New York Support Groups

There are two different types of support groups in New York -- Peer-led Support Groups and Professionally-led Support Groups.

 Peer-led Support Groups

RESOLVE Peer-led Support Groups are informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another, to discuss their situations and to receive support from others who have had similar experiences or who are struggling with similar issues. Group moderators are volunteers and are not mental health professionals. Attendance is free. Please contact the group host before attending your first meeting.

Don’t see a support group in your area? Want to start a new group? The first step in the process is to listen to a free one-hour TeleSeminar entitled “How to Start a Peer-Led Support Group”. After you listen to that training you will be given instructions on next steps in the process. We hope to make this process as simple and straightforward for you as possible, while also ensuring that our hosts have been adequately prepared for their role as group leader.

Please note the contact information below is provided only for those seeking a support group. The media and family-building professionals should not contact support groups directly; support group hosts will not respond. Media requests should be directed to  Andy Schwarz, Media Relations, at 703.556.7172 or aschwarz@resolve.org. Family-Building Professionals and Researchers should contact RESOLVE headquarters at info@resolve.org. For more information about RESOLVE Support Groups, please contact Betsy Campbell at supportgroups@resolve.org.

Brooklyn
RESOLVE Support Group for Infertility
Meets on the first Monday of each month
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Host: Katy
Please contact Katy at InfertilityInsider@gmail.com before attending your first meeting. 

Carle Place
General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM
Location: Panera Bread, 165 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, NY 11514
Host: Maria
Please contact Maria at mariaoliveri15@gmail.com before attending your first meeting. 

Downtown Manhattan
General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30PM
Location: Kaffe, 1668 (north), 401 Greenwich Street @ Beach Street
Host: Lexi Garber
Please contact Lexi at lexihgarber@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.

Little Neck
General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the third Monday of every month at 7:15PM
Location: Panera Bread, 25441 Horace Harding EXPY, Little Neck, NY 11362
Host: Melody Pourmoradi
Please contact Melody Pourmoradi at mgpourmoradi@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.

Long Island
General Infertility Peer-led Support Group
Meets on the last Monday of the month
Location: Panera Bread, Private Room, 1025 Montauk Highway, West Babylon, NY. Meeting place is located in a shopping center that has a lot of parking available. 
Host: Tracy and Lisa (Lisa habla español.)
Please contact Tracy at tracylynnzarate@gmail.com or 315.335.2582 or Lisa at falconl@hotmail.com or 917.841.2463 before attending your first meeting. Our support group is open to individuals and couples alike no matter what the infertility diagnosis. Our meetings take place on the last Monday of the month (unless there is a holiday). 

Mid-Hudson Valley
General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the third Sunday of each month at 8:00PM.
Location: Shambhala Yoga Studio, Beacon, NY
Host: Jennifer Rutner
Please contact Jen at midhudsoninfertility@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.

Snyder (Western New York)
Infertility Awareness & Support Group
Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM
Location: Walden Galleria, Community Room, Buffalo, NY 14225
Host: Sharon
Please contact Sharon at resolvebuffalony@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.

Suffolk County/Long Island 
Adoption Peer-led Support Group
Meets on the first Friday of each month at 7:30PM
Location: Suffolk County, NY
Host: Chemene
Please contact Chemene at Cvizzi9@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.

Upper East Side
General Infertility and/or Pregnancy and Parenting After Infertility Support Group
Location: Upper East Side, NY
Please contact Marissa at mjkstrong@gmail.com if interested in one of these groups and to learn more.

Upper West Side New York City
General Infertility Support Group
Meets bimonthly on Wednesday evenings
Location: Upper West Side, NY
Host: Jen
Please contact Jen at jensoch@gmail.com before attending your first meeting. 

Westchester
General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the third Saturday of each month
Location: Westchester, NY
Host: Ebru
Please contact Ebru at RESOLVEWESTCHESTER@gmail.com before attending your first meeting. 

 Professionally-Led Support Groups

Professionally-led Support Groups are more structured than peer groups and form at various times throughout the year. They are led by trained and licensed therapists who are professional members of RESOLVE and specialize in assisting individuals and couples with the special challenges presented by the struggle of Infertility. Participation in professionally-led groups involves fees set by the individual therapist and a commitment to a specific number of sessions.

Dutchess County
Women's General Infertility Group
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: 24 Main Street, Suite A, Millerton, NY 12546
Led by Anne Malavé, PhD, 518.789.0016, Drannemalave@aol.com
Are you experiencing infertility? Are you feeling alone and out of control?  Come and experience the comfort of attending a support group with other women going through the same thing. Learn about coping strategies and how to make decisions....get the support you need in the safety of a RESOLVE Professionally led support group.
Fee: $25 per group session - 4 session commitment and initial intake interview ($40 one time only) required. RSVP required.

Nassau County
Professionally Led Support Groups for Women – General Infertility
Meets on Tuesdays at 7:00PM – 8:15PM
Location: 165 North Village Ave., Suite 4, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Led by Liz Westermann, LCSW (516)279.3803; liz@lizwestermancounseling.com
Share the feelings, frustrations, and personal experiences of infertility in a safe, supportive environment. This professionally led group will provide information, coping strategies and an opportunity to create a bond with other women who are experiencing the same feelings of isolation, sadness, and feeling out of control. Creating a network of support can make all the difference as you go through the difficult journey of infertility.
Fee: $30/ session. $60 for one-time initial intake interview. 

New York City
Male Factor Infertility Support Group
Meets every other Tuesday at 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Location: 49 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024
Led by Phyllis Lowinger, LCSW, 212.666.3400 or phyllow@gmail.com
Infertility is often talked about as a women's problem, yet 30% of infertility is due to male factor and 20% is due to combined male and female factor. For a man, a diagnosis of infertility can be devastating. In general, it is difficult for men to talk about their feelings and oftentimes raises the issue of what does it mean to be a "real man." However, infertility is a couple's problem and one that must be faced as a team. The purpose of this six week group is to explore the emotional impact of this medical diagnosis on you and your relationship, explore your feelings about the loss of biological parenting, explore the alternatives of family building options that are right for both of you, and meet with other couples who are exploring the emotional impact of male factor in their lives. Fees: Initial consultation - $70 and $50 per group session

New York City
Support Group for Single Women Building a Family by Adopting
Starting Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Location: 49 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024
Led by Phyllis Lowinger, LCSW, 212.666.3400 or phyllow@gmail.com
Are you considering adopting or have already started the process of adoption? Parenting is one of the most challenging life experiences and doing it solo, provides additional challenges. The purpose of this six week group is to provide an intimate space for single women to explore their thoughts and feelings about the joys and challenges of becoming a single parent through adoption. Topics include "have you mourned your "fantasy" biological child?" "what are your concerns about the emotional, social, and financial issues of single parenting by adoption?" and "what are the short and long-term challenges of becoming a family by adopting?" This is a unique opportunity to find the support you need! To register contact Phyllis Lowinger, LCSW specializing in adoption, infertility, third-party reproduction and parenting including blended families.
Fees: Complimentary initial consultation fee and $50 per group session. A six-session commitment is required. You can also have a private consultation at any time.

New York City
The Journey from Infertility to Alternative Family Building Options (Adoption, Third Party)
Meets every other Wednesday at 7:15PM to 8:45PM
Led by Phyllis Lowinger, LCSW, 212.666.3400 or phyllow@gmail.com
Location: 49 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024
These workshops will explore the emotional, psychological, and social issues for individuals and couples who are exploring adoption and third party reproduction as their family building options. In a small group setting, these workshops will focus on: the complicated losses of infertility, the similarities and differences between families formed by birth and families formed by adoption and by third party reproduction, and the life-long developmental issues for families formed by alternative family building options. Fees: Initial consultation - $60 and $50 per group session

New York City
The Journey to Adoption: A Support Group for Individuals and Couples
Begins Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Led by Phyllis Lowinger, LCSW, 212.666.3400 or phyllow@gmail.com
Location: 49 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024
This support group is for individuals and couples who are making the bold move to adopt. It will offer the opportunity for you to meet with other people on the journey in an environment that is intimate, safe, and nurturing and allows for the opportunity to discuss feelings and concerns about the adoption process and about becoming a family through adoption. Some of the areas we will touch upon are: what the process is like, what can I realistically expect in terms of time, finances and support, what are the kinds of adoptions I can choose from, the differences between an open adoption and a closed adoption, the challenges of becoming a family through adoption and many more. Join us for the first step on this Journey!
Fees: Initial consultation - $60 and $45 per person, per group session. 

New York City
Women over 40: General Infertility Support Group
Meets on every other Wednesday from 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Location: 150 West 95th Street Suite 1A, New York, NY 10025
Led by Ellen Shapiro, LCSW, 212.580.4412, esp607@aol.com
This is a group which will focus on the special challenges of trying to get pregnant in one's forties.  The group will discuss coping skills for dealing with the emotional roller coaster of infertility.  It will help women confront possibility of not having a genetic child and alternative ways of having a family, i.e. donor gametes or adoption. The group provides a safe space for dealing with the sometimes overwhelming feelings of going through this crisis.
Fee: Initial interview - $75 and $60 per session.  6 session commitment required.

New York City
Fertility Late Term Loss Support Group
Meets on Mondays from 5:30PM to 6:45PM
Location: 200 West 57, #1310, New York, NY 10019
Led by Lori Metz, LCSW, CCM at 917.655.9776Going through a fertility journey is never easy and for those who conceive and are then faced with late term loss it can feel isolating in so many ways. Those around you may not know what to say or do or how to provide the support you need to cope. You may be experiencing thoughts and feelings you haven’t had in the past, and concerns about how to proceed. The group will focus on providing attendees with support from others experiencing the same and impart tools to help you cope. This group will meet weekly for 6 weeks, and cost $45 per session

New York City - Manhattan (Columbus Circle)
Choosing Between Adoption and Third Party Reproduction 
Meets 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of the month from 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Location: 330 West 58th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10019
Led by Anne Malave, PhD., 212.787.1304, Drannemalave@aol.com
In the privacy and confidentiality of a private practice office (i.e. not a clinic). With the increasing number of choices after infertility (adoption, donor egg, donor sperm, embryo adoption, surrogacy, and gestational carriers), there is additional complexity in choosing which path to parenthood is right for you. This support group is focused on helping you develop clarity about your options: learn the pros and cons; similarities and differences; separate myths from reality; decide which option is right for you; and take the next step. Fee: $60 per group session – 4 session commitment. RSVP Required.

New York City - Manhattan (Columbus Circle)
Exploring Egg Donation Support Group (Women’s Group; B: Couples’ Group)
Women’s Group: Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings of the month from 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Couples’ Group: meets approximately once every 3 weeks, times TBA.
Location: 330 West 58th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10019
Led by Anne Malave, PhD., 212.787.1304, Drannemalave@aol.com
In the privacy and confidentiality of a private practice office (i.e. not a clinic). For those considering building their family through egg donation or those who are already in the process of pursuing egg donation.  Topics include: choosing a donor; how to talk about egg donation with the child and others; common experiences of the egg donation process; having a genetic connection with one parent and not the other; and past experiences in failed fertility treatments and their impact.
Fee: $60 (women's) and $100 (per couple) per group session - 4 session commitment. RSVP Required.

New York City – Manhattan (Columbus Circle) 
Women's General Infertility Support Group
Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Location: 330 West 58th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10019
Led by Anne Malave, PhD. 212 787 1304 Drannemalave@aol.com
In the privacy and confidentiality of a private practice office (i.e. not a clinic). Do you feel out of control?  Is your life on hold? Do you find yourself withdrawing from friends, family, and familiar places and activities?  Consider experiencing the safety of a professionally-led infertility support group where you can find understanding and support, and develop strategies for managing difficult feelings, decision-making, and reclaiming your life. You are not alone!
Fee: $60 per group session – 4 session commitment. RSVP Required.

New York City – Manhattan (Columbus Circle)
Women’s Parenting After Egg Donation Support Group
Meets on the first Thursday of the month from 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Location: 330 West 58th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10019
Led by Anne Malave, PhD., 212.787.1304, Drannemalave@aol.com
In the privacy and confidentiality of a private practice office (i.e. not a clinic). For those women who have built their families through becoming the recipients of egg donation, in order to provide a safe, private environment in which to receive support, make connections and grow community, and discuss important and relevant topics (like “disclosure”), current research findings, and other useful information.
Fee: $60 per group session – 4 session commitment. RSVP Required.

New York City
Mind/Body Stress Reduction for Women
Meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30PM - 8:30PM.  The series runs for 4 weeks.  If you miss a session, you can make it up the next time around.
Location: Mind Body Therapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy, 420 East 64th Street, Suite E1C, New York, NY 10065
Led by Helen Adrienne, LCSW, BCD,  212.758.0125 or helen@helenadrienne.com
Sessions include: Entering the Mind/Body Connection for Stress Reduction, Using the Mind to Trick the Brain for Enhanced Coping, Transforming Negative Thinking, and Gaining Clarity by Building Awareness. Attendees receive a notebook full of handouts for follow thru.  All are welcome after short phone interview.
Fee: $75 per session. RSVP via phone interview is required. You do not have to be a NYU Fertility patient to attend.

Park Slope/Brooklyn
General Infertility Support Group
Meets once weekly from 7:30PM - 8:30PM
Location: 49 8th Avenue. Park Slope/Brooklyn 11215
Led by Karin Feldman LMHC, CCBT, 347.267.4179, Therapy@karinfeldman.com or www.karinfeldman.com
This group is comprised of women who are anywhere along the process of family building, who are struggling with infertility. Whether you are just starting fertility treatments, experiencing secondary infertility, have had pregnancy loss/s, using third party reproduction options or struggling to conceive naturally, this forum will support your journey. Weekly meetings offer members a safe and supportive space to bond with one another, explore the challenges and issues associated with infertility, exchange valuable information and develop a support network. Group “cycles” are comprised of 5 consecutive meetings, with the option to rejoin the next offered cycle.
Fee: $60 per group session - 5 session commitment. Initial consultation/interview prior to starting is required.

Westchester County
Family Building via Egg/Sperm Donation
Meets on Tuesdays at 7:30PM
Led by Laura Landau, LCSW, CASAC at lauralandaulcsw@gmail.com or 917.435.0909
Location: 2039 Palmer Ave., Suite 204., Larchmont, New York, 10538
This group is for men, women and couples who have suffered infertility and/or pregnancy losses and who wish to explore their thoughts and feelings with others in a healing environment. Topics discussed include complicated and often unresolved grief, exploring the decision making process, using a known vs. unknown donor, confidentiality, to disclose or not to disclose to family, friends and the resulting child/children.
Fees: Initial consultation - $60.00; 8-week group: $280.  An initial consultation is required prior to joining the group.