Support Groups

All Welcome Support Groups are open to people living with ALS, caregivers, family members and friends. These groups currently meet virtually via Zoom on the 1st Thursday and 2nd Tuesday of the month. Check the calendar for dates and times.

This group is only for people living with ALS and currently meets virtually via Zoom on the 2nd Friday and 4th Wednesday of the month. Check the calendar for dates and times.

This group is only for caregivers (family and friends) and currently meets via Zoom on the 1st Monday and 4th Thursday of the month. Check the calendar for dates and times.

This is a social group is for people living with ALS to discuss anything and everything not related to ALS. It currently meets via Zoom on the 4th Monday of the month. Check the calendar for dates and times. 

For people living with ALS and their caregivers who have been diagnosed in the last year. This group meets weekly for 8 weeks in a closed session and is held a few times throughout the year. Check the calendar for dates and times.

For family members and friends who have lost a loved one with ALS. This group meets weekly in a closed session for 8 weeks and is offered a few times throughout the year. Currently this group is offered via Zoom on Monday evenings. Check the calendar for dates and times.

Several times a year ALS CT holds educational webinars focused on various areas of interest. Past topics have included: Communication, Respiratory, Mobility, Estate Planning and Home Accessibility. Check the Main Events page for the next Ask the Expert.

For Veterans with ALS and their Caregivers
Facilitated by VA Connecticut ALS Interdisciplinary Clinic psychologist Beth Beenken and social worker Tina Birdsall.
Where:  Virtual group via Webex, invite will be sent to email of choice

When:  1st and 3rd Monday of the Month, 2:00- 3:00pm.            

Contact Tina Birdsall, LCSW  (203) 932-5711 x 14290 or Beth Beenken, PhD (203) 932-5711 x 15668.

Individual Therapy for Caregivers of Veterans with ALS                  

REACH VA: A chance for Caregivers of Veterans with ALS to take better care of themselves and their loved ones by giving them information about caregiving and building their skills in dealing with stress, addressing moods, and problem-solving. The program usually provides four individual sessions with the Caregiver over a period of 2 to 3 months, increasing the number of sessions if there is more work to do. The sessions normally last about an hour each and may be held face to face, over the telephone, or over telehealth video conferencing.  

Contact:  Beth Beenken, PhD at (203) 932-5711 x 15668. 

Caregivers for Veterans can also reach out to Bonnie Ceccarelli, coordinator for the Caregiver Support Program for additional resources at 203-932-5711 x12297

Other, more specific support groups are offered on an as-needed basis. People living with ALS and their caregivers can also attend virtual support groups facilitated by other ALS organizations around the country. Some of these groups might include Spanish-speaking groups, groups for children, PLS groups and others. Contact your Care Services Manager for more information.