Counseling and Support Groups

Counseling and Support Groups

Counseling

The emotional experience of cancer treatment can be as challenging as the physical part. Our team of counseling professionals can help you discuss your thoughts, feelings and reactions to a diagnosis. Counseling services are available in-person and virtual. To schedule an initial consultation, please email counseling@livingwellcrc.org

Support Groups

Connect with others who understand your cancer journey and learn new ways to cope and handle difficult situations. Registration is required for support groups at livingwell.nm.org.

Scanxiety Drop-In Group 
Virtual: First and third Monday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm
Many patients and caregivers experience anxiety around scans, blood work or upcoming appointments. This virtual drop-in group gives you an opportunity to process feelings of “scanxiety” and learn strategies to help manage feelings of stress and anxiety while waiting for tests or test results.

Good Grief
Virtual: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm
In Person (Geneva): Fourth Thursday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
Navigating life after loss is hard, but having the support of others who understand can help you. This group provides emotional support and connection for people who have experienced the loss of an adult loved one to cancer in the past 18 months.

*Note holiday-related change: in January, the virtual meeting will be on the second Thursday (same time).

Caregiver Support
In Person (Warrenville): First Tuesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
Virtual: Second and third Tuesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm
In Person (Geneva): Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
This support group embraces the importance of those dedicated to caring for loved ones who are living with cancer. You will have opportunities to network with other caregivers in similar situations.

Facing Cancer Together (FACT)
In Person (Warrenville): First Tuesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
Virtual: Second and third Tuesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm
In Person (Geneva): Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
This group is open to any patient who is newly diagnosed, in treatment, completing treatment or living with cancer as a chronic illness. This support group is for people with any type or stage of cancer.

Men’s Networking Groups
In Person (Geneva): Monday, May 18, and Monday, July 27, 6:30–8:00 pm*
In Person (Warrenville): Monday, June 22, and Monday, August 24, 6:30–8:00 pm
Connect with other men affected by cancer in their lives. This drop-in group meets once a month.

*In May, the meeting will be on the third Monday (same time).

Prostate Support Group
In Person (Geneva): Third Wednesday of each month, 11:00 am–12:30 pm
This group offers the opportunity for men with a prostate cancer diagnosis to come together to support each other through diagnosis, treatment and early survivorship. This group is led by Matt Vose, RN, OCN, an oncology nurse clinician.

Head and Neck
In Person (Warrenville): Wednesday, May 13, and Wednesday, July 8, 6:30–8:00 pm
Virtual: Wednesday, June 10, and Wednesday, August 12, 6:30–7:30 pm
Open to anyone diagnosed with head and neck cancer and their caregivers, this group provides opportunities to share personal experiences and coping strategies and receive education and information about treatment and post-treatment changes.

Spanish-Speaking Support Group
In Person (Warrenville): Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
This support group is for patients and caregivers affected by cancer whose primary language is Spanish.

Grupo de apoyo en español
Presencial (Warrenville): Segundo miércoles de cada mes, de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.
Este grupo de apoyo es para pacientes y cuidadores cuyo idioma principal es el español y que han sido afectados por el cáncer.

Breast: General
In Person (Warrenville): First Thursday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
Virtual: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm
In Person (Geneva): Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
This group allows you and others with a breast cancer diagnosis to come together and support each other through diagnosis, treatment and early survivorship.

Breast: Mastectomy
In Person (Geneva): Fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:00–8:00 pm
This support group is open to any person who has had or will have a mastectomy. It is designed to support you and others as you process the physical and emotional impact of a mastectomy.

Breast: Metastatic
Virtual: Fourth Thursday of each month, 6:30-7:30 pm
Support and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.

Gynecological
Virtual: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian, uterine, cervical or another gynecological cancer, this group invites you to gather and support one another through diagnosis, treatment, early survivorship and maintenance.

Young Adult Support
Virtual: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:00–7:00 pm
This monthly group provides support and education to young adults ages 18 to 40 who have a cancer diagnosis.

Brain Tumor
In Person (Warrenville): Fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30–8:00 pm
This group provides support and education to patients of all ages who have a diagnosis of a primary brain tumor. Caregivers are welcome to attend.

Colorectal Cancer
Virtual: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 pm*
This group provides support and education to patients of all ages who have a diagnosis of a primary brain tumor. Caregivers are welcome to attend.

*In July, the virtual meeting will be on the fifth Wednesday, July 29 (same time).

Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital Cancer Center Support Groups

Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital Cancer Center offers in-person and virtual events to support patients with cancer and families. The center offers opportunities for sharing experiences and emotions with other people affected by a cancer diagnosis. Programs are offered at no cost. In-person events are held at McHenry Hospital Cancer Center.

Living With Grief
Tuesdays: Various times throughout the year
This is a six-week group for adults experiencing loss through death. To learn more, call 815.759.4459.