Support Groups

 

Support groups offer caregivers and patients a way to learn about illness, the health care system, what to expect, and how to cope. Support groups vary in format. The most common type is free, meets at a treatment center, and is facilitated by a health care professional. Other types include groups run by psychotherapists who have a special interest in patients with a specific illness and self-help groups led by patients or caregivers themselves. Groups may meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

 

Support groups can be made up of patients with the same illness, who are going through the same treatment, or of family member or caregivers of patients. The structure of a group session varies greatly, depending on the facilitator and on the purpose of the group. Some groups welcome open-ended discussion, while others may follow an agenda or invite health care experts to speak on topics such as treatment options or pain management. Most support groups at medical centers are open, meaning you can join or quit at any time and attend as often as you like. Closed groups have limited or restricted membership and typically charge a fee.

 

Studies show that support groups help patients, family members and caregivers voice concerns about their disease in a safe setting, better understand their disease and its treatments and side effects, and become more actively involved in their own care. Group members report that they manage their feelings better and feel less anxiety and stress. They also report having increased communication and problem-solving skills.

 

Well-run support groups can be safe places to explore issues around the diagnosis and can provide encouragement. However, support groups can also be overwhelming or make patients more anxious. If ever you attend a group in which people are being blamed for their illness or their treatment choices, or what they did or did not do, find another group.

 

Support group leaders come from different professions and have different qualifications. Groups sponsored by medical centers or hospitals are often led by oncology social workers or oncology nurses who have training in facilitating groups. Psychotherapists credentialed in psychology, psychiatry, social work, or marriage and family counseling also may lead groups.

 

Groups sponsored by hospitals or oncology centers usually are free to patients and family members. Groups run by psychotherapists charge a fee, which typically ranges from $20 to $150 per session. This cost may be reimbursable by your health insurance policy under the mental health benefit.