Arizona Support Groups

There are two different types of support groups in Arizona--Peer-led Support Groups and Professionally-led Support Groups.

 Peer-led Support Groups

RESOLVE Peer-led Support Groups are informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another, to discuss their situations and to receive support from others who have had similar experiences or who are struggling with similar issues. Group moderators are volunteers and are not mental health professionals. Attendance is free. Please contact the group host before attending your first meeting.

Don’t see a support group in your area? Want to start a new group? The first step in the process is to attend a free one-hour TeleSeminar entitled “How to Start a Peer-Led Support Group”. After you attend that training you will be given instructions on next steps in the process. We hope to make this process as simple and straightforward for you as possible, while also ensuring that our hosts have been adequately prepared for their role as group leader.

East Valley General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the Second Wednesday of every month at 6:30PM
Mimi's Cafe, 1250 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa, AZ 85210
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Nichole Clinger at NClinger05@gmail.com.

West Valley General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the second Monday of every month at 6:30PM
Paradise Bakery and Cafe, 20199 N. 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ
Please contact Brooke at brooke.kingston09@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.

Scottsdale/Paradise Valley General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the Second Monday of every month at 6:30PM
Location: Coco's Bakery Restaurant, 4514 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ
Please contact Kathy Graf at gogrl7@aol.com before attending your first meeting.

East and South Valley, Phoenix Exploring Adoption Support Group
Meets on the Third Monday of each month at 6:00PM
Lucille's BBQ (Tempe Marketplace), 2030 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Theresa MacKinnon: taheese@cox.net

Scottsdale Pregnancy and Beyond Support Group
Meets on the Third Saturday of the third month of each quarter at 10:30AM
Paradise Bakery at 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 302, Scottsdale
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Cristina Wong at Cristinalwong@gmail.com

Tempe, Men’s Support Group
Meeting dates vary - Next meeting is on April 27th at 7PM. Please RSVP by April 26th.
Dave & Busters
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Zac Janes at 602.697.0531 or zcjanes@excite.com

West and North Valley Phoenix Exploring Adoption Peer-led Support Group
Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM
Claim Jumper, 3063 W. Aqua Fria Freeway (101 Freeway, Deer Valley Center) Phoenix, AZ
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Donnie Straus at illbedmd@hotmail.com

New! Need adoption mentors! Have you already successfully adopted and would like to help others that may be overwhelmed by the process? RESOLVE would like to have volunteers that have adopted domestically or internationally, to serve as mentors. Mentoring means offering your email and/or phone support to those who would like to connect with someone who has "been there". If interested, please contact Kathy Graf at GOGRL7@aol.com

 Professionally-Led Support Groups

Professionally-led Support Groups are more structured than peer groups and form at various times throughout the year. They are led by trained and licensed therapists who are professional members of RESOLVE and specialize in assisting individuals and couples with the special challenges presented by the struggle of Infertility. Participation in professionally-led groups involves fees set by the individual therapist and a commitment to a specific number of sessions.

Glendale, Arizona
Women’s General Infertility Support Group
Meets every other Wednesday evening from 6:00PM to 7:30PM
Led by Ilyssa Swartout, Psy. D. at iswartout@aol.com or 602-548-1444
This group will focus on helping women process and understand their feelings and reactions to their diagnosis of infertility. The group sessions will focus on the longing for a child, grieving and loss, depression, anxiety and stress, stress management skills including mind/body techniques practiced, reviewing information and options, dealing with people who mean well but just don’t understand, baby showers and pregnant friends, the internet, advise givers and myths. Questions and conversation encouraged. Cost $50 per session per individual.
Initial interview $50. 4 session minimum not including initial interview. RSVP required.

Glendale, Arizona
Couples General Infertility Support Group
Meets every other Wednesday evening from 6:00PM to 7:30PM
Led by Ilyssa Swartout, Psy. D. at iswartout@aol.com or 602-548-1444
This group will help couples navigate through their journey with infertility. This group will focus on helping couples nourish their relationship; how to work together with patience, support and love; how to keep your relationship strong during the infertility process, how to enhance communication and understanding; knowing when to take a break; how to deal with people who mean well but just don’t understand; weighing medical options; and relaxation and mind/body techniques will be taught and practiced. Questions and conversation encouraged.
Cost $75 per couple per session, $75 for initial interview, 4 week minimum required to attend not including initial interview. RSVP required.

Glendale, Arizona
Ovum Donation Support Group
Meets every other Monday evening from 6:00PM to 7:30PM
Led by Ilyssa Swartout, Psy. D. at iswartout@aol.com or 602-548-1444
This group is for those individuals or couples who are considering egg or sperm donation. Topics will include: Understanding egg/sperm donation, the decision to disclose with your child and others, grief, loss and acceptance. Questions and conversation encouraged.
Cost $50 per individual per session, $75 per couple per session. 4 week commitment. RSVP required.

Glendale, Arizona
Third Party Reproduction Support Group
Meets every other Monday from 6:00PM to 7:30PM
Led by Ilyssa Swartout, Psy. D. at iswartout@aol.com or 602-548-1444
This group is for those individuals or couples who are considering egg or sperm donation. Topics include: Understanding egg/sperm donation, the decision to disclose with your child and others, grief, loss and acceptance. Questions and conversation encouraged.
Cost $50 per individual per session, $75 per couple per session, initial interview charged as the same rate as above, 4 session minimum not including initial interview. RSVP required. 

Attention Media: If you would like to talk to RESOLVE support members or leaders please contact Andy Schwarz, Media Relations, at 703.556.7172 or aschwarz@resolve.org