Peer Support
With deep roots in some of Whitman-Walker’s earliest programs, Peer Support Services offers support groups for a variety of LGBTQ+ focused support groups. Whether it’s relationships, self-esteem, transitioning, managing chronic conditions, or something else, peer support is a great way to connect for help.
Our dedicated peer volunteers are not licensed mental health professionals. However, they complete extensive training delivered by Whitman-Walker Behavioral Health staff, and receive ongoing supervision and support.
You do not have to be a medical patient at Whitman-Walker to engage in peer support groups. All Peer Support Services are free of charge, but we do encourage donations. If during your enrollment in peer support you or we determine that a professional or higher level of care would better address your needs or goals, we’ll help you connect.
See below for descriptions of programs and groups.
Contact
For more information, to inquire about enrolling in group support, or to find out how to be a peer volunteer, please call the Peer Support Services Coordinator at 202.939.7646 or email peersupport@whitman-walker.org. An initial screening appointment is necessary for admission.
- Format: daytime and evening groups
- Location: Peer Support services are offered virtually during COVID-19, but would usually be at Whitman-Walker at 1525 and Max Robinson Center.
Group Peer Support
Peer Support Groups focus on specific topics. Their purpose is to promote social support and wellbeing and to share knowledge and experiences on related topics. All of our Peer Support groups meet in the afternoon or evenings, some weekly and some twice a month. Contact us to see if a group is currently being held, and if there is space.
Tools for Life Change
This innovative 13-session workshop provides participants with practical tools for managing major life’s changes such as moving to a new city, getting married or fired, break ups, coming out, or a major health diagnosis.
Trans Peer Support Groups
These groups are for individuals across the gender spectrum and in any stage of gender transition. The focus of the groups is to promote social support and well-being for transgender and gender-expansive adults.
- Transfeminine Group: For individuals who identify as — or are in the discovery process about being — transfeminine.
- Transmasculine- Beyond the Binary: A group for individuals who are anywhere on the journey of being transmasculine.
- Gender Expansive Group– For individuals who identify as non-binary, gender nonconforming, and/or who are exploring their gender identity as either transmasculine or transfeminine, non-binary, a-gender, gender non-conforming, etc.
Queer Women
This group is for anyone who identifies as queer and as a woman. The conversations in this group cover a broad range of topics from relationships to work to realizing one’s full power.
Silver Circle
Groups for LGTBQ+ folks over 60. Topics range from maintaining vitality, sex, dating, and leading a fulfilling life – all through the lens of being LGBTQ+.
Newcomers
A trauma-informed group specifically for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and newcomers to the U.S. The group focuses on topics related to sexuality and gender in the midst of seeking asylum.
HIV Long-Term Survivors
A weekly group for anyone living with HIV long term. The group is dedicated to creating a supportive space to not just survive, but to thrive while living with HIV. It is open to all genders and orientations.
Living with HIV
A weekly group for all those living with HIV and open to all genders and orientations. Whether you were recently diagnosed, just now ready to manage the impact of HIV in your life, or have been actively managing HIV for an extended period of time, this community is for you. Topics may include physical and mental health; treatment; navigating relationships; disclosure; overcoming stigma, and other challenges impacting group members.
Gay Men Over 50
A group for gay men over 50 seeking to sustain their quality of life and sense of purpose in this phase of life. The group focuses on topics like relationships, dating, ageing, and health.
Currents
For same-gender loving men in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, this group engages participants in powerful conversations about living a full life with purpose.
Group Peer Support
Peer Support Groups focus on specific topics. Their purpose is to promote social support and wellbeing and to share knowledge and experiences on related topics. All of our Peer Support groups meet in the afternoon or evenings, some weekly and some twice a month. Contact us to see if a group is currently being held, and if there is space.
Tools for Life Change
This innovative 13-session workshop provides participants with practical tools for managing major life’s changes such as moving to a new city, getting married or fired, break ups, coming out, or a major health diagnosis.
Trans Peer Support Groups
These groups are for individuals across the gender spectrum and in any stage of gender transition. The focus of the groups is to promote social support and well-being for transgender and gender-expansive adults.
- Transfeminine Group: For individuals who identify as — or are in the discovery process about being — transfeminine.
- Transmasculine- Beyond the Binary: A group for individuals who are anywhere on the journey of being transmasculine.
- Gender Expansive Group- For individuals who identify as non-binary, gender nonconforming, and/or who are exploring their gender identity as either transmasculine or transfeminine, non-binary, a-gender, gender non-conforming, etc.
Queer Women
This group is for anyone who identifies as queer and as a woman. The conversations in this group cover a broad range of topics from relationships to work to realizing one’s full power.
Silver Circles
Groups for LGTBQ folks over 60. Topics range from maintaining vitality, sex, dating, and leading a fulfilling life – all through the lens of being LGBTQ.
Newcomers
A trauma-informed group specifically for LGBTQ asylum seekers and newcomers to the U.S. The group focuses on topics related to sexuality and gender in the midst of seeking asylum.
HIV Long-Term Survivors
A weekly group for anyone living with HIV long term. The group is dedicated to creating a supportive space to not just survive, but to thrive while living with HIV. It is open to all genders and orientations.
Living with HIV
A weekly group for all those living with HIV and open to all genders and orientations. Whether you were recently diagnosed, just now ready to manage the impact of HIV in your life, or have been actively managing HIV for an extended period of time, this community is for you. Topics may include physical and mental health; treatment; navigating relationships; disclosure; overcoming stigma, and other challenges impacting group members.
Gay Men Over 50
A group for gay men over 50 seeking to sustain their quality of life and sense of purpose in this phase of life. The group focuses on topics like relationships, dating, ageing, and health.
Currents
For same-gender loving men in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, this group engages participants in powerful conversations about living a full life with purpose.
