About Support Groups
Please find information about support groups in Massachusetts below. This listing is broken into groups for people with Parkinson’s and families and groups for care partners. Please contact the group facilitator if you have any questions about a particular group.
If you would like guidance in finding a group that may be a good match for you, please reach out to the APDA Information and Referral Center at BUMC at 617-638-8466 or toll-free at 800-651-8466.
How a Support Group Can Help You
Participating in a support group is a wonderful way to receive practical information and education on living with Parkinson’s disease. More importantly, members receive the support of others who truly understand.
All groups welcome new members. Each group is unique. Some have recently formed; others have been meeting for years. Some meet bi-weekly, others monthly. There are groups for individuals who are family caregivers. There are also groups for individuals diagnosed at a young age or with conditions that share similarities to parkinsonism or Parkinson’s disease, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multi Systems Atrophy (MSA) and Diffuse Lewy Body Dementia (DLB).
Some groups are organized and operated by the group members. Many receive guidance and support from social workers, nurses, psychologists, or other healthcare professionals.
The Massachusetts Chapter and APDA Information & Referral Center are committed to the ongoing development and assistance of support groups in Massachusetts. If you are interested in learning more about a specific group please call 617-638-8466 or 800-651-8466.
There are areas in the state that do not have nearby support groups. If you or someone you know is interested in helping to organize a group, please call the I & R Center and we will get you on the way to facilitating a successful group!
Find Support Groups for People with Parkinson’s in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Be sure to confirm the group’s meeting time with the group contact.
Andover, MA
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
The Robb Center at the Andover Senior Center, 30 Whittier Court, Andover, MA 01810
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of each month; 1:30 – 3:00 PM (No Meetings Jul. & Aug.)
Register: Kelly MacKay, 978-623-8320
Contact: Kristine Arakelian, LCSW, MPH
Phone: 978-623-8320
Email: karakelian@andoverma.gov
Arlington, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Temporary Meeting Location: Arlington Senior Center, Arts and Crafts Room, 27 Maple Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Meeting Time: 3rd Thursday of the month, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Contact: Joanne Sliney, BS, RN
Phone: 781-316-3405
Email: jsliney@town.arlington.ma.us
Attleboro, MA
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Sweet Community House, 44 Peck Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Meeting Time: 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 12 – 2 PM
Contact: Nicole Szeliga
Phone: 508-222-7422
Email: nszeliga@attleboroymca.org
Beverly, MA / North Shore
APDA Support Group
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Meeting Time: 2nd Friday of the month, 1-3 PM
Contact: Ray James, BS, RN
Phone: 617-638-7745
Email: rcjames@bu.edu
Note: Some meetings may not be held on the 2nd Friday of the month, please contact Ray James to confirm meeting dates.
Boston, MA / Lewy Body Dementia
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Sherrill House, 135 S Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of the month, 6-8 PM
Contact: Victoria Ruff
Phone: 617-710-0136
Email: octoryrose@yahoo.com
Bourne, MA
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information
Bourne Council on Aging, 239 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of the month; 2 – 3 PM
Contact: Jolene Cicchese, BSN, RN, CDP
Phone: 508-383-3956
Contact: Bourne Council on Aging
Phone: 508-759-0600 Ext. 5300
Brockton, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Brockton Council on Aging
Meeting at Shaw’s Center, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton
Meeting Time: 4th Friday of the month; 1 -2 PM
Contact: Brockton Council on Aging
Phone: 508-580-7811
Registration is required. Contact the COA to join.
Cambridge, MA
This support group meets in-person and via Zoom. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Youville House Assisted Living, 1573 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of every month, 3 PM
Contact: Youville House Assisted Living, attn: Yanira Burgos
Phone: 617-491-1234
Email: yaniraburgos@youvillehouse.org
Cape Cod Virtual Support Group
APDA Support Group
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Meeting Time: 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 10:00 – 11:15 AM
Register: Click here to register
Contact: APDA Information & Referral Center
Phone: 800-651-8466
Email: apdama@apdaparkinson.org
Concord, MA
This group meets via in-person and on Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Newbury Court, 100 Deaconess Road, Great Room, Concord, MA 01742
Meeting Time: 1st Monday of the month, Community Talk with guest speaker 2-3 PM (In-Person OR via Zoom)
3rd Monday of the month, 2-3 PM Care Partner discussions; 3 – 4 PM people with Parkinson’s discussion (via Zoom only)
Contact: Liz Lyng
Phone: 978-402-8205
Email: elyng@newburycourt.org
Dartmouth, MA
APDA Support Group
This group meets in-person. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Dartmouth Council on Aging, 628 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of the month; 1 – 2:30 PM
Contact: Donna Valente (for questions about the group and registration)
Phone: 617-899-1892
Email: davalente@comcast.net
Contact: Dartmouth Council on Aging (Location questions)
Phone: 508-999-4717
Falmouth, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Town of Falmouth Gus Canty Community Center, Room 1, 790 Main Street, Falmouth, MA 02540
Meeting Time: 1st Monday of the month, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Contact: Kath King
Phone: 978-394-1231
Email: kath@reliablern.com
Framingham, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person and on Zoom. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Callahan Center, 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
Meeting Time: 1st Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 PM – ZOOM Meeting
3rd Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 PM – Onsite Meeting
Contact: Lisa Ushkurnis, LICSW
Phone: 508-532-5980 ext.2
Greenfield, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact Jayne for more information.
Franklin County YMCA, 451 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
Meeting Time: 4th Tuesday of the month, 11am – 12:30pm
Contact: Jayne
Phone: 413-773-3646
Email: jtrosin@your-y.org
Hingham, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Hingham Senior Center, 224 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043-2759
Meeting Time: 4th Monday of Each Month, 11 AM– 12 PM
Contact: Leslie Vickers, RN, MS
Phone: 617-750-2275
Email: Vickers.Leslie@yahoo.com
Lynnfield, MA
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Lynnfield Senior Center, 525 Salem Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of Each Month, 10 – 11 AM
Contact: Maryann Barry
Phone: 781-960-7027
Email: mbarry@thevisitingnurses.com
Manchester, NH
This group meets in person. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Elliot at River’s Edge, First Floor Conference Room, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH 03101
Meeting Time: 3rd Wednesday of the Month; Arrival 3:15 PM, Meeting 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Contact: Michele Howe, PT
Phone: 603-663-7010
Email: mhowe@elliot-hs.org
Marion, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Location: Marion Council on Aging, 465 Mill Street, Marion, MA 02738
Meeting Time: 1st Monday of the Month; 1 – 2 PM
Contact: Sue Griffith
Email: sgriffith@marionma.gov
Contact: Marion Council on Aging
Phone: 508-748-3570
Marlborough, MA
This group meets weekly in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Marlborough Senior Center, 40 New Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
Meeting Time: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM
Contact: Jim Joubert
Phone: 508-523-3593
Martha’s Vineyard / West Tisbury, MA / Vineyard Isle Parkinsonians (VIPs)
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
The Up-Island Council on Aging (Howes House), 1042A State Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575
Meeting Time: 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30-11:30 AM
Contact: Susan Merrill
Phone: (508) 693-2896
Email: coa-outreach@westtisbury-ma.gov
Contact: Lila Fischer, RN
Email: lfischer@ihimv.org
Monterey, MA/Southern Berkshire Parkinson Support Group
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person, while allowing Zoom attendance when needed. Members are from south and central Berkshire County and eastern NY state. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Monterey Town Library, 452 Main Road, Monterey, MA 01245
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the month, 2 – 4 PM
Contact: Lin Saberski, Chair, Town of Monterey Council on Aging
Phone: (413) 528-1443 (ext. 247)
Contact: Virgil Stucker, Facilitator
Phone: 828-388-4673
Email: virgilstucker@icloud.com
Newton, MA
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitators for more information.
Virtual ZOOM Meeting Time: 1st Wednesday of the month, 2:15 – 3:30 PM
Contacts: Bob DePeron / Anna Pollard LICSW, Clinical Director, Life Care Advocates
Phone: 508-259-3395 / 617-928-5738
Email: pdclassroomma@gmail.com / apollard@lcadvocates.com
North Attleboro, MA
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Striking Beauties Fitness Studio, 18 Church Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760
Meeting Time: 3rd Saturday of the Month; 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Contact: Nancy Quintin
Phone:508-991-0857
Email: nancyquintin0814@gmail.com
Contact: Dena Paolino
Phone: 617-201-1868
Email: dena@strikingbeauties.com
Northampton, MA Support Group
APDA Support Group
A new session of this group for people with Parkinson’s will begin June 13, 2024, and will run through June 2025. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Marcia Post, LICSW, at marciapostlicsw@gmail.com by May 1st to schedule a phone call. If space is available, new participants may join through August 2024.
Hampshire Regional YMCA, Studio 2, Northampton, MA 01060
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of the Month, 2:15-3:15 PM
Contact: HRYMCA – Lynne Zusi
Phone: 413-584-7086
Email: lynne.zusi@hrymca.org
Northampton, MA/Young Onset Parkinson’s Support Group
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
*This group is designed for people with Parkinson’s of any age who were diagnosed before they were 55 years old*
Atkinson Family Practice, 6 Hatfield Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Meeting Time: 2nd Saturday of the Month, 10:00 -11:30 AM
Contact: Debra Ellis, MSPT, NCS
Phone: 413-695-6069
Email: deb@debellispt.com
Northborough, MA/Early Onset Parkinson’s Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
*This group is designed for people with Parkinson’s of any age who were diagnosed before they were 55 years old*
Northborough Free Library, 1st Floor Conference Room, 34 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532
Meeting Time: Every other Tuesday, 10 – 11 AM
Contact: Neil Towler
Phone: 508-414-8385
Email: neiltowler@gmail.com
Orleans, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Orleans Senior Center, 150 Rock Harbor Road, Orleans, MA 02653
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the Month, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Contact: Hilary Kersteen
Phone: 860-214-5615
Plymouth, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Plymouth Public Library, Main Branch, 132 South Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
Meeting Time: 3rd Thursday of the Month, 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Contact: Janet Enos, MS, ED, CPT
Phone: 508-728-2088
Email: janoots61@gmail.com
Reading, MA
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Reading Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA 01867
Meeting Time: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 1 – 2 PM
Contact: Kathy Hill, PT
Phone: 781-608-0557
Email: khillma@msn.com
Rockland, MA / South Shore
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
110 Fitness, 200B Weymouth Street, Conference Room, Rockland, MA 02370
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of the month; 1 PM
Contact: Leslie Vickers, RN, MS
Phone: 617-750-2275
Email: Vickers.Leslie@yahoo.com
Scituate, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Scituate Senior Center, 333 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA 02066
Meeting Time: 3rd Tuesday of the Month; 1-2 PM
Contact: Leslie Vickers, RN, MS
Phone: 617-750-2275
Email: Vickers.Leslie@yahoo.com
Springfield, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Springfield JCC, Adult Lounge, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the Month, 1 – 2:30 PM
Contact: Liz Martin & Corrie Trattner
Email: springfieldparkinsonsgroup@gmail.com
Sterling, MA
This group meets via hybrid model (in-person as well as via Zoom). Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road, Sterling, MA 01564
Meeting Time: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Contact: Joe O’Connor
Phone: 978-422-6612
Email: northworcparkies@yahoo.com
Tewksbury, MA
This group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Tewksbury Senior Center, 175 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876
Meeting Time: 4th Monday of each month, 10:00 AM
Register: 978-640-4480 ext. 303
Facilitator: Susan Timmons
Phone: 978-623-8320 ext. 303
Email: STimmons@Tewksbury-ma.gov
Westborough, MA
This group meets in-person weekly. Please contact the group for more information.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581
Meeting Time: Meets weekly on Fridays, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Facilitators: Tom Olson & Chip Feazel
Contact: RoseMary Morrissey
Phone: 508-898-9313
Email: wpdsg23@gmail.com
Winchester, MA – Music Therapy Group for People with Parkinson’s
This group meets in-person and via Zoom. Please contact Winchester Community Music School for more information.
Winchester Community Music School provides this program addressing the needs of people with Parkinson’s with both online and in-person options. The online group is led by Music Therapist Monika Gibbons on Fridays from 1:15 – 2:15 PM via Zoom (video or audio). The in-person group is led by Music Therapist Shayla McDermott, currently on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Winchester Community Music School. These programs are open to people at every level of musical ability and are welcoming of individuals of all backgrounds. Please contact the Music School (information listed below) for information about session dates and availability.
Click here to visit the Winchester Community Music School website to learn more.
Winchester Community Music School, 407 Highland Avenue, Winchester, MA 01890
Meeting times: Wednesday 10:00 – 11:00 AM (in-person), Friday 1:15 – 2:15 PM (via Zoom)
Contact: 781-721-2950 or wcms@winchestermusic.org
Worcester, MA
APDA Support Group
This group meets in-person. Please contact the group for more information.
UMass Memorial in Worcester – For more location details please contact the facilitator
Meeting Time: 4th Monday of the month (except May); 2-3 PM
Contact: Carolyn Griffin, Elisabeth Larrivee
Phone: 508-735-9889
Email: pdsupport@umassmemorial.org
Deep Brain Stimulation
APDA Support Group
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Meeting Time: 2nd Saturday of the Month; 10-11:30 AM
Contact: Keith J. Ciccone, BS, LPN
Phone: 617-733-8120
Email: keciccon@aol.com
Contact: Melissa Diggin, NP
Phone: 339-927-5468
Email: m_diggin@hotmail.com
Virtual Women with Parkinson’s and Young Onset Parkinson’s
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Meeting Time: First Saturday of the month; 11 AM – 12 PM
Contact: Liz Brouillard
Phone: 508-251-9404
Email: lizbroui@gmail.com
New APDA MA Virtual Support Group
APDA Support Group
This general support group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the month, 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Contact: Jules Giggie, LICSW
Email: jules.giggie@verizon.net
Phone: 617-401-1481
Young Onset Parkinson’s Group
APDA Support Group
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of Each Month, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Contact: Julianne Giggie, LICSW
Email: jules.giggie@verizon.net
Phone: 617-401-1481
Find Support Groups for Care Partners & Family Members in Massachusetts
APDA Virtual Care Partners Group
APDA Support Group
This group meets virtually twice monthly (2nd Thursday of the month & 4th Wednesday of the month). Registration takes place online.
Dates & Times: 4th Wednesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:15 PM; 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Register: Click here to register online
Contact: Sarah Singer
Email: singer.sarah.j@gmail.com
Downtown Boston Early Care Partner Support Group
APDA Support Group
This monthly support group is facilitated by Terri Trafas, LICSW and is open to care partners of people who are in early stages or recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
To learn more about this support group, including time and location in downtown Boston, please reach out to Terri Trafas LICSW via email tjtraf@hotmail.com.
Monterey, MA/Southern Berkshire Parkinson Support Group
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person, while allowing Zoom attendance when needed. Members are from south and central Berkshire County and eastern NY state. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Monterey Town Library, 452 Main Road, Monterey, MA 01245
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the month, 2 – 4 PM
Contact: Lin Saberski, Chair, Town of Monterey Council on Aging
Phone: (413) 528-1443 (ext. 247)
Contact: Virgil Stucker, Facilitator
Phone: 828-388-4673
Email: virgilstucker@icloud.com
Peabody, MA / Care Partner Support Group
This group meets via Zoom. Please contact the facilitator for more information.
Contact: Anne Muskopf, MS, OTR/L
Phone: 781-693-5069
Email: amuskopf@jfcsboston.org
Rockland, MA / Care Partners Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
110 Fitness, 200B Weymouth Street, Conference Room, Rockland, MA 02370
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the month, 10 AM
Via Zoom – 3rd Thursday of the month, 1 PM
Contact: Joan Wright, CDP, CADDCT
Phone: 781-659-2342
Email: jwright@nvna.org
Springfield, MA
APDA Support Group
This support group meets in-person. Contact the facilitator for more information.
Springfield JCC, Adult Lounge, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of the Month, 1 – 2:30 PM
Contact: Liz Martin & Corrie Trattner
Email: springfieldparkinsonsgroup@gmail.com
Waltham, MA / Adult Children of PWP Support Group OR Care Partner Groups
These groups currently meet via Zoom. There are currently three groups ongoing at various times and for various situations. please contact Anne Muskopf to learn more and to find a group that best fits your needs
Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
Meeting Time: Call for dates/times and to register
Contact: Anne Muskopf, MS, OTR/L
Phone: 781-693-5069
Email: amuskopf@jfcsboston.org
Western, MA Virtual Care Partners Support Group
APDA Support Group
This group meets virtually weekly. Care Partners do not need to live in Western MA to participate. Please contact Barbara for more information.
Dates & Times: Mondays, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Contact: Barbara Corrigan
Email: bcorrigan44@gmail.com