What support resources does RESOLVE offer?
RESOLVE offers peer-led and professionally led support groups for people facing infertility and family-building challenges. It also lists crisis contacts and ways to reach staff for support-group questions.
Last updated October 30, 2026What support resources does RESOLVE offer?
RESOLVE’s main support offering is a support group directory with both peer-led and professionally led groups for people facing infertility and family-building challenges. The groups are meant to create connection, shared understanding, and a safe place to talk about the emotional side of the journey RESOLVE.
What kinds of support groups are available?
There are two main types of groups: peer-led support groups and professionally led support groups. Peer-led groups are run by RESOLVE volunteers, while professionally led groups are organized and led by state licensed mental health professionals RESOLVE.
Peer-led groups come in two formats. Some meet in person in local communities, and some meet virtually through platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual groups are often organized around specific topics or audiences, and many are open regardless of location unless the group description limits attendance by state or region RESOLVE.
Professionally led groups are different in a few important ways. They are led by licensed mental health professionals, are often only open to in-state patients, and may include intake or consultation appointments before the group begins. These groups are not always free, because professionals can charge for their services RESOLVE.
How do peer-led support groups work?
Peer-led support groups are designed to bring together people with similar struggles so they can share experiences, support one another, and exchange resources. RESOLVE says volunteers receive training, but they do not give advice or act as professionals, and the groups are not a replacement for private counseling or professionally led support RESOLVE.
The structure is usually flexible rather than formal. Group sizes vary, meetings are often “drop in” in nature, and the same people may not attend every time. Sessions are generally about one hour long, though the volunteer can end the meeting earlier depending on how the discussion is flowing RESOLVE.
That flexibility can make peer-led groups feel lower-pressure for someone who is not ready for a more formal setting. It also means participants can choose how much they want to share. The guidance says each member stays in control of what personal information and emotion they bring to the group RESOLVE.
What makes professionally led groups different?
Professionally led groups are intended to give participants a clinically supported space to process feelings related to infertility or family building. They are led by state licensed mental health professionals, and the group sizes, schedules, and attendance patterns vary by group. Many groups have about 8 to 10 individuals or 4 to 5 couples, but attendance can differ RESOLVE.
Because these groups are professional services, they may involve an intake or consultation before joining, and they may not be free. For someone who wants mental health guidance alongside emotional support from peers, that structure may be a better fit than a volunteer-led group RESOLVE.
Who might benefit from joining a support group?
RESOLVE suggests support groups for people who feel lonely or isolated, do not have many people to talk to about infertility, feel misunderstood by friends or family, or are struggling with the stress of treatment and family-building decisions. It also names situations like difficulty coping with holidays, family gatherings, or the sense that life plans are out of control RESOLVE.
These groups are not limited to one path to parenthood. Participants can include people dealing with a variety of medical conditions that cause infertility, as well as people building a family through options such as adoption or surrogacy RESOLVE.
What if no group feels like a fit?
A group does not have to be the right match on the first try. RESOLVE says it can help to attend for a few weeks, talk with the volunteer leader about what is or is not working, and then consider a different group if the fit still does not feel right. If needs still are not being met, RESOLVE says staff can help explore other options RESOLVE.
It also draws a clear line between support groups and counseling. Peer-led support groups are not substitutes for mental health care, and if support group participation does not seem appropriate, RESOLVE recommends reaching out to a mental health professional or finding a professionally led group RESOLVE.
What crisis and emergency resources are listed?
Alongside support groups, RESOLVE lists several emergency and self-care resources for people in distress. These include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, The Trevor Project, the Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio, the Veterans Crisis Line, and the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline RESOLVE.
That matters because fertility and family-building stress can be intense, and emotional support sometimes needs to go beyond a group setting. The listed resources include 24/7 options such as phone lines and text support, which can be used when immediate help is needed RESOLVE.
How can someone contact RESOLVE about support groups?
For questions or concerns about support groups, RESOLVE lists a phone number and an email address for its support-group staff. It also says mental health professionals who want to start a professionally led support group can contact the organization directly RESOLVE.
There are also additional recorded videos about emotional support during the infertility journey, including topics like making the transition from an OB-GYN to an infertility specialist and finding mental and emotional support during treatment. Those can be useful for people who want more context, even if they are not ready to join a group yet RESOLVE.
Bottom line
RESOLVE’s support offerings center on connection. If someone wants to meet others who understand infertility or family-building stress, a peer-led group may offer shared experience and practical support. If someone wants a more clinically guided setting, a professionally led group may be a better fit. And if things feel urgent, RESOLVE also points to crisis resources that can help right away RESOLVE.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between peer-led and professionally led support groups?
Peer-led groups are run by trained volunteers and focus on shared experience, while professionally led groups are led by licensed mental health professionals. Peer-led groups are not a substitute for counseling, and professionally led groups may have intake steps and fees. Both are meant to support people dealing with infertility or family-building stress.
Are RESOLVE support groups only for people with infertility?
No. Support groups can include people with a range of medical conditions that cause infertility, as well as people pursuing family-building through adoption, surrogacy, and other paths. The common thread is the emotional experience of building a family while facing obstacles or uncertainty.
Can I join a virtual support group if I live in another state?
Often, yes. Many virtual peer-led groups are open regardless of location unless the group description says otherwise, such as limiting attendance to residents of a particular state. Availability depends on the individual group listing, not just the fact that it is virtual.
Are support groups meant to replace therapy?
No. Peer-led support groups are not intended to replace private counseling or a professionally led support group. They can be helpful for shared support and connection, but they are not the same as care from a mental health professional.
What if I try a group and it does not feel right?
RESOLVE says it can help to try a group for a few weeks, talk with the volunteer leader about what is or is not working, and consider a different group if needed. If support group needs still are not being met, staff can help explore other options.