​Support Groups

There are a wide variety of support groups available in Pennsylvania that provide help for individuals and their loved ones facing a terminal illness, dealing with substance use issues, adjusting to civilian life, and more. Options include both private pay and publicly funded programs.

Here are some of the types of support groups that exist:

• Caregiver
• Military and veteran
• Substance use
• Behavioral health

Please call or fill out our contact form to learn more about the services available in your area.

Other Resources

• Area Agencies on Aging
  The AAAs, both county and non-profit, are a vital source for information, planning, monitoring, providing cost-effective care, and advocating for Pennsylvania's older citizens. AAAs are community designers and builders of support systems that enable older people to be active and vital in their communities. AAAs also serve as a gatekeeper, providing assessment and options as alternatives to costly institutionalization.
  
  
• PACA MH/DS (Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services)
  The Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services represents county mental health and intellectual disability program administrators from all of Pennsylvania's counties. This website provides a County MH/ID Contact list.
  
  
• PA SILC (Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council)
  A nonprofit, cross-disability, consumer-controlled organization dedicated to securing public policies that ensure civil rights for people with disabilities. This website provides a list of all Centers for Independent Living that exist across Pennsylvania. 
  
  
• ASERT (The Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative)
  The Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a key strategy of the Department of Human Services Bureau of Autism Services for meeting the needs of Pennsylvanians with autism and their family members, community members, and the providers who support them. The ASERT Resource Center offers information about local, regional, and statewide events, professional trainings, community resources, services, current research, and other relevant information.
  
  
• DDAP (Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs)
  The mission of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Program is to engage, coordinate, and lead the commonwealth's effort to prevent and reduce drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction and abuse; and promote recovery. The program's website offers information on potential benefits; locating a provider; and overdose awareness, among other drug and alcohol relevant topics.
  
  
• DDAP Compulsive and Problem Gambling
  This website is designed to raise awareness regarding problem gambling, along with providing the Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Helpline phone number. This website also contains links to what problem gambling is; the warning signs; what a person could lose by engaging in problem gambling; and facts and myths about problem gambling.
  
  
• PDA (Pennsylvania Department of Aging)
  This is the main website for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. This website includes information related to Aging Services; Recent News; and provides resources for Professionals and Providers.
  
  
• DHS (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services) 
  This is the main website for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services's seven program offices administer services that provide care and support to Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania's individuals and families. We promote opportunities for independence through services and supports while demonstrating accountability for taxpayer resources.
  
  
• DHS OMHSAS (Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) 
  OMHSAS is committed to providing mental health and substance abuse services and supports that embrace its Mission and Vision that every individual served by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service system will have the opportunity for growth, recovery and inclusion in their community, have access to culturally competent services and supports of their choice, and enjoy a quality of life that includes family members and friends. 
  
  
• Mental Health in PA (DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services)
  This website falls under the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), and helps to ensure that every individual who is served by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service system has the opportunity for growth, recovery, and inclusion in their community, along with the chance to enjoy a quality of life that includes family members and friends.
  
  
• DHS ODP-ID (Office of Developmental Programs) 
  This website provides information regarding the ever evolving intellectual and developmental disability service system. It is evolving from one focused on providing service in large institutions – often far from a person's home and community -- to one based on a flexible and dynamic system of supports and services close to home and community. The new system is tailored to the needs of persons living in their home community which include community residential and day support services.
  
  
• DHS ODP-BAS (Bureau of Autism Services)
  This website provides information regarding the Department of Human Services' efforts to enhance the quality of life and independence of Pennsylvanians with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and to support their families and caregivers. 
  
  
• LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly)
  This Program offers individuals age 55 and older who are nursing-facility clinically eligible a community-based alternative to nursing home care. This program offers: long-term care, acute care, behavioral health, meals, transportation, and any other services determined necessary to meet the needs of the individual.
  
  
• DOH Special Kids Network 
  The Special Kids Network assists children and youth with special health care needs to get the services and supports they require in order to thrive in the community and develop to their full potential. This program is offered through the PA Department of Health.