Frequently Asked Questions about REACH Support Groups
What if I’m interested in joining a REACH support group?
If you’re interested in a drop-in group, you can either talk with a REACH (Risk Evaluation and Counseling for Health) counselor to learn more about the group, or just show up at 7:00 p.m. on the night of the group. If you’re interested in an ongoing group, you must talk with a REACH counselor, who can schedule you for a REACH intake appointment. During this appointment, you’ll meet with the counselor to discuss your interest in the group and your personal history. From there, you and the counselor will determine whether a REACH group would be appropriate, and, if it is, he or she can recommend you for the waitlist for a group. To contact a REACH counselor, call 415-476-3902 and ask for the REACH Program.
How long are the waitlists for an ongoing group?
Waits can range from a couple of weeks to several months based on a number of factors, including: the current demand for the group(s), the number of openings, and your availability. While on the waitlist, you will receive monthly telephone reminders that you are on the waitlist and that you may attend relevant drop-in groups.
When do ongoing groups meet?
Ongoing groups are held Monday through Thursday nights. Meetings typically last two hours. Most groups meet from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
When I get into an ongoing group, is everyone else in the group new?
Generally not. In most cases, you’re entering a group that includes men who recently completed a “cycle” of the group and want to continue in another cycle. That is, after a 14-week group ends, we generally start another cycle of that group on the same night, and people who have completed the previous cycle often choose to continue in the new cycle.
What goes on during ongoing or drop-in group meetings?
Each group meeting—whether ongoing or drop-in—starts with a check in, during which members share what’s going on for them, what they hope to get from group that night, and whether they have a particular topic they want to address. After check-in, groups decide what topics to cover. In most groups, there’s a 10-minute break about halfway through the meeting. Near the end of the meeting, members “check out” by briefly reflecting on the night’s experience.
In most ongoing groups, time is spent in the first week reviewing group guidelines, helping members set personal goals, finding out what members want to get from the group, and brainstorming topics that members would like to discuss during the course of the group. Throughout the course of the group, members will revisit their personal goals and evaluate their progress toward achieving them.
Who facilitates groups?
Most groups have two co-facilitators who may be REACH staff counselors, trained, graduate-level intern counselors, or volunteers. REACH volunteers are peers who have been trained to facilitate groups and are supervised by REACH program staff. Facilitators include men and women, who may be HIV-positive or HIV-negative, gay or straight.
Do you encourage group members to become friends?
Yes, if members are interested in this opportunity. However, dating between members in the same group is not permitted because, among other reasons, such situations are almost invariably harmful to the group’s ability to support each member.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Please call 415-476-3902 and ask for the REACH Program.
