Support Groups & Classes

Due to the State of Washington’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” order, all in-person support groups and classes are cancelled at this time. Some support groups are holding virtual meetings via Zoom.

Harborview Medical Center

Amputation

Amputee (Virtual) Support Group
Weekly meetings providing information, guidance and support are open to patients, families, friends and community members.

Harborview Amputee Support Group website

Burns

Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) Counseling
One-on-one meetings are available for burn survivors or family members who wish to talk to a fellow survivor.

Mental illness

Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance
A peer-based group for consumers, family and friends of those with mental health challenges.

Family and Friends of Persons with Mental Illness (NAMI Support Group)
This support group is facilitated by Harborview’s social work staff and is co-sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).

Neurology, neurological surgery and neuromuscular conditions

Brain Aneurysm Support Group
Come listen to the experiences of other people with brain aneurysms and their families and caregivers, share your own as you desire and hear presentations from healthcare professionals.

  • Contact: Pat Blissitt, nurse educator/clinical nurse, 206.744.3545 or email, to register and for location and other details
     

Brain Injury Inpatient Support Group
The Brain Injury Support Group is for families and friends or patients who are currently at Harborview in the intensive care, neuroscience specialty, acute care or rehabilitation units with brain injuries from concussion, aneurysm, stroke, tumor, trauma or other causes.

  • When: Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
  • Where: Harborview 2 West Hospital, conference room 81
  • Contact: Pat Blissitt, nurse educator/clinical nurse, 206.744.3545 or email, for more information on brain injury and recovery or related health issues
     

Brain Injury Support Group
Whether you have had a brain injury or you know someone who has, come and talk about issues relating to recovery. Learn more about brain injury by meeting with others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Sponsored by the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington.

  • When: First Thursday of the month, 12-1:45 p.m.
  • Where: Norm Maleng Building, main floor, room MB118
  • Contact: Michele Kauffmann, 206.535.0920 or email, or Joel Laguatan, 206.948.8552 or email
     

Epilepsy Education and Discussion
This group is for adults living with epilepsy and their family members. Learn about epilepsy, depression and avoiding seizure triggers. Co-sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest and the Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview.

  • When: First Wednesday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
  • Where: Norm Maleng Building, room MB112
  • Contact: Kevin Koppes, 206.547.4551, email
     

UW Medicine Virtual Stroke Club
UW Medicine Virtual Stroke Club is a free resource available to all stroke survivors and caregivers. The group is to help lay the foundation for recovery and transition into life after a stroke. Members of the UW Medicine stroke care team will be available to answer questions and review educational topics.

Substance abuse

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
These groups are led by volunteers.

  • When: “Lounge Lizards No More” group meets Wednesdays at 12 p.m.
  • Where: Patricia Bracelin Steel Building, first floor, room PS 1055
  • Contact: AA Intergroup, 206.587.2838, for locations of other Seattle meetings
     

Alcohol/Drug Contemplation Group
Support for people who think they might have a problem with alcohol or drugs and want help accessing treatment and support.

  • When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1-2 p.m.
  • Where: Patricia Bracelin Steel Building, first floor, room PS 1055
  • Contact: Adriane Tillery, 206.744.9605, or Jim Marshall, 206.744.9569

Transportation

Transportation 101
Explore transit options and services.

  • Contact: Transportation Resource Center and ADA Paratransit Evaluations, 206.744.8747

Wellness

Knitting for Wellness
Learn how to knit and crochet for stress relief, health and fun. Bring your own needles and yarn, or borrow some from us.

  • When: Second, third and fourth Tuesdays the month, 12-1 p.m.
  • Where: Norm Maleng Building, room 118
  • Contact: 206.744.2000
     

Laughter Club
Want to be happy, indulge in aerobic exercises, boost your self-esteem and reduce stress? Come and LAUGH with us.

  • When: Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.
  • Where: Norm Maleng Building, room 118, or View Park if weather allows
  • Contact: Tita Begashaw by email 
     

Yoga at Harborview
Want to reduce some stress? Boost your self-esteem and improve your circulation? Come and do yoga with us. Practicing breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out and shape up — all at the same time. Research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, back pain, blood pressure and other conditions.

  • When: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
  • Where: 325 Ninth Avenue, Fifth Floor, Center Tower, Room 80

UW Medical Center and UWMC – Roosevelt

Bariatric surgery and weight loss management

Patients interested in meeting with one of our surgeons are required to attend or watch our bariatric seminar and take the seminar quiz prior to their appointment. Please contact our clinic to attend in-person, or watch the online version here. 

In addition to bariatric surgery and behavioral coaching, our clinic offers topical classes, including one on portion control (watch the video here), and one-on-one visits with providers from various specialties to help patients achieve optimal lifestyle and diet. Our support groups help patients learn from each other’s experiences.

Bariatric Support Group:

  • When: First Wednesday of the month, 5:00-6:30 pm.
  • Where: Online - a zoom link will be provided. Please call clinic to confirm you are on the list.

Please contact the Weight Loss Management Center at 206.598.2274 for more information.

Eat Well Be Well Nutrition Series

The following Eat Well Be Well Classes were created to provide further education on understanding how the various types of foods you eat impact your weight. Each class will guide you through how to identify, track, and balance macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. They are meant to be viewed separately with time for you to spend creating and meeting goals related to the material. The most important part of these lessons is not the information, but how you put this information into action. Please give yourself at least 2 weeks to work on the goal setting handout for each video prior to moving on to the next video. This will help you best maximize the results you get from our program.

  1. Carbohydrates and Sugars
  2. Fats and Fiber
  3. Protein and Hydration

Cancer care

Arts in Healing
Curious about your own creativity? Even if you haven’t tried making art since elementary school, you still have the natural ability to be creative. Getting in touch with your own creativity has many beneficial effects, including relaxation, fun and stress reduction.

Explore your creativity in an encouraging and supportive environment with art therapist Zandi Salstrom, MA, LMHC, ATR. No experience required. All materials provided. Open to all oncology outpatients and inpatients as well as visiting family members.

  • When: Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Waiting area between 7-SE and 7-NE, UWMC
  • Contact: Arts in Healing Program, 206.598.6313, email
     

Beauty and Cancer Program

  • Contact: Joy Murphy, 206.598.3604. To request disability accommodations, contact the Disability Services Office at least 10 days before the event at 206.543.6450 (phone) or 206-685-7264 (fax).

Childbirth, parenting and new baby classes

Congratulations – you’re going to have a baby! We have classes and workshops to help you navigate pregnancy and parenthood.

Childbirth, Parenting and New Baby Classes
Run by the Great Starts program of Parent Trust for Washington Children, classes are available at UW Medical Center – Roosevelt. Pre-registration is required for all classes.


Prenatal Lactation Classes (virtual)
Join us by Zoom on Mondays at 6 pm to learn how to make milk for your baby. You’ll meet with board certified lactation consultants from UW Medical Center for an hour via zoom. No cost – free for UW Medicine patients. The first 30 minutes will be educational content and the second 30 minutes reserved for live Q&A.

Diabetes

Diabetes Fundamentals Class Serie
This series can be done all in the same month or over multiple months. We recommend you take the classes in order.

Class 1: What is diabetes, the disease and treatment, review of acute complications and diabetes self-management (including glucose monitoring, healthy coping and strategies to promote lifestyle changes)

Class 2: Using medication safely, identifying and preventing chronic complications and strategies for addressing psychosocial issues

Class 3: Healthy eating (including meal planning; the role of carbohydrates, protein and fat; and the impact of food and drink on blood glucose)

  • When: First, second and third Tuesday of the month, 4-6 p.m.
  • Where: Diabetes Care Center, UWMC-Roosevelt
  • Contact: 206.598.4882, option 8, to register
     

Pump and CGM Options
A class for people interested in learning about current and upcoming insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) therapy options.

  • When: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 4-6 p.m.
  • Where: Diabetes Care Center, UWMC-Roosevelt
  • Contact: 206.598.4882, option 8, to register


Dexcom CGM Training
A class for people who have received Dexcom supplies and are ready to get started.

  • When: First and third Wednesday of the month, 4-6 p.m.
  • Where: Diabetes Care Center, UWMC-Roosevelt
  • Contact: 206.598.4882, option 8, to register

Heart institute

Heart Transplant Support Group

Mental health care

Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance
A peer-based group for consumers, family and friends of those with mental health challenges.

Muscular dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy Association Support Group

  • When: First Monday of the month (second Monday if the first is a holiday), 4-5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Room CC818 (8th floor, just off of the Pacific elevator lobby), UWMC


Contact: Wayne Johnson, 206.283.2183

Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

  • When: Last Tuesday of the month, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
  • Contact: Jennifer Hayes, RN, or Carolyn Spada, RN, Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, 206.598.4967, for location and more information

Spinal cord injury

Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System Forum
The Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System presents a monthly evening educational program that covers topics of interest to people with spinal cord injury and their family members, friends, physicians and allied health professionals. See the schedule and topics, or subscribe to receive notifications.

Transplant

Team Transplant
UW Medical Center's Team Transplant is a life-changing training and exercise program that began in 2001 as a way to promote fitness for transplant patients while championing organ donation awareness. It has grown into a successful and popular program and community to support transplant recipients and living donors in their return to normal life. 

Led by four-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and UWMC registered dietitian Alysun Deckert, Team Transplant participants—including transplant recipients, donors, UW employees, friends and family—are encouraged to train for running or walking events together by following a regular exercise plan and healthy diet. The team then competes in marathon events, including the Seattle Half Marathon and the Seattle Rock’n Roll Half Marathon. 

To participate, volunteer or donate, email Team Transplant. 

Heart Transplant Support Group

  • When: Usually the second Tuesday of the month
  • Where: Plaza Café conference room, UWMC, first floor
  • Contact: Miko Mergens, 206.598.6591


Lung Transplant Support Group

  • When: Second Tuesday of the month, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
  • Where: Plaza Café conference room C, UWMC, first floor
  • Contact: Angela Wagner, 206.598.2676


Kidney Transplant Support Group

  • When: Third Wednesday of the month, 10-11 a.m.
  • Where: Meets virtually via Zoom
  • Contact: Jeff Harder, 206.598.4676, or Bethany Zornes, 206.597.3791


Liver Transplant Support Group

  • When: First Tuesday of the month, 4-5 p.m.
  • Where: Plaza Café conference room A/B, UWMC, first floor
  • Contact: Stacey McCandish, 206.598.4599, or Sara Houck, 206.598.3870

UW Medicine Primary Care

Diabetes classes

This series of three classes provides you with detailed information about diabetes survival skills, self-care and planning to keep yourself healthy long-term. Take classes at your own pace — take all three in one month or take one per month for three months.

To support your diabetes self-care efforts, you will make a personal health goal at the end of each class. After the series, one-on-one sessions are available with your clinic’s registered nurse or registered dietitian to support your goals.

Classes are for established patients only. To sign up and get details about the cost, talk to your provider or call your clinic.

Our diabetes classes are covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid. Check with your insurance provider to find out if diabetes classes are a covered benefit. You need to get a referral from your provider before your first class; we are happy to help with this when you call us.

Federal Way Clinic

  • When: First three Thursdays of the month, 2-4 p.m.
  • Where: 32018 23rd Ave. S, Federal Way, WA 98003
  • Contact: 253-839-3030


Issaquah Clinic

  • When: First three Thursdays of the month, 4-6 p.m.
  • Where: 1740 NW Maple St., Suite 100, Issaquah, WA 98027
  • Contact: 425-391-3900


Kent/Des Moines Clinic

  • When: First three Thursdays of March, June, September and December, 2-4 p.m. 
  • Where: 23213 Pacific Highway South, Kent, WA 98032 
  • Contact: 206-870-8880


Northgate Clinic

  • When: First three Mondays of the month, 3-5 p.m.
  • Where: 314 NE Thornton Place, Seattle, WA 98125
  • Contact: 206-528-8000


Woodinville Clinic

  • When: First three Wednesdays of the month, 4-6 p.m.
  • Where: 17638 140th Ave. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
  • Contact: 425-485-4100

UW Medical Center – Northwest

Childbirth, parenting and new baby classes

Congratulations – you’re going to have a baby! Now comes the truly challenging part.

To help you navigate pregnancy and parenthood, UW Medical Center - Northwest offers a series of childbirth, parenting and new baby classes. All classes are offered on the UW Medical Center - Northwest campus and are run by the Great Starts program of Parent Trust for Washington Children. 

Pre-registration is required for all classes. You can register here for any class.

Great Starts™ 6-Week Series 

This series of classes meets for six weeknights. Each class is 2.5 hours long and includes evidence-based information covering all the basics of what you need to know to prepare for the birth and initial care of your baby, as well as information about postpartum adjustments and recovery. Topics and resources include:  

  • Preparing for labor and birth: including what to expect during the stages of labor, coping with emotional and physical challenges during labor/birth, how a support person/team can provide comfort in labor, hospital routines, medication options, possible medical interventions, alternatives, birth plans and postpartum recovery 
  • Breastfeeding basics: how to get off to a great start with breastfeeding and resources to help you reach your feeding goals
  • Newborn care: understanding infant communication cues, needs, reflexes, safe sleep, techniques for soothing fussy babies and daily care practice (swaddling, diapering and more) 
  • Reunion after all the babies are born 
  • Attendees receive a copy of the Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn book by Simkin, et al. 
     

Great Starts™ 3-Week Series 
This series of classes meets on three Saturdays for 5 hours each class, and includes the same content and resources as the 6-Week Series in an alternative format. 

Labor & Birth Mini-Series 
This mini-series is for parents who need a shorter class to fit into their busy schedule. It offers the same information about labor and birth as the longer series but in a condensed form (two 4-hour classes or one 8-hour class). It covers only very basic and limited information about newborn care and breastfeeding. Attendees receive a resource packet and Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn book by Simkin, et al.         

HypnoBirthing® 7-Week Series 
This class will cover the basics for achieving a truly calm and comfortable state of relaxation for birth. Through guided imagery, you can visualize and plan for your birth with less fear. We will also help you apply information in this class to breastfeeding and postpartum care of your newborns.  

The registration fee includes 17 hours of instruction, the book Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn and a practice audio CD. There is also the option to purchase a HypnoBirthing®: The Mongan Method book for an additional $16 for those who do not already have access to a copy. The series meets for seven weeknights; each class is 2.5 hours long. The course covers the following information: 

  • Preparing the body and mind for labor and birth using the Mongan HypnoBirthing® method and philosophy, hypnosis deepening and visualization 
  • Prenatal bonding and pregnancy awareness 
  • How the uterus works, and the stage of labor 
  • How fear affects labor, and how to release fear 
  • Preparing your birth plan and understanding hospital procedures 
  • Breastfeeding: basics of successful breastfeeding, proper latch, good nutrition, comfortable positioning and more. 
  • Newborn care: recognizing infant communication cues, safe sleep, calming techniques, bathing, etc.  
  • Reunion after the babies are born 
  • HypnoBirthing® audio CD 


Lamaze® 8-Week Series 
This class will meet for eight weeknights; each class is 2 hours long and will cover the basics of labor and birth, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding and newborn care, with emphasis on the philosophy and care practices recommended by Lamaze International. The Lamaze® series is structured around the Lamaze® six care practices to promote normal birth, also known as the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices. The class includes: 

  • Preparing for labor and birth using the six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices
  • Breastfeeding basics 
  • Postpartum success 
  • Newborn care class 
  • Reunion after the babies are born 
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn book by Simkin, et al. 


Newborn Care Class 
This course focuses on caring for the baby during the first few months of life. Learn about newborn capabilities, how infants communicate needs, crying and calming, sleep and sleep safety, health and illness, and daily care such as diapering, bathing and dressing. This class is 2.5 hours long. NOTE: This class is already included with each full series (Great Starts™, Lamaze® or HypnoBirthing®), however you may also sign up for the class solo if you do not need a full series.          

Working with Labor Pain – Saturday Class 
This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about ways to cope with labor contractions and ways to support a woman as she faces the challenges of labor. Focus in on hands-on practice of coping skills. This class is appropriate for first-time and experienced parents who want more practice preparing for labor coping techniques; the class is 2.5 hours long.  

Breastfeeding Basics 
This class is designed to educate parents on proper feeding techniques and positioning, how often to feed, preventing and coping with common challenges, and how partners can support breastfeeding success. This class is 2.5 hours long. NOTE: This class is already included with each full series (Great Starts™, Lamaze® or HypnoBirthing®), however, you may also sign up for the class solo if you do not need a full series. 

Life with Baby
Beyond the basics of newborn care, this class helps prepare parents for adjusting to the first year after baby’s birth. This class covers information on developing routines, getting sleep, returning to work, strengthening the couple relationship, finding a supportive network and other topics of relevance to new parents. The class is 2 hours long. Offered solo, or in combination with select birth series for a bundled discount. 

Babysafe and CPR 
This 4-hour course is taught by a certified CPR instructor. Topics include infant development, SIDS risk reduction, injury prevention and care of common injuries. Infant choking rescue and infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced. This class does not include a CPR certification card. 

Conscious Fathering 
This class provides information to help expectant fathers (and father figures) feel more involved and confident in birth and child-rearing. Topics include how to connect from day one, keeping the baby as comfortable as possible and how to cope when “everything goes wrong.” The class will also focus on how to meet the baby’s basic needs, as well as developing your own definition of the kind of father you want to be and determining how you want to interact with your child. 

Sibling Preparation for Kids 
This class is for children aged 3 to 5½ years of age, accompanied by a parent, and lasts for 1 hour. Topics include information about pregnancy, birth, how newborns behave and some of the ways that family life is affected by having a new baby in the house. 

Sibling Preparation for Parents 
This class gives expectant parents helpful tips for preparing existing children for the birth of a new baby. It is most helpful for parents whose children are 1 to 8 years old. Topics include: age-appropriate things you can do to teach your child about babies and the changes they bring, planning and preparing your child for what will happen while you are in labor and during your hospital stay, and ways to help smooth out any challenges in the early weeks and months with a new baby in the house. We will address emotional challenges, regression, safety issues, ways to help prevent or defuse the jealousy that naturally arises and ways to help your older child learn how to interact well with the baby. The class is 1 hour long and is for adults only; we ask that you find childcare for your child during this time.  

Listening Mothers 
This science-based program uses mindfulness skills to explore infant emotional development, parental self-compassion and secure attachment. The class is recommended for new mothers with babies from 0 to 6 months of age. Full class details and description available at the Community of Mindful Parenting website. 

Additional Virtual Classes

Prenatal lactation classes
Join us by Zoom on Mondays at 6 pm to learn how to make milk for your baby. You’ll meet with board certified lactation consultants from UW Medical Center for an hour via zoom. No cost – free for UW Medicine patients. The first 30 minutes will be educational content and the second 30 minutes reserved for live Q&A.

Events calendar

UW Medical Center - Northwest hosts a variety of community health classes, events and support groups. View our calendar of events.

Nutrition clinic

One-on-one teaching with a registered dietitian where you'll learn how to: 

  • Plan healthy, nutritious meals for individual lifestyles
  • Develop skills in managing your unique nutritional needs
  • Design meal plans with necessary dietary modifications


For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Diabetes Services at 206.668.1564.

Support groups

Being well involves more than your physical health and medical treatments; it’s also about your emotional health. UW Medical Center - Northwest offers a variety of support groups for patients, their families and friends. Each group is an outlet for the feelings that may emerge during treatment for serious health issues. Support groups also provide a forum for learning from other patients’ experiences or for sharing your own story. UW Medical Center - Northwest offers support groups for people facing cancer, heart disease, grief and many other problems. 

Cancer Lifeline Programs 
Cancer Lifeline provides a unique array of services – from support groups and classes to activities and presentations – aimed at optimizing the quality of life for cancer patients, survivors, families and friends. Programs are free and open to the public.  

Women’s Cancer Support Group 
Join other women in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment to talk and get support on all the different ways cancer impacts your life. Through educational speakers and open discussion, learn ways to help manage your cancer. Women with any type of cancer diagnosis are welcome at this monthly group, whether you are newly diagnosed, working your way through treatment or post-treatment. Facilitated by Basha Brownstein, MSW. 

Living with Cancer Support Group 
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead as you travel through the unfamiliar world of cancer? Come meet others who are just diagnosed, in treatment or post-treatment. Learn from educational presentations and open discussions. Family and friends are welcome. Class meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6 - 8 pm. Facilitated by Basha Brownstein, MSW. 

Stroke Support Group
This group is for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers. The class meets on the third Saturday of the month at Provail/Seattle BrainWorks, from 1 - 3 pm, except July, August and December. For more information, please visit seattleyass.com.

Wellness and education programs

Wellness education at UW Medical Center - Northwest includes a variety of activities and educational opportunities that promote prevention and self-care for many health conditions. A physician’s referral is required for some health education programs. Check each listing for contact information, dates and times. 

Cardiac Rehabilitation 
This program is designed for patients with existing cardiac disease. The goal is to restore function following a cardiac event: a heart attack, cardiac surgery or newly diagnosed heart disease. In addition to the primary focus of restoring function and prescribing exercise, cardiac rehab assists participants in identifying their cardiac risk factors (smoking, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, being overweight, diabetes control) and modifying lifestyle behavior with the hope of enhancing their quality of life. Group support and encouragement is an added benefit of this 8- to 12-week program. Physician referral is required, and the class is typically covered by medical insurance. Please call 206.668.6550 for dates, times, costs and to register. 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Adults 
Learn CPR from Medic II firefighters. Attendees will receive a participatory card. Cost is free, though donations are accepted. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Offered on the third Tuesday of each month, from 7 - 10 pm. Please call 206.668.1564 to register. 

Nutrition 
This class provides nutrition education to help you plan healthy, nutritious meals according to your dietary needs. Our registered dietitians will work with you to design a meal plan to meet your individualized needs. Many insurance carriers reimburse you for nutrition consultations if your physician has ordered the service to help treat a specific medical condition. Call 206.668.1919 to register.  

Parkinson’s Interdisciplinary Program (PIP) 
PIP provides a comprehensive approach to managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s, thus enabling people with Parkinson’s to live as independently as possible. The program involves assessments by physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language services, and a customized treatment plan. Call 206.668.1769 for more information. 

Safety and Gait Enhancement (S.A.G.E.) 
The S.A.G.E. program is designed to reduce the risk for injurious falls by improving balance and mobility skills. The program involves an initial assessment, weekly therapy sessions for four to eight weeks, and an exercise program to do daily at home. Call 206.668.1769 for a brochure or more information. 

Yoga for Parkinson’s
Taught by a certified yoga instructor, this class provides specially modified yoga poses for people with Parkinson’s disease. Drop-ins welcome. Please call 206.719.8007 for more information and to confirm class times and locations.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Find classes, events and support groups at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Valley Medical Center

Find classes, events and support groups at Valley Medical Center.