The following support groups may be helpful for you. Knowing you are not alone and learning from others with similar problems goes a long way toward better mental health.
Alanon: For family members of alcoholics
Alateen: for teen family members of alcoholics
Co-Anon–For family members of drug addicted people
Alcoholics Anonymous–AA AA of Virginia
The ARC–For people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities
Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia
Autism Society of Northern Virginia
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law–For more than 30 years, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has been the nation’s leading legal advocate for the rights of people with mental disabilities.
Because I Love You–support group for parents raising difficult children. The closest group is in Bethesda, MD, but there are useful links and handouts on the site.
Beliefnet–A one-stop site for spirituality and world religions, includes guided meditation
Bereaved Parents of the USA Northern Virginia Chapter.
CHADD–For Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Clutters Anonymous. For poeople who want help eliminating excessive clutter. Call (703) 536-6650.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance–includes information on support groups
Divorce Care–Support groups and information for people undergoing divorce
Domestic Violence/Battered Spouses —National Coalition for Domestic Violence
Families Anonymous–for relatives and friends of people with addiction or behavioral problems.
Family Watch: Responds to families and friends of children with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in Virginia. Call them toll-free: 877-264-8428.
Gamblers Anonymous Gam Anon–For family and friends of compulsive gamblers
The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction The Center for Internet Addiction
Moderation Management–for mild or moderate drinkers who want to control or cut down on their drinking
Mom Community–Mothers of Preschoolers Support Group.
Nar-Anon Family Groups–Family support groups for people dealing with addictions of family and friends.
Narcotics Anonymous—Self-help groups for those wanting to stop their illegal drug use. For meeting locations, call (800) 711-6375. Northern Virginia NA Group (Chesapeake & Potomac)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Information on mental health, support groups, and more.
National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse.
PEATC: Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center PEATC has an excellent resource list of Support Groups of various types in Virginia, including ADHD, autism, brain injury, early intervention, emotional disabilities, Tourettes, and more.
Parents Anonymous–Parents Anonymous® encourages all parents to ask for help early, whatever their circumstances, to effectively break the cycle of abuse to protect today’s children and strengthen tomorrow’s generation of parents.
POAC–Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia
Parents Without Partners–Parents Without Partners provides single parents and their children with an opportunity for enhancing personal growth, self-confidence and sensitivity towards others by offering an environment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques.
PFLAG–Parents, Family, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians. Support for people who care about someone dealing with sexual orientation issues.
Recovery, Inc.–Offers free support groups in the D.C./VA area for people struggling with anxiety, fear, depression, panic, anger, and other mental, nervous, and emotional problems.
Sexaholics Anonymous. For those with sexually compulsive behavior.
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous. A similar group, but includes support for those who are overly dependent on romantic relationships.
SMART–Self-Management and Recovery Training for problem drinkers who may not choose complete abstinence.
Toastmasters International–For those who want to overcome a fear of public speaking.
Tourette Association of America
The Trillium–A drop-in center whose mission is to provide a stress-free, stigma-free atmosphere for people 18 and over who are mental health consumers
Women For Sobriety–for women with alcohol problems.