Parents, caregivers, and support people for LGBTQ+ individuals need support too! Below, you can find support groups, information, and articles on how to support your LGBTQ+ child, friend, or family member.
Support Groups for Parents & Families
PFLAG Providence
Virtual via Zoom
First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Free Registration Required, go to http://www.pflagprovidence.org to register
Zoom login will be sent to all who register by noon on day of the meeting.
In-person at The Met School
Second Tuesday of each month, 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
The Met School — Unity Building, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI 02905
No registration required.
In-person at Channing Church,
Second Monday of each month, 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Channing Memorial Church, Parish House in rear, 135 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840
No registration required.
Hope Health
Virtual LGBTQ+ Caregiver Support Group
Second Monday of the month, 5 – 6:30 p.m. ET
For more information or to register, email SupportGroups@HopeHealthCo.org or call (401) 415-4664. The meeting password will be provided upon registration. All meetings are password protected.
PFLAG Attleboro
Virtual via Zoom
Third Wednesday of the month, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Email pflagattleboro@gmail.com to register.
In person meeting
4th Wed of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM ( NO MEETING IN NOV & DEC)
Second Congregational Church in Attleboro 50 Park Street
Merrimack River Wellness – MA, ME, CT, VT & NH
Closed virtual parent groups, click the link to see specific offerings.
Youth Pride RI
Parent group during Little Unicorns youth group (caregivers of gender diverse/exploring youth ages 5-9)
Ways to Support Your LGBTQ+ Child
Articles
Other Parent Support Groups
Bradley Hospital Online Parent Support Group
Free and open to the public, for parents and concerned adults of children with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. Meets the 2nd Thursday each month, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, please call or email Chris Bdown at 401-432-1205 or email cbrown@lifespan.org with your name and email address. All welcome!
The Village for RI Foster & Adoptive Families Support Groups
All Village Support and Socialization groups provide an opportunity for all parents to get out and meet other foster and adoptive parents and to relax, and share freely in a non-judgmental zone. Experienced Village foster parents will be on-hand to provide support and answer questions. The Village generally offers childcare for all in person support groups (currently on hold due to COVID-19)! It is a great opportunity for kids to socialize with others just like them! For planning purposes, registration is required at least 24 hours in advance.
Wave Clinic Parent Group
This group is for parents of teens who use substances. In the 10 weekly sessions, held via video conference, parents will learn how to support their child through the stages of change and how to encourage positive behaviors.
E-Unstuck and On Target is an evidence based online intervention program (Kenworthy, 2018) for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and difficulty with executive function. Online learning modules teach caregivers how to support children’s executive function and behavior regulation. Learn more about E-Unstuck and On Target (PDF). To register, please call 401-432-1119. A phone intake interview will determine program eligibility.
Parent Training for Disruptive Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The Verrecchia Clinic offers a parent training group for caregivers of school-age children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who exhibit challenging, disruptive behaviors. This six-week abbreviated program introduces behavior modification techniques to help parents/caregivers learn effective ways for managing and reducing disruptive behavior in their children. Groups are offered in the fall, winter, and summer. Please contact Gina M. Marini at 401-432-1119 for more information.
Asperger/Autism Network, Rhode Island Chapter, Parent Support Group
This support group is for parent of adults or older children with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is free and meets the second Monday of each month during the school year. The group may cancel on holidays or in bad weather. Please call for more information and to verify the meeting date and time. Pre-registration required. For more information visit www.aane.org. Meeting Time: Second Monday of each month during the school year, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Contact: Toby Liebowitz, 401-762-1763.
Incredible Years: Positive Parenting for Challenging Kids
Incredible Years is a skill-building course for parents to learn effective ways to help children with behavior challenges to calm down, follow directions and get along with others.
Queer RI 