Support Groups

Living with a brain injury can be an isolating experience. But you're not alone. Whether you are an individual living with a brain injury or a family caregiver, attending a support group gives you a safe space to talk to others who truly understand what you're going through.

Find a Support Group

Use our online Resource Directory to narrow your search geographically to find what's happening closest to you.

Join Us

Attend any of BIAV's support groups. Receive support, strength, and share your experiences with others in the same position.

Virtual Caregiver Support Group

For Family Caregivers
Join us on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. (EST).
To join, contact [email protected] or 804-355-5748 ext. 102.

Virtual Support Group

For People Living With Brain Injury, Their Families, and Friends

Join us on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. (EST).

To join, contact [email protected] or
804-355-5748 ext. 102.

In-Person Support Group

For People Living With Brain Injury, Their Families, and Friends

Join us for in-person meetings on the third Monday of every month at
6 p.m. in the Willow Lawn area
of Richmond. 

To join, contact [email protected] or
804-355-5748 ext. 102. (Advanced registration is required).

This is by far the best support group that I have attended! I love the patience of the leader. Most of the people in attendance are helpful and knowledgeable. I leave every meeting feeling that I am not alone!

To get the most out of attending or hosting a virtual support group, view our tip sheets.

Tips for Persons with Brain Injury
Tips for Support Group Leaders

Don't have access to reliable internet?  Visit this website to learn about public WI-FI hotspots in Virginia.

Benefits of a Support Group

People with a Brain Injury Can:

  • Be accepted for who they are now – not for who they were before
  • Learn information that is relevant and delivered in a way they understand
  • Get to express feelings in a place where they are supported, accepted, and understood
  • Provide help to others and, in doing so, feel better about themselves and increase self-confidence
  • Have the opportunity to practice social skills with people who will be OK with “slip-ups”

Family Members and Loved Ones of Someone with a Brain Injury Can:

  • Find a forum for problem-solving
  • Get a better handle on managing cognitive & behavioral changes
  • Have a place to talk about their individual and family adjustment issues
  • Learn more about your loved one's adjustment

How to get the most out of the experience:

  • Give a group at least two visits to decide if it’s for you. The mix of people who show up at any meeting will influence the feel of the get-together.
  • Introduce yourself to the leader or facilitator and let them know if you have any special needs, such as difficulty speaking or hearing or feeling shy. They can then ensure the group environment is accommodating for you.
  • If you have a choice in your community, try more than one group. This exploration can help you find the group that best suits your needs and preferences.Try more than one group if you have a choice in your community. Every group has its own style.

Support groups are found all around Virginia and are often run by persons with brain injury, family members, professionals, and staff from other organizations serving people with brain injury. Although many of these groups receive technical assistance from BIAV, they are independent from us and do not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of BIAV. Only groups run by BIAV staff are affiliated with us. To find a support group you would like to join, please check out our resource directory, which you can search locally and statewide.

If there isn’t a group in your area and you would like to start one, please contact Christine at 804-355-5748 ext. 102 or [email protected]. 

Support Group Leader Manual