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: SupportGroups@howardbrown.org. You can also leave a voicemail at 872-269-3728. Registered participants will need access to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and have access to private space during the group meeting time.
También ofrecemos grupos en español, más información debajo:
SUPPORT-BASED GROUPS
Apoyándonos
“Apoyándonos” es un grupo terapéutico en español, en el cual buscamos generar y compartir recursos que nos ayuden a afrontar las situaciones que atravesamos como comunidad y en lo individual. Si alguna vez has sentido que el estrés, la ansiedad, la tristeza o la soledad te hacen más difícil cumplir con tus expectativas o las de la gente a tu alrededor, si sientes que a veces es mucho peso para ti solx, si tienes dudas sobre qué tan saludable te encuentras emocionalmente. “Apoyándonos” es el espacio para ti. Nos reunimos por videoconferencia cada jueves de 9 a 10 am, en un espacio seguro, sin costo para ti y sin importar tu origen, estatus, nacionalidad, creencias o preferencias. Envíe un correo electrónico a SupportGroups@howardbrown.org para obtener información adicional. Jueves a la 9 -10 a.m.
Este grupo está actualmente en espera. Envíe un correo electrónico a SupportGroups@howardbrown.org para obtener más información y ser agregado a la lista de interesados.
BIPOC Therapy Group
This therapy group is for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or POC) identifying folks. Group is centered on processing racism, racial trauma, identity development, microaggressions, and racial violence. This group is for those wanting to heal from depression, anxiety, and stress and explore connecting to culture, identity, intergenerational trauma, and discrimination. This will be a safe and supportive environment that offers an intersectional framework (including gender identity, sexuality, class, religion, disability, citizenship, and more) for understanding and addressing power and oppression. You’ll receive multiple perspectives and feedback on issues that impact you. 8 week cycle, participants are asked to commit to each session. Meets Thursdays 3 – 4:30 p.m.
This group is currently at capacity. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the waitlist.
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 Fridays 2 – 3 p.m.
E3 Español (Estar y Expresion Expansivo)
Un espacio para las personas que se identifican como transgenerx, no-binaria, dos-espiritus, o muxe. Expresamos la importancia de encontrarnos y generar espacios que visibilice nuestras necesidades y tambien la necesidad colective de la comunidad. Tambien, nos enfocamos hablar en la importancia de salud mental, y como las personas en nuestra comunidad son mas vulnerables por la sociedad y systemas publicas. “No sabemos hasta donde podemos llegar. Pero lo mas posible es que la perseverancia nos lleve a éxitos articulares.” Envíe un correo electrónico a SupportGroups@howardbrown.org para obtener información adicional. Martes a las 2 – 3 p.m.
Holding Space
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.
This group is currently on hold. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the interest list.
LGBTQIA+ Cancer Networking Group
Second Saturdays of the month 9 – 10:30 a.m.
To encourage social distancing, Gilda’s Club Chicago is pleased to announce that their LGBTQIA+ Cancer Networking Group in coordination with Howard Brown Health will be continuing the second Tuesday of every month through Zoom virtual programming.
This free support group is for anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community who has been impacted by cancer, including those who are living with cancer, family members and friends. Please go to https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar-virtual to RSVP and to check out all of our other virtual program offerings.
LGBTQ Pregnancy Support Group
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. Third Thursdays of the month, 6:30-7:30pm
Reserve your spot by email or phone: AIprogram@howardbrown.org or 773.388.1600 ext. 8871
THERAPY-FOCUSED GROUPS
Our therapy focused groups include the therapy groups Behavioral Health have been offering over time. To join one of these groups, patients new to mental health care with us will need to complete a mental health assessment with our Groups Coordinator. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more information.
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 four distinct ten week modules. These modules include Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance. Meets Thursdays, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This group is currently at capacity. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the waitlist.
Mindfulness for Mood
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, Thursdays from 2 – 3:00 p.m and Fridays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
This group is currently at capacity. Our Friday group is recruiting for our next cycle. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the waitlist.
Mindfulness-Based Harm Reduction Group
This 6-week Recovery With Pride group is an affirming, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their substance use, get support for making choices that align with their values, and learn tools to cope with triggers and cravings more effectively. This group will draw from both harm reduction strategies and mindfulness exercises to support clients to reach their goals. Meets Thursdays from 4 – 5 p.m. Clients must contact the group facilitator (see contact info below) and complete an intake assessment and group screen in order to participate in group.
To learn more about this group, please call Kristin Reitz, LCSW at 773.388.8908.
Grief and Resilience
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. Group one meets the second and fourth Thursdays, group two meets the first and third Thursdays, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Genderf**k 1& 2
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 eight week commitment, able to be continued past eight weeks. Group one meets Tuesdays, noon – 1 p.m., group two meets Wednesdays, 2 – 3 p.m.
Both sections of this group are currently at capacity; please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the waitlist.
Interpersonal Process Group
Psychotherapy group for clients to explore interpersonal relationships, build resilience, and share and receive feedback on important interpersonal and relational patterns. Meets Saturdays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
This group is currently at capacity. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the waitlist.
Expansive Embodiment and Expression (e3)
Group space for trans and nonbinary folks to explore gender, gender identity, challenge binary socializations, and build supportive relationships. Meets Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m, held in eight week cycles and able to be continued past eight weeks.
This group is currently at capacity; please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the waitlist.
The Journey Continues
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, Saturdays 1 – 3 p.m.
This group is planning to resume Fall 2021 and is currently recruiting. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to the interest list.
S.T.O.P. – The Abstinence Group
This group is for those seeking an abstinence approach to recovering from substance use. We meet in 8 week cycles and welcome new participants, seeking to center LGBTQ experiences in particular. Meets Wednesdays, 6 – 7 p.m.
To learn more about this group, please email MarkJ@howardbrown.org or call the Recovery Line at 773.388.8891 and share you are interested in this group.
Rainbow Recovery
Inclusive towards all identities, however substance use will be a weekly theme within the group topics. This will be a closed Recovery With Pride 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. Meets Saturdays, noon – 1 p.m.
To learn more about this group, please email JosephM@howardbrown.org or call the Recovery Line at 773.388.8891 and share you are interested in this group.
Violence Recovery Project (VRP) Group
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. Meets Tuesday evenings.
Contact the VRP Line at 773.388.8882 or Alissa Catiis, LCSW, at 773.572.8364 or AlissaC@howardbrown.org
Recovery With Pride DBT Skills Group
A 20 session group which meets two nights a week (Mondays and Thursdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m.). Participants will receive foundational DBT elements of mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. The group atmosphere is more “classroom-like,” requiring high motivation from participants to engage in and apply concepts in and outside of the therapeutic space. Written assignments in-between sessions are an integral part of group.
Please email DaleR@howardbrown.org for additional information, or call the Recovery Line at 773.388.8891 and share you are interested in this group.
GROUPS COMING SOON
These groups are currently in the formation process; please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to interest list.
- ACT for Adults
- The Collective 2 (Arts Expressive Group)
- Trans Folks of Color Group
- First Time Group
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 to 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:
Rising Phoenix
Rising Phoenix is a Four-week Community Group for Long-term Survivors Living with HIV/AIDS. This activity-based group for long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS (diagnosis before 1996) will focus on participant interests as we continue to thrive through our strengths and resiliency. For more information or to sign up please contact Elliott Morris, Community Health Worker. Phone: 312.613.4448. Email: elliottm@howardbrown.org
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
TRANS AND NONBINARY GROUPS
T-Time Transgender & Intersex Virtual Support Group
T-Time is an open group for transgender, gender variant, two-spirit, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, intersex, and gender questioning individuals. For more information, contact Trisha Holloway Riddle: trishah@howardbrown.org or 872.269.3702 ext. 3702
After Hours – Relaunching 2022
After Hours is a drop-in program for trans and nonbinary (TNB) people to see medical providers, eat dinner, access hygiene and clothing supplies, and connect with other TNB people in the community. Additional services at After Hours include the SHINE needle exchange, hormone prescriptions, programming, HIV/STI testing, linkage to care, insurance assistance, counseling, and gender marker letters. For more information, contact Trisha Holloway Riddle: Trishah@howardbrown.org or 872.269.3702 ext. 3702
AGING ADULT GROUPS
See information about The Journey Continues group above. Please contact KellyR@howardbrown.org for information about all other groups for aging adults.
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
All in-person groups are suspended due to COVID-19. Please contact the group facilitator for more information.