Topics may include: self-care, dating and relationships, family support, individual health concerns, and other presentations based on participant interest. The schedule will also include movie nights, game nights, guest speakers, and more. For more information please contact: Rey Cordova | 773.388.1600 x1081 | tnl@howardbrown.org
English | HIV Education Workshop Series – Thinking Positively
Drop in workshops are available on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., facilitated by care specialists. Workshops are a safe space for any person, regardless of gender, race, or identity, who is living with HIV/AIDS. Workshop facilitators work to directly address misconceptions and myths related to HIV. Facilitators focus on key topics and help to provide workshop participants with a higher understanding of HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral therapies. For more information please contact: Adrian Ellis | 773.572.8372 | AdrianE@howardbrown.org OR Eric Perry | 773.388.1600 Ext 2025 |EricP@howardbrown.org
Spanish | HIV Education Workshop Series – ¡Empoderándonos! – Talleres Educativos del VIH
Drop in workshops are available on the last Thursday of the month, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., facilitated by care specialists. Workshops are a safe space for any person, regardless of gender, race, or identity, who is living with HIV/AIDS. Workshop facilitators work to directly address misconceptions and myths related to HIV. Facilitators focus on key topics and help to provide workshop participants with a higher understanding of HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral therapies. For more information please contact: Adriana Maldonado | 773.388.1600, ext. 1043 | AdrianaM@howardbrown.org
TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUPS
After Hours Drop-in Nights
After Hours is a space for transgender and non-conforming people ages 18 and up to talk to a healthcare provider, with free refreshments. Appointments are limited and scheduled first come, first served. Arrive early to reserve an appointment. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Howard Brown Health Sheridan, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613.
T-Time Transgender & Intersex Support Group
The event will take place on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. T-Time is an open group for transgender, gender variant, two-spirit, gender non-conforming, intersex, and gender questioning individuals. For more information, contact Adriana at HBHtranshealth@howardbrown.org.
TYRA: Transgender Youth Resource and Advocacy Group
Mondays 5 – 7 p.m. at Broadway Youth Center. TYRA is a safe space for transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth to build community, share, and learn, while finding out about resources they may need. For more information, contact the VOICES Project at VOICES@howardbrown.org
AGING ADULT GROUPS
The Journey Continues
Saturdays, Spring and Fall 1 – 3 p.m.
Supporting resilience and quality of life for older LGBTQ and gender expansive adults age 50 and beyond. The Journey Continues is a diverse, gender inclusive and affirming 16-week group process for LGBTQ adults age 50 and beyond. The purpose of the group is to explore the aging process specific to LGBTQ individuals, to build community in a safe and empowering environment and to support resilience and quality of life in the aging process. The group is phenomenological, or client centered by design, and shaped by the participants of each group. It is an episodic closed group that runs twice yearly, each Spring and Fall, and we ask clients to commit to the entire sixteen week process. A brief phone screening is required before beginning group.
Contact: Hugh Cole, LCSW, CADC, 773.572.8364 or HughC@howardbrown.org
Aging As We Are
For LGBTQ Elders Every Friday email Cec Hardacker at CeciliaH@howardbrown.org for more information.
RESOURCES FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS
Spanish | Social Support Group – NEXOS – Grupo de Apoyo Social
Nexos is open every first and third Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., facilitated by experienced staff. Nexos is a confidential group that is welcome to the community of Latinx Spanish speakers of any HIV status. During group, you will not be asked to disclose your HIV status, but you are welcome to self-disclose and talk about your status. The purpose of NEXOS is to create a safe space to support and build camaraderie through a variety of social activities and discussion topics. For more information please contact: PrEP@howardbrown.org
YOUTH (16 through 24)
TYRA: Transgender Youth Resource and Advocacy Group
Thursdays | 5 – 7 p.m. | Broadway Youth Center. TYRA is a safe space for transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth to build community, share, and learn, while finding out about resources they may need. For more information, contact Savannah Willis, Peer Outreach Leader at 773.572.8350 or SavannahW@howardbrown.org
F@B
Fridays | Broadway Youth Center. F@B is a feisty, fun, and safe space for youth to actively participate in health education relevant to their lives and perspectives. In addition to the charm and spunk of our staff facilitators, things like food, safer sex supplies and access to free and confidential HIV/STI testing are also provided. For more info, call 773.935.3151.
Women’s Support Groups
Alternative Insemination (AI) Orientation
Second Thursday of each month 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location alternates between Englewood and Rogers Park
Howard Brown’s Alternative Insemination (AI) Program assists lesbian, bisexual, queer and transgender individuals with preparing for and becoming pregnant through alternative insemination. This session occurs every month and is designed for individuals or couples who are ready to begin the insemination process. Participants learn about key components of the AI process, including: insemination methods, choosing a donor and sperm bank, negotiating insurance/finances, and potential obstacles to a
successful insemination process. Participants also receive a comprehensive referral list and resources that are specifically tailored to the LBTQ community, including: legal, medical, mental health, birthing, and reading materials to help prepare for conception, pregnancy and parenting as an LBTQ person. Participation in this session is required before moving forward with the AI Program.
The workshop fee is $50 for individuals and $80 for couples, and is required before moving forward with the AI program at Howard Brown Health.
Individualized Support All participants enrolled in Howard Brown Health’s AI Program have access to a patient advocate who can provide ongoing education and resources to individuals, partners, or family groups as they navigate the AI process. This patient advocate works closely with medical providers to ensure seamless and efficient care throughout all stages of conception and pregnancy.
For more information, including registration, contact whs@howardbrown.org or 773.572.8359.
LGBTQ Pregnancy Support Group
Third Thursday of the month
6:30 – 7:30 p.m
Howard Brown Health Counseling Center
3948 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL, 60613
This is a support group for LGBTQ people attempting pregnancy. Our goal is to provide a safe, affirming space to support each other by exploring the beauty of parenting as queer people and making connections with other queer families and parents-to-be. Singles and couples are welcome. Registration is required.
Reserve your spot by email or phone: whs@howardbrown.org or 773.388.1600 ext. 8871
LGBTQIA+ Cancer Networking Group
Second Monday of the month 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Howard Brown Health Counseling Center
3948 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL, 60613
Join us for a Cancer Networking Group for people identifying as LGBTQIA+ who have been impacted by cancer, including those who are living with cancer, family members and friends. Facilitated by Christina Zerwer, LCPC and Paige Jeffrey, MSW Intern
Transportation assistance is available.
For more information, please call 312.464.9900
Common Ground
A Women’s Resource and Wellness Group
Common Ground is designed to foster community, identity, and health among women. Workshops include nutrition, employment, mental health, immigration, mind and body, and spiritual health. As class topics vary, activities will too! Activities include gardening, art projects, attorneys present for Q&A sessions, job resource center time to work on job readiness, and a chaplain to lead a spiritual activity.
Additionally, there is a separate track of HIV-related courses for women who are living with and affected by HIV. These classes will range from HIV 101, adherence counseling, improving quality of life, and self-managing care. All women are welcome regardless of their HIV status.
Childcare will be provided
Second Wednesday of the month: HIV workshops
Fourth Wednesday of the month: Health and Wellness workshops
Questions? Email Commonground@howardbrown.org
Spanish Speaking: 6 – 7 p.m. / English Speaking: 7 – 8 p.m.
All workshops to be held on Wednesdays at Howard Brown Health Sheridan.
All in-person groups are suspended due to COVID-19. Please contact the group facilitator for more information.