At Torrance Memorial Medical Center, we know there is much more to healing than the diagnoses and treatments that heal our bodies. To help you on the road to wellness, the medical center offers a wide variety of support groups that nurture the mind and spirit. Whether you need information, guidance or simply companionship, you are invited to take advantage of these helpful groups.
Cancer
Addressing the needs of the mind and spirit of those experiencing a cancer diagnosis can be as important as addressing physical needs. The Torrance Memorial Hunt Cancer Institute offers cancer support groups, as well as information on cancer support groups in the community and web-based support groups for cancer patients and loved ones.
Learn More About Cancer Support Groups
Cardiovascular
Aphasia Support Group
For patients who are unable to communicate after stroke. Meetings are held Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. For more information, call (310) 325-9110 x 1009.
Stroke Support Group
A monthly support group for those recovering from a stroke. Family members are welcome to attend. Offered the first Wednesday of every month at 10am in the Health Conference Center Room #3.
Call 310-325-9110 x1008 for information. Ask for Tami or Wanda.
"Take Heart" Support Group
A peer support group for individuals with heart disease and their significant others. Our goal is to help you establish stronger support systems by offering reassurance, comfort, support and fellowship. In a roundtable discussion environment, "Take Heart" is facilitated by a person who has experienced a cardiac event. This service is offered free. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Call 310-517-4737 for more information.
Caregiver
Caregiver Support Group
An ongoing resource to provide information, nurturing, and support to persons providing care for another, directly or indirectly. Come by yourself or bring someone who is important to you. The group is led by a licensed clinical social worker and meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM; however, it is not necessary to attend every week. First session free, each session thereafter is $2.00. Location: West Tower, 5th floor, Room H. (Please note: Location is subject to change.)
Call Torrance Memorial Community Programs at 310-517-4711 for more information or to confirm meeting room location.
Diabetes
Diabetes Support Group
This support group will provide education and mutual encouragement with special speakers. Afternoon sessions are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Torrance Memorial Speciality Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room. Evening sessions are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Torrance Memorial's Healthcare Conference Center, Room #1. For additional information call 310-784-3792.
Grief and Bereavement
Bereavement Support Group
Drop-in meetings are offered twice weekly at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center Health Conference Center. Guests are welcome to come Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and/or Thursday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Open to everyone, these meetings provide immediate support. No reservations are required.
Neurological
Parkinson's Disease Support Groups
Groups meet monthly for discussion and sharing on a variety of topics related to Parkinson's disease. Open to those with Parkinson's, their family members and friends.
Call 310-316-7513 for more information.
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Are you a younger person with Parkinson's Disease? Connect with others close to your age facing similar challenges living with PD. Our monthly meetings provide an opportunity for gaining information and mutual support with others who share similar concerns and interests. Meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 2:00- 4:00pm.
Call Mauricio Sanchez at 310-325-9110 x7847 for more information.
South Bay Muscular Dystrophy Association
Meets the last Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested may attend.
Call the South Bay MDA at 310-450-9032 for more information.
Pulmonary
COPD Support Group
An exciting support group that will provide information and education to graduates of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program and the community, living with chronic lung conditions. Families and caregivers are also welcome to attend. The support group meets every 8 weeks at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Call 310-784-4885 for more information.
Other Conditions and Support
Amputee Support Group
A group that meets quarterly in collaboration with the Mutual Amputee Aid Foundation. This is a free group offered to those who have just recently experienced an amputation or have had one for a while. Friends and families of amputees are also welcome.
For more information call 310-530-6711.
Burn Support Group
Designed to meet the special needs of burn patients and their families by assisting them in dealing with the physical and emotional problems related to burn injuries. Group members also have the unique opportunity to receive valuable educational information on continuing care of burn injuries from physicians and other specialists.
For more information call 310-517-4727.
Depression Support Group
An ongoing support group for people dealing with depression or bipolar disorder. Meets every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 10:00 am to noon in the West Tower at Torrance Memorial. Room assignment varies, please check the roster near the elevator and by each door. For additional information call Bryan, 415-306-2658 or Sachi, 310-378-1003, from Depression Bipolar Support Alliance.
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and meets from 1 pm to 3 pm on the second Saturday of the month. A voluntary $2 donation is requested.
For more information, call 310-519-8961.
Ostomy Support Group
Provides education and emotional support for ostomates. The group is facilitated by two certified enterostomal therapists. Meetings monthly at 7:30 p.m.
Call 310-784-6838 for more information.
Anonymous Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous
Meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Kim Nakae, 310-784-4879.
Marijuana Anonymous
Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call 310-784-4879.
Narcotics Anonymous
For more information, call 310-784-4879.
Nicotine Anonymous
A weekly support group for people who are quitting smoking, this group is on-going and drop-in. Based on a 12-step format, the group is open to people who have quit smoking and who are trying to quit. Sessions are free. Meetings are on Monday nights in McMillan Medical Building, 3333 Skypark Drive, Ste. 300, from 7:00-8:30 pm. Call 310-517-4701 for more information.