Support is an important part of treating the emotional aspects of illness. For more information on these groups, please call the telephone number listed.
Please note: Many of these classes have suspended in-person sessions or moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to call before attending a scheduled meeting.
Addiction Support Groups
Partial Hospitalization (full day) Program
978-287-3520
Weekdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The full day program includes four groups per day four days per week, and on Wednesdays consists of two groups plus a presentation from a representative from Alcoholics Anonymous and a mid-day visit to a local AA meeting.
Half-Day Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
978-287-3520
Weekdays: 9–11:30 a.m.
Weekdays: 12:30–3 p.m.
The half days consist of two groups per day and is integrated into the full day group program.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Emerson's meetings are currently being held online. Visit www.aaboston.org for more information.
- Saturdays: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 9-10 a.m.
Al-Anon
For friends and family members of problem drinkers. Emerson does not currently host meetings, but you can find others in Concord and the surrounding towns by visiting alanonma.org.
Narcotics Anonymous
Emerson does not currently host meetings, but you can find others in Massachusetts by visiting nerna.org or centralmassna.org.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a program to help people recover from all types of addictive behaviors, including alcoholism, drug abuse, and addiction to gambling and other activities. Meetings are currently being held virtually online. Meeting info can be found at www.smartrecovery.org or learn more by calling 1-866-951-5357.
- Mondays & Fridays: 7-8:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cancer Support and Education Services
Cancer Rehabilitation Programs
The Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language therapy for individuals recovering from cancer. You will receive a comprehensive evaluation and specific exercise prescription tailored to your individual needs. A physician referral is needed. Please call 978-287-8200 for more information.
Cancer Support Groups
978-456-3532
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
Harvard, Mass.
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden offers several different cancer support groups, each with a specific focus: young women, in treatment, post treatment (day/evening), ovarian, living with metastatic cancer, caregiver, and caregiver and client. All support groups are free and require pre-registration. Please call 978-456-3532 x103 for information and registration.
Caregiver Support Group
978-287-3428
When: Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6–7 p.m.
Where: Online. Please call for info on how to access the virtual meeting.
A support group for family, friends and caregivers — for people whose lives have been affected by cancer. This is an ongoing twice-a-month support group to discuss common issues, experiences and resources. This support group is facilitated by Eriko Takai Frank, LICSW. Please preregister by calling 978-287-3428.
Look Good, Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better, is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program created to help women currently in treatment for cancer to help patients improve their self-esteem, and thereby manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Look Good Feel Better is a free program sponsored by The Personal Care Products Council Foundation.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, all in-person programs are currently on hold. Click here for information on virtual workshops.
Melanoma Support
1-800-557-6352
The Melanoma Foundation of New England sponsors free support groups for melanoma patients, survivors and caregivers. Please call for more information.
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Emerson Hospital hosts "Finding Resilience, Finding Each Other", a monthly drop-in support group for women in treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The group is facilitated by Sharon Arkoff, LICSW. Sharon holds a master's degree in clinical social work with a specialty in health and aging. Her practice goals include support and education after a cancer diagnosis, and helping clients craft a roadmap for negotiating the journey through cancer. For further information and to register for the group, please contact our oncology patient navigator at 978-287-8173.
Nutrition Wise for Cancer Survivorship
978-287-3785
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital, Concord, Mass.
Current nutrition strategies for preventing cancer recurrence will be discussed in this informal forum. Offered for individuals who have completed treatment and are striving for optimal eating habits. This program is free and led by Emerson Hospital dietitian Ena Sandler, MS, RD, LDN. Please pre-register by calling 978-287-3785. Please leave your name and a contact number so that we can follow up with you.
Oral and Head & Neck Cancer Support
978-287-3428
When: Currently on hold; please check back or call for updated information.
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital
Are you struggling with your diagnosis? Searching for ways to cope with your disease? Join other patients to learn about resources to help with speech, swallowing, dental and the adjustment issues that may challenge you. Make connections with others with shared experiences. Group work is facilitated by Eriko Takai Frank, LICSW. Please preregister by calling 978-287-3428.
Birth-Related Support Groups
New Mothers Group, in conjunction with First Connections
The New Mothers Group is a place to come with questions and concerns or to just meet and share experiences with other new moms who are also facing the challenges of these early months.
First Connections is a family support organization that provides comprehensive services to families with infants and young children. The First Time Mother’s Group at First Connections is a six-week group that offers new mothers support and education with a weekly topic. This facilitated group is free. For more information, and to find out when the next group begins, call 978-429-8284 or visit First Connections online.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
This group is for those who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant loss shortly after birth and are seeking support from others with shared experiences. We are a compassionate and nurturing community of grieving parents — you are not alone. The group is free and open to all in the Metrowest area. It is facilitated by an advanced practice nurse with experience supporting families whose pregnancies have ended unexpectedly or whose infants have died. Click here for more information and how to join.
- When: Second Monday of each month from 7–8:30 p.m.
- Where: Online via Zoom
Surgical Weight Loss Support Groups
Surgical Weight Loss Support Group
Emerson's Center for Weight Loss offers monthly support group sessions for both pre- and post-op patients. We focus on pertinent topics related to achieving weight loss success through bariatric surgery. It also includes an open forum for patients to present, discuss and share personal stories and their journey with others within a safe and supportive environment. The support group is currently held online. Click here for upcoming dates and to register. Please call us at 978-287-3532 with questions.
Other Support Groups
Aphasia Conversation Group
This group provides an opportunity for people with aphasia to work on their communication skills in a fun, interactive and supportive environment. Sessions are facilitated by a speech language pathologist with special topics such as music and the arts, technology, community service and more. Visit our aphasia page for more information and to register. Questions? Contact our outpatient speech department at 978-287-8238 or email Louise at lkimura@emersonhosp.org.
Parkinson’s Disease Support
Our Parkinson’s disease program offers a multi-disciplinary approach to helping people living with Parkinson's improve their quality of life. Each month, our care team and community partners present free informational and interaction sessions on two different topics. To learn more about our clinic days and to register, visit our Parkinson's program page.
Pulmonary — Better Breathers Club
The Better Breathers Club is open to anyone who is living with lung disease and their family and friends. In addition to its function as a support group, the Better Breathers Club also hosts informational lectures on a range of topics. There is no cost to attend and refreshments are provided. Many patients participate in the Better Breathers Club to help cope with lung disease.
In-person meetings for the Better Breathers Club have been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here or call 978-287-3715 for information on when we expect these to resume.
