Support groups are a powerful way to connect with others who understand your experiences. They can help individuals and families learn better coping strategies, practice self-care, stay hopeful, and grow through shared stories and encouragement.
This section highlights a variety of support groups available across the state, including:
Peer Support Groups for individuals with IDD and mental health needs.
- Autism TN provides support, education, and advocacy to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to help improve their lives and experiences.
- Disability Connection Midsouth supports individuals with IDD and mental health needs by connecting them to resources, advocacy, and services that promote independence and community involvement.
- disABILITY Resource Center offers support, services, and advocacy to help people with disabilities thrive and fully engage in their communities.
- Empower TN helps people with disabilities access opportunities and gain independence to live active lives in their communities.
- Mindful Behavior works to help individuals build meaningful lives, improve relationships, and find purpose while reducing barriers and challenges that may limit well-being or enjoyment of life.
- OUTMemphis provides resources, education, and advocacy to help individuals build stronger connections and lead fulfilling lives in the Mid-South.
- Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS), Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TABS) supports adult siblings of people with disabilities through information, events, and networking opportunities across Tennessee.
- TARP Center for Independent Living (T.A.R.P.) helps individuals with disabilities access resources and support to live independently in their communities.
- Tri-State Resource & Advocacy Corp Independent Living (TRAC) helps individuals with disabilities access services and support to live independent and fulfilling lives in Southeast Tennessee.
Caregiver Support Groups or those providing care and support to loved ones.
- Autism TN provides support, education, and advocacy to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to help improve their lives and experiences.
- Disability Connection Midsouth supports individuals with IDD and mental health needs by connecting them to resources, advocacy, and services that promote independence and community involvement.
- Family Voices of TN supports families of children with special healthcare needs, disabilities, or chronic illnesses by providing guidance, education, and emotional support from those with firsthand experience.
Parent Support Groups for parents navigating challenges and celebrating successes.
- Autism TN provides support, education, and advocacy to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to help improve their lives and experiences.
- Disability Connection Midsouth supports individuals with IDD and mental health needs by connecting them to resources, advocacy, and services that promote independence and community involvement.
- Family Voices of TN supports families of children with special healthcare needs, disabilities, or chronic illnesses by providing guidance, education, and emotional support from those with firsthand experience.
You can find more help in the Resource Guide, which is full of tools, information, and services to support individuals and families with IDD/Mental Health Dual Diagnosis. Explore the guide to discover resources that meet your needs!
If you need more help or have questions, please reach out to Pathfinder! You can contact us by phone at 800-640-4636, email TNPathfinder@vumc.org, or on our website via live chat. We’re here to support you.