Allied Community Resources Inc. (ACR) participa en el Programa de exención ABI (lesión cerebral adquirida) en Connecticut , que es un programa de Medicaid que brinda servicios y apoyo a personas con lesiones cerebrales adquiridas. Como intermediario fiscal, ACR brinda servicios de gestión financiera para el programa ABI Waiver, que pueden incluir el procesamiento de nóminas y la gestión de presupuestos del programa. ACR no proporciona servicios de gestión financiera ni de nómina para ABI Resources. ​ ACR también brinda apoyo a los participantes del programa brindándoles información sobre los recursos disponibles, ayudándolos con el papeleo y la documentación, y ofreciendo capacitación en el hogar a personas que autodirigen sus propios servicios. ​ Además de apoyar a las personas que participan en el Programa de exención ABI, ACR ofrece capacitación e información para personas que participan en otros tipos de programas y servicios. La capacitación puede incluir información sobre cómo autodirigir servicios, acceder a recursos y otras habilidades necesarias para vivir de forma independiente. ​ En general, ACR se compromete a brindar servicios de gestión financiera y apoyo a personas con lesiones cerebrales adquiridas en el programa ABI Waiver, además de ofrecer capacitación y apoyo a personas que participan en otros programas y servicios. Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

TENGO UNA DAÑO CEREBRAL ENCONTRAR TRABAJO CUANDO SE TIENE UNA DAÑO CEREBRAL. ​ Having a job provides us with feelings of self-worth, responsibility and independence. It nurtures our sense of accomplishment. ​ Common Challenges . ​Asking for accommodations Over-Cautious employers Mixed or very short working schedules Making money and loosing essential support services Bringing your personal assistant Maintaining concentration and attention. Quick or extreme fatigue Speech Memory loss Social relationships Emotional Behavioral Physical abilities Limited vision ​ Assessing Your Abilities and Skills. Think about factors in the workplace that will negatively affect your condition. Some conditions may make you sensitive to certain environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes or certain substances in the workplace. For example, you may have respiratory issues that are aggravated by humidity in the air or dust and fumes. Or you may have hearing issues that are irritated by noise or vibrations from moving machinery. You may also have a discomfort working at heights or with certain odors. Identifying your comfort levels with these factors will ensure you only pursue work positions that will suit your condition and not harm you in any way. ​ ​ Use a Variety of Job-Seeking Techniques Personal contacts Classified ads Campus job-placement services Job-placement assistance through temp agencies Disability advocacy or support groups Vocational rehabilitation agencies Take advantage of the Internet When you apply for a position, FOCUS on your qualifications and abilities. ​ ​ Do Your Homework First. Research the company you're applying to. Check with disability advocacy groups to see if the company has a good reputation for hiring, training and promoting workers with disabilities. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Many corporations' Web sites provide lots of information Know how your background and experience fit with the company. Be prepared to discuss why your strengths. Being familiar with the company, shows you're motivated to work for them. ​ ​ Know What Technologies Can Help You Work Effectively Your skills may be maximized through assistive technology. Speech recognition software StickyKeys Auto-correct, for instance Adjusting a monitor's resolution can make big difference when reading small print easier for people with limited vision. ​ Decide When to Disclose Your Disability Even though federal law states you aren't required to reveal your disability, unless it relates to completing essential job functions, consider being open on this subject. If you volunteer this information, the employer may see you as a strong and confident person. Depending on the circumstances, you could describe your limitations in a resume, cover letter, or job application. If you need a special schedule make this clear on your application, employers dislike being mislead. Identify your physical abilities. Consider how your condition affects your ability to do certain work-related activities like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. ​ Make the Interview Easy for the Employer If you are bringing an interpreter, wheelchair, guide dog, etc. notify your interviewers so they can prepare in advance. As needed, inquire about accessible entrances to the building and the best route once inside to get to your interview. ​ Role-Play If your disability makes you do certain tasks differently, are you comfortable explaining how you will perform the job? Try role-playing the situation with a trusted friend, team member or family member. Practice explaining how you will perform your job and what accommodations, if any, you need. Describe how the company would benefit from hiring you. ​ Dress Appropriately Unless specifically encouraged to dress casually, follow the universal code about what to wear to an interview: Dress business casual. For people with limited mobility, the process of dressing for a job interview can be quite a challenge, but it's worth it. ​ Bring Samples of Your Work and Extra Resumes A clean, printed resume. Ask friends and family to write short references about your abilities. Your employer may want to know how well you maintain concentration and attention in a workplace, and your ability to understand, remember, and carry out instructions. Samples allow you to illustrate your skills with specific examples. ​ Anticipate and Address Potential Concerns Directly You know some people have fears and prejudices about workers with disabilities, even when they don't express these attitudes directly. If you want the job, you must allay these concerns. Using examples from your own life or prior work experience, discuss how you accomplish activities that challenge you, like getting around the workplace, communicating with others, using equipment and so forth. ​ Handle Illegal Interview Questions with Grace The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 made it illegal for employers to ask about medical history during an interview. If you are asked inappropriate question, respond diplomatically. Try: "Nothing in my personal life will keep me from doing an outstanding job in this position." This answer should satisfy a prospective employer's concerns about your ability to get the job done. ​ Start identifying your career path Explore your work preferences and understand your strengths in under two minutes. Future-proof yourself for tomorrow's jobs by discovering your work interests based on your personal traits. Click here: To Start identifying your career path in 4 easy online steps. ​ Finding a Job - ( Some Great Options ) Look for a position through a temporary agency. Temporary agency employment is a great way to get back into the workforce, gain skills, and reorient yourself to the current job market. Some of the largest temporary agencies are: Manpower Temp jobs Kelly Services, Inc. Monroe Staffing Services Temporaries of New England TempsNow! Temporary Staffing Hamilton Connections, Inc. Aerotek, an Allegis Group company A.R. Mazzotta Excel Partners The Hire Source Express Services, Inc Target Temps Advantage Resourcing J. Morrissey ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Useful Resources ​ America's Workforce Network Toll-Free Help Line For Employees Brochure (PDF, 341KB) American Job Centers Apprenticeship Programs Career Fairs Career Transition Networking Groups (PDF, 122KB) CT Apprenticeship System CT Career Resource Network CT Health Jobs Downsizing/Layoff Support Disability Resources DOL Partnerships Employment and Training Education and Training ConneCTion Employment & Training Websites - Other States Employment Assistance Sites, Other Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) Job and Career ConneCTion Job Corps Job Fairs Jobs, Federal Job Search Assistance Labor Market Information Laws & Legislation Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Program Minors, Employment of Minors, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Occupational Safety and Health (CONN-OSHA) Recruitments at Local American Job Center Offices State Jobs and Exams Tax Credit Programs Trade Adjustment Assistance Unemployment Insurance Veterans Services Wage and Hour Information Wage and Workplace Matters Wage Payment Laws Welfare-to-Work Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) WIOA - Approved Training Programs WARN - Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act Worker Safety (CONN-OSHA) Workforce Support Workplace Laws Workshops at American Job Center Offices Your Connecticut Job Search Guide Youth Employment Site Youth/Workers Under 18 ​ National Resources for TBI individuals, employers, and caregivers ADA Americans with Disabilities Act BIA Brain Injury Association of America BTF Brain Trauma Foundation Brain Injury Alliance California TBI Advisory Board report CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention TBI Information Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center JAN Job Accommodation Network Mayo Clinic NARIC National Rehabilitation Information Center NASET National Association of Special Education Teachers The Interactive Brain Traumatic Brain Injury National Database Center US Department of Labor Disability Employment Policy VA Department of Veterans Affairs Wounded Warrior Project Alabama TBI Rehabilitation Program (334) 293.7500 Alaska TABI Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury Program (907) 465.1605 Arizona Department of Economic Security TBI Services (800) 563.1221 Arkansas Healthy Arkansas TBI Services (501) 661.2000 California Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board (800) 952.5544 Colorado Adult TBI Supportive Services (888) 331.3311 Connecticut Department of Social Services (855) 6.CONNECT Delaware Brain Injury Association of Delaware (302) 346.2083 Florida TBI Resource and Support Center (800) 992.3442 Georgia Brain Injury Resource Directory (404) 712.5504 Hawaii TBI Board of Hawaii (808) 586.4400 Idaho Idaho State University TBI Virtual Program Center (208) 373.1773 Illinois Healthcare and Family TBI Services (800) 843.6154 Indiana Brain Injury Association of Indiana (317) 356.7722 Iowa Advisory Council on Brain Injuries (866) 227.9878 Kansas Brain Injury Association of Kansas (913) 754.8883 Kentucky NeuroRestorative of Kentucky (800) 743.6802 Louisiana Brain Injury Association of Louisiana (504) 982.0685 Maine Disability and Developmental Services (207) 287.9200 Maryland TBIMD Support Groups (410) 448.2924 Massachusetts Statewide and Specialized TBI Community Services (617) 204.3852 Michigan TBI Resource Guide (517) 335.1980 Minnesota Hennepin County Medical Center TBI Services (612) 873.3284 Mississippi Brain Injury Association of Mississippi (601) 981.1021 Missouri TBI Guide and Resources (573) 751.6400 Montana Department of Human Services TBI Fact Sheet (888) 279.7532 Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council (308) 865.5012 Nevada TBI Community Enrichment Program (702) 259.1903 New Hampshire Brain Injury Association of NH (603) 225.8400 New Jersey NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Fund (888) 285.3036 New Mexico BrainLine of New Mexico (505) 292.7414 New York Vocational Rehabilitation Services (800) 222.JOBS North Carolina TBI Resources Office (919) 715.5989 North Dakota Head Injury Association of ND (877) 525.2724 Ohio Ohio State University BI Rehabilitation Program (800) 293.5123 Oklahoma Head Injury Resource Directory (800) 522.0203 Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Disabled Adults (800) 452.1694 Pennsylvania PDH Head Injury Program (877) PA.HEALTH Rhode Island Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island (401) 228.3319 South Carolina SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department (803) 896.6040 South Dakota USD TBI Research and Services (605) 357.1439 Tennessee Traumatic Brain Injury Program (615) 741.1230 Texas Texas Education Agency TBI Resources (512) 463.9734 Utah Brain Injury Alliance of Utah (801) 716.4993 Vermont Traumatic Brain Injury Program (802) 871.3069 Virginia Brain Injury Services Coordination (800) 552.5019 Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Council (877) TBI.1766 Washington DC Brain Injury Association of Washington DC (202) 659.0122 West Virginia Center for Excellence in Disabilities 1-877-724-8244 Wisconsin Brain Injury Resource Center (262) 770.4882 Wyoming Brain Injury Alliance of Wyoming 1-800-643-6457 ​ ¿NECESITAS SERVICIOS A DOMICILIO? $ Programas de asistencia $

Administracion de la Seguridad Social Oficina del Seguro Social en Torrington 147 Litchfield Street 06790, Torrington, Connecticut 1-877-405-0486 , 1-800-772-1213 , 1-860-626-9568 Servicios de determinación de discapacidad Si bien las solicitudes de discapacidad del Seguro Social se toman en las oficinas locales, las decisiones médicas las toma en cada estado un servicio de determinación de discapacidad. Si ya presentó una solicitud de beneficios por incapacidad o si es un proveedor médico, puede enviar por correo la información médica de un solicitante de Connecticut a: Disability Determination Services 309 Warwarme Avenue Hartford, CT. 06114 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS REFERRALS MEDICAID - APPLY FOR MEDICAID - RENEWAL SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INGRESO DE SEGURIDAD SUPLEMENTARIO DE SSI FOOD ASSISTANCE - SNAP ASISTENCIA EN EFECTIVO ASISTENCIA DE CALEFACCIÓN MFP PROGRAM ABI WAIVER PROGRAM DMHAS - BRAIN INJURY PROGRAM SCHOOL SUPPORT PROGRAM COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPSIT LIST GRUPOS DE AUTODEFENSA FOOD - HARTFORD TOLLAND COUNTIES ALIMENTOS - CONDADOS DE CONNECTICUT ASISTENCIA ENERGÉTICA SEGUROS DE SALUD ESTATALES PRIMERA OPCIÓN COMUNITARIA (CFC) ANCIANOS - PROGRAMA DE CUIDADO EN EL HOGAR DE CT PROGRAMA DE ASISTENCIA PARA EL ALQUILER (RAP) HOUSING ( Section 8 ) BUSCADOR DE BENEFICIOS

Solicitud ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol 1/55

What is the MFP Program and what does it do? The MFP program helps a person with the funding and organization of moving out of a medical facility. It helps with setting up housing, necessities, medical equipment and temporary in home caregivers. ​MFP is a federal demonstration grant, received by the CT Department of Social Services from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It was awarded to help rebalance the long-term care system so that individuals have the maximum independence and freedom of choice regarding where they live and receive care and services. The program builds on current programs by offering enhanced community services and support to those who have resided in nursing facilities for at least three months. Under MFP, CT will receive, for those transitioning back to the community, an enhanced Medicaid match of nine million dollars over five years, being reimbursed for 75 percent of costs for the first year back in the community instead of the customary 50 percent. This federal support is a financial incentive for Conn. to reduce the use of more expensive institutional care for Medicaid recipients. The approach is more cost-effective for taxpayers and is expected to lead to improved quality of life for older adults and people with physical and developmental disabilities and mental illness. People transitioning back into the community have the choice of where they want to live, whether it’s the person’s own home, a family member’s home, an apartment or congregate living. ​ Goals of the MFP ​ Increase dollars spent on home and community based services. Increase the percent of people receiving their long-term services in the community relative to those in institutions. Decrease the number of hospital discharges to nursing facilities for those requiring care after discharge. Increase the probability of people returning to the community within the first three months of admission to an institution Transition individuals out of institutions and back into the community Individualized care plans are created based on need. CCCI transition coordinators will provide one-to-one assistance with community supports, system navigation, accessing resources and living arrangements.

Asistencia alimentaria de Connecticut ( QUEBRAR ) ​ Solicitud de Medicaid en línea El Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), anteriormente conocido como Programa de Cupones para Alimentos, brinda beneficios alimentarios, acceso a una dieta saludable y educación sobre preparación de alimentos y nutrición a hogares de bajos ingresos. ... S NAP es el nombre federal del programa. ​ Aplicar aquí

Pensamientos edificantes y enfoque ​ En tiempos de dolor e incertidumbre, puede resultar difícil encontrar inspiración. Pero no olvidemos la fuerza y la resiliencia que hay en nuestro interior. Los desafíos de la vida pueden ponernos a prueba, pero también brindan oportunidades para el crecimiento y el autodescubrimiento. ​ No estamos solos en nuestras luchas. Juntos formamos una red de apoyo, una comunidad de consuelo y un equipo de comprensión incondicional. Ya sean amigos, familiares o compañeros de equipo, tener un sistema de apoyo sólido es clave para superar la adversidad. Cuando nos animamos unos a otros y nos damos una mano, creamos un impacto positivo que se extiende más allá de nosotros mismos. Estamos juntos, unidos en nuestra determinación de brindar esperanza e inspiración a quienes lo necesitan. Abrazamos el poder del entendimiento mutuo. Juntos podemos crear un futuro mejor para nosotros y las generaciones futuras. (Sobreviviente de lesión cerebral por DM y compañero de equipo de Recursos ABI). Dale play, enciende el volumen del video, relájate y escucha. Dale play, enciende el volumen del video, relájate y escucha. Push play, turn on the video's volume, relax, and listen.

Community Colleges of Connecticut Capital Community College Phone #: 860-906-5007 Address: 950 Main Street Hartford, CT 06103 Community College of Connecticut Phone #: 860-244-7600 Address: 61 Woodland st. Hartford, Ct 06105 Gateway Community College Phone #: 203-285-2000 Address: 88 Bassett Rd. North Haven, CT 06473 Housatonic Community College Phone #:203-332-5000 Address: 900 Lafayette boulevard, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Manchester Community College Phone #: 860-512-3000 Address: Great Path P.O. Box 1046, Manchester, CT 6045-1046 Middlesex Community College Phone #: 860-343-5800 Address: 100 Training Hill Rd. Middletown, CT 06457 Naugatuck Community College Phone #: 203-575-8040 Address: 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06078 Northwestern Community College Phone #: 860-738-6300 Address: Park Place East, Winsted, CT 06098 Norwalk Community College Phone #: 203-857-7000 Address: 188 Richards Ave. Norwalk, CT 06854 Quinebaug Valley Community College Phone #: 860- 774-1130 Address: 742 Upper Maple st. Danielson, CT 06239 Quinebaug Valley Community College (Willimantic) Phone #: 860-423-1824 Address: 729 Main st. Willimantic, CT 06226 Three Rivers Community College Phone #: 860-886-0177 Address: 7 Mahan Drive, Norwich, CT 06360 Tunxis Community College Phone #: 860-255-3500 Address: 271 Scott Swamp Rd. Farmington, CT 06032

Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping 1/2 Support groups: Make connections, and get help. ​ You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about diseases or treatments. For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. A person's relationship with a doctor or other medical personnel may not provide adequate emotional support, and a person's family and friends may not understand the impact of a disease or treatment. A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between medical and emotional needs. Structure of support groups ​ A nonprofit advocacy organization, clinic, hospital, or community organization may offer support groups. They also may be independent of any organization and run entirely by group members. Formats of support groups vary, including face-to-face meetings, teleconferences, or online communities. A lay person — someone who shares or has shared the group's common experience — often leads a support group, but a group also may be led by a professional facilitator, such as a nurse, social worker, or psychologist. Some support groups may offer educational opportunities, such as a guest doctor, psychologist, nurse, or social worker, to discuss a topic related to the group's needs. Support groups are not the same as group therapy sessions. Group therapy is a specific type of mental health treatment that brings together several people with similar conditions under the guidance of a licensed mental health care provider. Benefits of support groups ​ The shared experience among support group members often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, treatment decisions, or side effects. Participating in a group allows you to be with people who likely have a common purpose and the potential to understand one another. The benefits of participating in a support group may include the following: Feeling less lonely, isolated, or judged. Reducing distress, depression, anxiety, or fatigue Talking openly and honestly about your feelings Improving skills to cope with challenges Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans Gaining a sense of empowerment, control, or hope Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it Getting practical feedback about treatment options Learning about health, economic or social resources Possible risks ​ Support groups may have drawbacks, and influential groups generally depend on the facilitator to help avoid these problems. These problems may include the following: Disruptive group members Conversation dominated by griping Lack of confidentiality Emotional entanglement, group tension, or interpersonal conflicts Inappropriate or unsound medical advice Competitive comparisons of whose condition or experience are worse Pros and cons of online support groups Online support groups offer benefits and risks that are particular to that format. It's essential to consider these factors before joining an online group. Benefits of online groups include: More frequent or flexible participation Opportunities for people who may not have local face-to-face support groups A degree of privacy or anonymity Risks of online support groups include the following: Communication only by written text can lead to confusion or understanding and clarity among group members. Anonymity may lead to inappropriate or disrespectful comments or behaviors. Participation online may result in isolation from other friends or family. Online communities may be particularly susceptible to misinformation or information overload. People may use the online environment to prey on people, promote a product or commit fraud. How to find a support group Information about support groups may be available from the following: Your doctor, clinic, or hospital Nonprofit organizations that advocate for particular medical conditions or life changes National Institutes of Health websites for specific diseases and conditions Questions to ask before joining a support group ​ Support groups vary in how they are organized and led. Before joining a support group, ask the following questions: Is the group designed for people with a specific medical condition or a particular stage of disease? Does the group meet for a set period of time, or does it continue indefinitely? Where does the group meet? At what times and how often does the group meet? Is there a facilitator or moderator? Has the facilitator undergone training? Is a mental health expert involved with the group? What are the guidelines for confidentiality? Are there established ground rules for group participation? What is a typical meeting like? Is it free, and if not, what are the fees? Red flags that might indicate a problematic support group include the following: Promises of a sure cure for your disease or condition High fees to attend the group Pressure to purchase products or services ​ Getting the most out of a support group ​ When you join a new support group, you may be nervous about sharing personal issues with people you don't know. You may benefit from simply listening. Over time, however, contributing your ideas and experiences may help you get more out of a support group. Try a support group for a few weeks. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, consider a different support group or a different support group format. Remember that a support group isn't a substitute for regular medical care. Let your doctor know that you're participating in a support group. If you don't think a support group is appropriate for you but need help coping with your condition or situation, talk to your doctor about counseling or other types of therapy.