Support Groups in New York

Please note: This list is a work in progress, please contact us if you know of a resource that you think should be listed on this page, or if you have trouble connecting to any of the links or telephone numbers provided.

Alcoholism

For 50 years, the Alcoholism Council of New York (ACNY), an affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), has addressed the disease of alcoholism and its impact on diverse populations in New York City. If you would like their help or would like additional information, please call 1-800-56-SOBER (1-800-567-6237).

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

The ALS Association's Greater New York Chapter hosts support groups for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) patients as well as their caregivers, family, and friends.

Monthly support groups in New York and New Jersey

Alzheimer's Disease

The Alzheimer's Association hosts support groups throughout the state of New York. Click on a region to access support groups in your area.

Central New York	Hudson Valley Area
New York City	Northeastern New York
Long Island	Rochester Western New York

Anemia

If you or someone you care about suffers from thalassemia you may wish to contact the Cooley's Anemia Foundation's Thalassemia Action Group. New York City has one of the country's oldest Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers at Harlem Hospital for those suffering from sickle cell anemia.

Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation's New York Chapter offers several exercise classes designed to help those with arthritis better manage their symptoms by reducing arthritis pain, easing daily activities, and improving general health status. The Arthritis Foundation's New York Chapter also hosts a help line at 212-984-8730 or from area codes 914 and 845 only: 1-800-246-2884. This helpline is available Monday through Friday 9:30am-4:30pm.

Autism

You can reach Autism Speaks' Autism Response Team (ART) Coordinators at 1-888-288-4762 and/or click here to access a list of resources available in New York. Easter Seals hosts an Autism Blog that you may wish to use and you can also contact their New York Chapter to find out what additional services are available in your part of New York state.

Blindness

Click here to access a list of support groups in the area for visually impaired individuals and their loved ones hosted by Prevent Blindness Tri-State. Click here to access a list of additional resources (including information on independent living and home management for those with low vision) available to you.

Cancer

There are a number of support resources offered to those affected by cancer:

The AMC Cancer Research Center hosts a Cancer Information and Counseling Line at 1-800-525-3777 for those requiring emotional support, resource referrals, and medical information related to cancer.
The Breast Cancer Network of Strength has a 24/7 call center called Your Shoes that you can reach by dialing 1-800-221-2141 or by emailing them. You can also become part of this Network's Survivor Match Program.
The Cancer Research Institute provides a list of recommended guides for patients.
The Kidney and Urology Foundation of American can refer you to a doctor if you have or suspect you may have prostate cancer.

Colitis and Crohn's Disease

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCFA) has support groups throughout the state of New York, please click the appropriate region below to find a group near you.

Central New York	Long Island
Westchester County	Rochester
New York City	Western New York
Upstate/Northeastern New York

CCFA's Greater New York Chapter also has a peer-to-peer Buddy Program that matches volunteers buddies with individuals that have IBD or parents of children with IBD and you can call 212-679-1570, ext. 211 to register. CCFA's Camp Oasis will run from August 17-22, 2010 at Camp Scatico in Elizaville, New York. Applications for campers and volunteers are available here.

Diabetes

You can Ask the Dietitian at the American Diabetes Association questions about diet, obesity, and diabetes.

You can also reach out to the Online Diabetes Support Team at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Depression

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

Please note that DBSA chapters are volunteer-run and many of the numbers you will link to are personal phone numbers, therefore please be considerate of the time of day you are calling. Also, please remember these are not crisis lines. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK.

Endometriosis

The Endometriosis Association hosts support groups at several locations in New York. You can also call their Milwaukee, WI headquarters at 1-414-355-2200 or contact them via email to request information on support groups in specific areas of New York state.

HIV/AIDS

Need an HIV test? You can search the CDC's database of testing sites by zip code to find an HIV testing center near you. amfAR provides a guide to getting tested for HIV as well as a collection of myths and truths about HIV testing.

Kidney Disease

To find out about resources available from the American Kidney Fund for those suffering from kidney disease, please click here or call them at 1-800-638-8299. The Kidney and Urology Foundation of America has a Pediatric Enrichment Program (PEP) that organizes field trips for kids with kidney and urinary tract problems so that they have a chance to hang out, explore, and grow.

Liver Disease

You can reach the American Liver Foundation at 1-800-GO-LIVER. The Foundation also has support groups located throughout the state of New York for those affected by hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and other liver afflictions.

Lupus

The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, headquarted in New York City, provides counseling and referral via its help line: 1-800-745-8787, available 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. The Lupus Alliance of America's Queen's and Long Island Affiliate hosts support groups in English and Spanish.

Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis

The Children's Tumor Foundation has a support group in New York City for those affected by neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis.