Cedars-Sinai's Patient Support Groups:
Providing Service to Our Community

After experiencing a life-changing event, whether medical or psychological, the pathway toward healing is not always easy. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, we provide comprehensive support groups that focus on assisting patients with life's changes and adjustments. Our staff is committed to treating patients with compassion, helping them to achieve their goals and providing education and support for individuals and their families.

Cancer

Groups designed to address the emotional and cultural needs of cancer patients and survivors

Brain Tumor Support Group
RSVP a week prior to the meeting. Light refreshments will be served.
Last Wednesday of Every Month - 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Jennice Vilhauer, PhD - Phone: (310) 423-4758
8631 W. Third Street, East Tower, Across from Suite 800

Colon Cancer Support Group
First Wednesday of each month - 3 p.m.
Contact: Ellen Creamer, LCSW
Phone: (310) 423-1582

Breast Cancer Support Group
Every Wednesday - 3 p.m.
Contact: Barbara Cowen, LCSW
Phone: (310) 423-2749

Lung Cancer Support Group
First Monday of each month - 4 p.m.
Contact: Donato Kusuanco
Phone: (310) 423-1850

Prostate Cancer Educational Support Group
Meets Quarterly - July 18 and October 17, 2007
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Harvey Morse Conference Center
Phone: (310) 423-7600
Website: www.cedars-sinai.edu/prostate

Early Childhood

First Weeks for New Moms and Babies
Wednesdays - Call for time
Contact: Marilee Harthing, RN, MST
Phone: (310) 423-1510

NICU Graduates Support Group
Wednesdays - Call for time
Contact: Marilee Harthing, RN, MST
Phone: (310) 423-1510

Regional Center Vendor Support Group
Tuesdays - Call for time
Contact: Marilee Harthing, RN, MST
Phone: (310) 423-1510

Parent and Toddler Support Group
Tuesdays and Wednesdays - Call for times
Contact: Marilee Harthing, RN, MST
Phone: (310) 423-1510

Postpartum Depression Support Group
Call for day and time
Contact: Marilee Harthing, RN, MST
Phone: (310) 423-1510

Heart
Support groups that educate cardiac patients

Cardiac Support Group*
Wednesdays - 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Jeffrey Tirengel, PsyD, MPH
Phone: (310) 423-9660

Heart Families
(A group in which trained volunteers visit cardiology patients to offer education and support)
First Monday of every other month - 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Barbara Cowen, LCSW
Phone: (310) 423-2749

Parkinson's and Stroke
Educational groups for patients and families

American Parkinson Disease Association Support Group
First Thursday of each month - 2 p.m.
Thalians Mental Health Center, 2nd Floor Cafeteria
Contact: Linda O'Connor, LCSW
Phone: (310) 423-0837

"Yes I Can" Stroke Support Group
Second Thursday of each month - 2 p.m.
Contact: Terri Lukomski, PT
Phone: (310) 423-6765

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Support Group

Monthly support group for those diagnosed with PCOS.
Second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Sharlout Moradian
Phone: (310) 423-9964

Psychology and Mental Health

Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Alateen Support Groups
(Self-help groups that provide ongoing support to individuals coping with addiction issues of their own or in their families)
Days, times and locations vary
Contact: Laurie Rissen
Phone: (310) 423-3439

Compassionate Friends
(Self-help group for parents who are grieving the loss of a baby)
Second Tuesday of each month - 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Laurie Rissen
Phone: (310) 423-3439

Weight Loss Surgery Support Groups
Groups designed to aid those who have had weight loss surgery

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group I
(For those contemplating surgery and those who underwent surgery within the past year)
Second and fourth Tuesday of each month - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Thalians Mental Health Center, Room 211 West
Contact: Center for Weight Loss Surgery
Phone: (310) 423-8350

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group II
(For those who underwent surgery more than one year ago)
First and third Tuesdays of each month - 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Thalians Mental Health Center, Room 135 West
Contact: Center for Weight Loss Surgery
Phone: (310) 423-8350

Women's Health
Groups that provide support and education for families of newborn babies

Good Beginnings
(Educational meetings for parents with premature babies)
Tuesdays - 7 p.m.
Contact: Dorothy Williams
Phone: (310) 423-6389

Breastfeeding Support Group
(New mothers and moms that cannot breastfeed)
Wednesdays - 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Marilee Harthing, RN, MST
Phone: (310) 423-1510

Other

Brain Aneurysm Support Group
For patients with brain aneurysms and their families. RSVP a week prior to the meeting. Light refreshments will be served.
Second Wednesday of Every Month - 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Jennice Vilhauer, PhD - (310) 423-4758
8631 W. Third Street, East Tower, Across from Suite 800

ESCAPE: Education and Supportive Care for Pancreatitis
(Provides support for pancreatic diseases patients and their loved ones)
Third Tuesday of each month - 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Michelle Justis, RN
Phone: (310) 423-6455

Macular Degeneration Support Group
Fourth Monday of each month - Noon
Contact: Judith Delgado
Phone: (310) 423-6455

Physical Disability Life Adjustment Group
(Facilitated psychotherapeutic group with weekly group discussions that include rehabilitation issues and building inner strength)
Every other Tuesday - 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Michael Glewski, PhD
Phone: (310) 423-2715

Pituitary Support Group
(Aims to create an environment of support to enhance emotional and physical well being)
Monthly on Mondays - Times vary
Contact: Rosa Lopez, RN
Phone: (310) 423-3395

Visualization and Art Therapy Group
(Helps with stress management by looking inward to discover and strengthen coping skills)
Tuesdays - 10 a.m.
Contact: Lynn Weiss
Phone: (310) 423-0638

*This support group requires a minimal fee.

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