Support Group Listing
Support groups are a front line resource for individuals with brain injury, families and supporters.
BIAPA is glad to help start new support groups!
Please follow this link to sign up for meeting reminder emails and to receive additional information about any of our support groups that are listed below.
Join members of the Pennsylvania Brain Injury Community for a Virtual Support Group meeting.
This tight-knit community consists of survivors, caregivers, family and professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania!
Third Thursday of every month
5-6PM EST
All caregivers are welcome to join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for an hour completely focused on your unique challenges as a caregiver to a person with brain injury. Each meeting will focus on a different topic and some will feature special guests presenters.
Second Wednesday of every month
6-7PM EST
Have you been affected by COVID?
Join us on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month as we learn how to cope with COVID in the brain injury community.
2nd & 4th Thursday of every month
5-6:30PM EST
Send us a picture of your support group!
Email SurvivorSupport@biapa.org
Whether you meet in-person or online, thank you for building community and supporting eachother.
You are not alone!
CLICK HERE to download a list of support groups that are meeting virtually or in person with a reservation.
Contact Monica Vaccaro, BIAPA Program Director, at vaccaro@biapa.org if you would like to collaborate on starting a new group in your area.
Find a local support group near you: Click on the map below for your location to see details on the groups near you.
Looking for regional support groups? Scroll down or click button below.
NORTHWEST REGION
Cameron, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren Counties
CLARION COUNTY
Clarion (Clarion County)
Name: TBI Tuesdays
Location: PennWest Clarion University Speech and Hearing Clinic
Address: Keeling Health Center, 22 Hilltop Road, Clarion, PA 16214
Contact: Mary Pat McCarthy: 814-393-2326; mmccarthy@pennwest.edu
Meeting Day: 1st Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Format: Informal, group discussion, guest speakers, social events, agenda determined by participants.
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NORTHCENTRAL REGION
Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties
LYCOMING COUNTY
Williamsport
Name: Head Injury and Stroke Survivors Support Group
Location: Williamsport Hospital
Address: 700 High Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
Contacts: Mary Ann Belfy: 570-321-2656
Meeting Day: 4th Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Format: Speakers often, followed by socialization
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MONTOUR COUNTY
Danville
Name: Virtual Neuro Support Group
Location: Geisinger Encompass Health Rehab Hospital
Address: 64 Rehab Lane, Danville, PA 17821
Contacts: Deneen Porzi 570-271-6733 or deneen.porzi@encompasshealth.com
Meeting Day: 2nd Wednesday of each month (except January and February)
Meeting Time: 3:00 to 4:30 PM
Format: Meeting virtually, please contact Deneen for meeting link.
Topical discussions, speakers, 3 social events per year
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NORTHEAST REGION
Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties
LEHIGH COUNTY
Allentown
Name: Lehigh Valley Head Trauma Support Group
Location: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital
Health and Technology Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Address: 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103-3296
Contacts: Lori Moyer-Wolfe: 484-280-8364, lmoyer@gsrh.org
Website: https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/brain-injury-support-group-allentown
Meeting Day: 3rd Thursday of each month - in-person
Meeting Time: 6:30 PM
Format: Group discussion, guest speakers, social and emotional support, social events, agenda determined by the participants.
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MONROE COUNTY
Pocono Mountains Region
Name: Brain Injury Support Group of the Poconos
Location: Stroudsburg Weselyn Church
Address: 915 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Contact: Michael Idell, 570-599-6424, michaelidell@asbisg.org
Meeting Day: 1st Thursday of each month
Meeting Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Format: We offer a nonjudgmental, safe, open supportive atmosphere for those recovering from traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. Survivors and support partners hare successes and challenges to learn from one another. Find us on Facebook; https://facebook.com/groups/344608312902573/
Caregiver Support Group Zoom meeting held every Tuesday from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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SOUTHWEST REGION
Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland Counties
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Pittsburgh
Name: Moving Ahead Support Group
Location: Encompass Health Rehab Hospital of Harmarville
Address: Guys Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Contacts: Tom Byrnes, MS Ed, Brain Injury Recovery Expert, movingahead.support@gmail.com; 412-670-4861;
Judy Murchak, Family Member of TBI Survivor, judymurchak@hotmail.com; 412-821-1431
David Miller, PT, DPT, NCS, David.Miller2@encompasshealth.com
Meeting Day: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Format: Informational, speakers most months open forums other months,
2 social events per year.
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Pittsburgh
Name: SHADYSIDE Brain Injury Support Group
Location: ReMed
Address: 5750 Centre Avenue, Suite 520, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Contacts: Monica Bielawski: 412-661.0800 or, email at Shadyside.tbi.group@gmail.com
Meeting Day: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Format: Will resume in person meetings as soon as permitted to do so. Please email Shadyside.tbi.group@gmail.com for Zoom link to virtual meeting.
Speakers, group discussion, and community activities. We provide a safe place for BI survivors, family members and caregivers to support and exchange information. We also welcome educators, students, medical professionals and anyone who wants to learn about or is willing to educate about surviving brain injury. We're meeting on Zoom for now!
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Pittsburgh
Name: UPMC Rehabilitation Hospital TBI Support Group
Location: UPMC Mercy
Address: 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Contacts: Dr. Jerrold Yeo: 412-232-4064; yeoj@upmc.edu
Meeting Day: Virtual meetings on 2nd Monday of each month (Group does not meet in January)
Meeting Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Format: Please email Dr. Yeo for link to meeting. Thirty minutes of BI topic presentation by interdisciplinary professionals and then 1 hour of open discussion.
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Pittsburgh
Name: West Penn Hospital Brain Injury Support Group
Location: West Penn Hospital - Liberty Room
Address: 4800 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Contacts: Amanda: 412-608-0713
Meeting Day: Third Wednesday of every month
Meeting Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Format: An evening of encouragement, laughs, getting to know one another, and refreshments. All are welcome. Please feel free to bring any snacks or drinks for the meeting. Parking is available in the garage attached to the hospital or on the street.
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Sewickley
Name: Brain Injury and Stroke Support Group
Location: HealthSouth of Sewickley
Address: 303 Camp Meeting Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
Contact: Michelle McCann: 412-749-2388
Meeting Day: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Format: Topic focused discussions, occasional speakers, occasional social events. Complimentary lunch provided. Please call in advance for special dietary needs.
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BUTLER COUNTY
Slippery Rock
Name: Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Slippery Rock University
Address: 105 Field House Road, Patterson Hall, Room 342
Contacts: Heather Bright: heather.bright@sru.edu or 724-738-4891
Meeting Day: 4th Tuesday of the month
Meeting Time: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Format: Attendees are encouraged to contact Heather prior to attending the group.
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WESTMORELAND COUNTY
Latrobe
Name: Westmoreland Persistent Post Concussive Symptoms Support Group
Location: Independence Health Latrobe
Address: Excela Square, Latrobe
Contacts: Kim Charmo: 724-689-1070
Meeting Day: Second Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Format: Group discussion, occasional guest speaker.
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WESTCENTRAL REGION
Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana and Somerset Counties
BLAIR COUNTY
Altoona
Name: Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona
Address: 2005 Valley View Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602 (ADL Suite)
Contacts: Courtney Yogus: courtney.yogus@encompasshealth.com & Elizabeth Hoover: elizabeth.hoover@encompasshealth.com
Meeting Day: 2nd Thursday of each month
Meeting Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Format: Varies, speakers on occasion, topics on occasion; agenda determined month by month.
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Altoona
Name: Altoona Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Center for Independent Living
Multipurpose Room
Address: 3013 Beale Avenue, Suite B 102, Altoona, PA 16601
Contacts: George Palmer: 814-949-1905
gpalmer@cilscpa.org
Meeting Day: Every Thursday
Meeting Time: 2:30 PM
Format: Meeting both in person and virtually, please contact George for details on virtual link. BYOF - Bring your own food.
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Tyrone
Name: Brain Injury Group - Tyrone (BIG-T)
Location: Epworth Manor, 951 Washington Ave, Tyrone
Contact: Beth Thomas, MA: 814-684-0335 (leave a message) btphone@gmail.com
Meeting Day: Friday evenings when speaker or dinner meeting with social events. Often weekends 4:00 - 6:00 PM or when the activity occurs.
Meeting Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM (approximately)
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SOUTHCENTRAL REGION
Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Schuykill and York Counties
BERKS COUNTY
Wyomissing
Name: Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing
Address: 2802 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA
Contacts: 484-659-0455; RHRWSupportgroups@towerhealth.org
Meeting Day: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 4:00 PM
Format: The meeting will is available both virtual and in person. There is no registration fee. To register, please email chester.johnson@towerhealth.org
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CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Mechanicsburg
Name: West Shore Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
Address: 175 Lancaster Blvd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Contact: Pat Kautz: 717-580-6129, patkautz3@gmail.com
Meeting Day: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Format: Meetings are open to survivors of brain injury, their family members, friends, and caregivers. This is an informal discussion to provide social and emotional support, to provide a way for people to talk freely with each other about how they are handling their brain injury issues to help one another. Zoom meetings are also scheduled for those who cannot attend as needed.
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Mechanicsburg
Name: Brain Injury Support Group
Location: UPMC West Shore Campus - Outpatient Services Facility - Fredrickson Pavilion
Address: 2015 Technology Parkway, Ground 08 Conference Room, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Contact:
Meeting Day: 4th Wednesday each month
Meeting Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Format: If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, we welcome you to join the Brain Injury Support Group. Our group will offer a relaxed, informal atmosphere where attendees may be comfortable sharing their feelings, discussing important topics, and encouraging others. The group is a blend of survivors, family members, caregivers, and professionals of all ages.
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DAUPHIN COUNTY
Hershey
Name: HERSHEY BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP
Location: Hershey Free Church
Address: 330 Hilltop Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Contacts: Melissa Carmen, 717-361-2854
Meeting Day: 3rd Thursday each month
Meeting Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Format: Offers a relaxed informal atmosphere where mutual support can flourish. There is a blend of experienced traumatic brain injury survivors, family members, caregivers, and new attendees of all ages who benefit from the experiences that are shared. On occasion, speakers will attend to give a presentation to the group.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY
Chambersburg
Name: Head Back
Location: Various Locations
Address: Various Locations
Contacts: Karen Dubbs: 717-263-5721
Meeting Day: Last Thursday of each month. Group only meets June, July & August.
Meeting Time: 6:00 PM
Format: Please call for locations.
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LANCASTER COUNTY
Lancaster
Name: Lancaster Area Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Acadia, Suite 105
Address: 1813 Olde Homestead Lane, Lancaster, PA 17601 (call for directions if needed)
Contact: Kathleen Meade: 717-394-3466, Ext. 305
Meeting Day: 1st Thursday of the month
Meeting Time: 7:00 - 8:15 PM
Format: Effective June 01, 2023 this meeting will be offered both in-person and virtually. Please call Kathleen with any questions regarding meeting format or how to attend virtually.
Meeting is open to survivors of brain injury, their family members, friends, and caregivers. This is an open forum discussion for support, networking and resource sharing.
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Lancaster
Name: Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital
Address: 675 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601
Contact: Ashley Polaski: apolaski@lancaster-rehab.com, 717-406-3056
Meeting Day: 1st Wednesday of the month
Meeting Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Format:
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YORK COUNTY
York
Name: Aim High Support Group
Location: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of York
Address: 1850 Normandie Drive; York, PA 17408
Contact: Sarah Kurowski: Sarah.Kurowski@encompasshealth.com
Day: 2nd Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 5:30 - 6:45 PM
Format: Aim High has returned to in-person meetings at Encompass hospital (recently virtual format used due to COVID). Please email to confirm exact date of meeting, may not always be the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Aim High is organized and led by Encompass staff therapist Sarah Kurowski (OT). Guest speakers, who bring various types of knowledge and awareness to our attendees, are frequently in attendance. Speakers from the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania, the Tri-State Advocacy Project, as well as a neuropsychologist who has spoken to topics including adjustment strategies, as well as various cognitive abilities that may be impacted following brain injury or stroke have already attended the meetings.
At each meeting we take time to discuss monthly accomplishments, such as driving or returning to work, thus inspiring our friends who are in attendance at the meeting. Hardships and advice on how to cope are also discussed. The goal of the meeting is to provide an environment in which attendees feel comfortable sharing feelings, discussing important topics, and encouraging one another. Twice a year a "break out" session is held in which caregivers/support persons and survivors separate and have the opportunity to openly discuss concerns, struggles and topics of interest. There are many members of this group who have been loyal for years and new faces are always welcome to our group!
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York
Name: INSPIRE
Location: Wellspan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital, Apple Hill Medical Campus
Address: 55 Monument Drive, York PA 17403, Second Floor of Rehab Hospital
Contact: Haley Smith or Lauren Ruth: wsrhbraininjuryprogram@wellspan.org
Time: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:00-7:30 PM
Format: If you prefer, you can participate virtually in the meeting. Please contact Haley or Lauren at wsrhbraininjuryprogram@wellspan.org for a link to the meeting.
Open discussion, special topics, speakers, activities. Survivors, families, and friends of brain injury and stroke encouraged to attend.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties
BUCKS COUNTY
Langhorne
Name: Heads On Straight for TBI Survivors& Families Support Group
Location: Saint Mary Rehabilitation Center
Address: 1208 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
Contact: Anne Sears: sears@biapa.org, Mike Hrabowski: 215-741-4196
Meeting Day: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month
Meeting Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Format: First Tuesday of the month meeting is in person from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM at address listed above. Third Tuesday of the month meeting is held virtually from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Please reach out to either Anne or Mike for a link to the virtual meeting, or for any questions regarding the meetings.
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Quakertown
Name: Brain Injury Family Support Group
Location: Meeting virtually
Address:
Contacts: Caitie Chovanes: CChovanes@successrehab.com or
Dr. Karen Rosenberger: 215-538-3488
Meeting Day: 3rd Monday of each month
Meeting Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Format: Monthly meetings held via Zoom. For additional details on the Zoom meeting, including a link to the meeting, please contact either Caitie Chovans - CChovanes@successrehab.com or Karen Rosenberger - KRosenberger@successrehab.com.
Social and emotion support for families and friends of survivors of brain trauma. Meetings also include topic discussions, education opportunities and guest presentations.
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CHESTER COUNTY
Malvern
Name: Survivors Group
Location: Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation
Address: 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA 19355
Contact: Dr. Janet Belitsky: 484-596-5930
Meeting Day: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Format: Meetings are held virtually via Zoom. If interested in attending, please call 484-596-5430 ext. 5606 to leave name, address, and email address, and a link to the meeting will be sent to you. You will be added to the group. Meeting is an open discussion format with opportunity for support, networking, and resource sharing. We do have occasional speakers and two social events throughout the year.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Elkins Park
Name: Brain Injury Empowerment Group
Location: Moss Rehab Elkins Park Campus, Drucker Brain Injury Center
Address: 60 East Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Contacts: Madison Burrows, Madison.burrows@jefferson.edu; Kelsey McIntyre, Kelsey.mcintyre@jefferson.edu
Meeting Day: 2nd Monday of each month
Meeting Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Format: Only meeting virtually, please email Debbie for details and a meeting link.
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PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
Norristown
Name: Adult Survivors & Family Members Group
Location: Suburban Community Hospital (1st Floor, Room 106)
Address: 2701 DeKalb Pike, Norristown, PA 19401
Contacts: Catherine Chambers: 610-279-9068; Charlene Towers: 610-999-0713
Meeting Day: 4th Monday of every month
Meeting Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Format: To educate & support survivors and caregivers.
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Philadelphia
Name: Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Magee Rehabilitation
Address: 1513 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Contacts: Sonya Dibeler: 215-587-3411; Sonya.Dibeler@jefferson.edu, or Rebecca Levenberg; Rebecca.Levenberg@Jefferson.edu
Meeting Day: 1st Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 5:30 PM
Format: Meeting virtually, please call for details.
This group is geared toward the needs of persons with
brain injury and family members.
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Philadelphia
Name: Stroke Support Group
Location: Magee Riverfront
Address: 1500 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Contacts: Sonya Dibeler: 215-587-3180; Sonya.Dibeler@jefferson.edu, or Rebecca Levenberg; Rebecca.Levenberg@Jefferson.edu
Meeting Day: First Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 5:30 PM
Format: This group of outpatients meets monthly to socialize, share information, and plan outings and events.
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Philadelphia
Name: Parents and Caregivers Support Group for Parents/Caregivers
of Children w/Brain Injury
Location: Children’s Seashore House, 3rd Floor of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Address: 34th & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Maureen Sullivan: 215-590-7645
Meeting Day: 2nd Wednesday of each month (Group does not meet in July and August)
Meeting Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Format: Planning to resume in person meetings in September 2022.
Determined month by month, speakers arranged on topics generated by group.
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Philadelphia
Name: Teen Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Children’s Seashore House,
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Address: 34th & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Gayle Chesley: 267-426-7388
Meeting Day: 2nd Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Teen groups meets separately from,
but at the same time as the Caregiver group. Group does not meet in July and August.)
Format: Currently not meeting, hoping to resume meetings in September 2022.
This group is for adolescents, ages 13-22, who have brain
injuries. Meeting formats vary, with open discussions, speakers,
theme nights, and social events.
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Philadelphia
Name: Center City Adult Brain Injury Survivor Support Group
Location: Subway Restaurant, 2217 S. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Contact: Kate Morison, MA, LPC, CBIS: 267-309-1743, phillybraininjurygroup@outlook.com
Meeting Day: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Format: Meeting is virtual via Microsoft Teams. Please email Kate Morison for meeting link and details.
This is a support group for adults (18+) living with brain injury.
The group emphasizes social support/social development.
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Philadelphia
Name: A SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS: Coping with Changes After Brain Injury
Location: Good Shepherd Penn Partners, 1800 Lombard Street, Philadelphia - Multipurpose Room
Contact: Jess Kasper, MS, OTR/L: 215-893-6425
Meeting Day: First and Third Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Format: This is a support group specifically for caregivers and families of survivors of brain injury. The group is run by the inpatient brain injury interdisciplinary team consisting of health professionals from the therapy department, case management, and neuropsychology. It is an informal group that provides caregivers with a forum to share experiences, resources and strategies for coping during this challenging transition.
**Please RSVP IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE GROUP, please email or call beforehand to complete the brief questionnaire so we can best meet your needs. Thank you.
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Philadelphia
Name: Penn Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group
Location: Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Pavilion
Address: 51 N. 29th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Alexa Walter; alexa.walter@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Meeting Day: 4th Monday of each month
Meeting Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Format: Meeting in-person and virtually via Zoom, please email Alexa for details.
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