Support Groups

The Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center is pleased to offer two free support groups, where clients can connect with others facing similar challenges. There is no charge for participation and it is not necessary to be a client at AATC to attend either support group. However, before coming for the first time, please call the center to determine whether attendance at the meeting would be beneficial for you.

Anxiety & Panic
This group is informal in nature and is most helpful when used as an adjunct to individual therapy – either at AATC or elsewhere. The first hour of the session is devoted to discussions, sharing one’s own experiences and offering support to others. The latter part of the meeting is spent planning individualized “goals” for gradually overcoming one’s anxiety between group sessions. While this support group is primarily for people experiencing panic disorder and agoraphobia, those experiencing other types of anxiety may also attend, with the understanding that their experiences may differ from the experiences of other group members.

The group is led by Dr. Amy Young and is scheduled bi-weekly on Monday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dr. Young can be reached at 610-667-6490, ext. 23.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
This group is sponsored by the Philadelphia Affiliate of the OC Foundation and is scheduled bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings from 8 – 10 p.m.  The main objective of the  group is to help each member develop self-help skills in an atmosphere that offers emotional and practical support.   The format consists of open discussion on a variety of topics chosen by the members, small group discussion to focus on individualized goal planning, and an opportunity to socialize informally with other members.  The group is chaired by a recovering OCD sufferer with a therapist in attendance and is open to all individuals who suffer from OCD.

Since the purpose of the meeting is to provide a peer support system and information exchange, only OCD sufferers are welcome to attend. A support meeting for family and friends is offered at the Center at the same time.