Overview
Caregiving is one of the most meaningful things a person can do, and one of the most isolating. Parents and family members supporting a loved one with a developmental or intellectual disability often carry an enormous weight that few people around them fully understand: the appointments, the paperwork, the advocacy, the grief, the love, and the relentlessness of it all.
Support groups for caregivers don’t fix any of that. But they offer something that’s genuinely hard to find elsewhere: a room (or a Zoom call) full of people who get it without explanation. Research consistently shows that caregiver support groups reduce burnout, decrease depression, and improve the quality of care provided to loved ones. They are not a luxury, they are a tool.
This page maps what’s available locally and virtually for caregivers in the Tri-Cities.
Local — In Person and Hybrid
The Arc of Tri-Cities — Parent and Family Support Groups
The Arc runs a few options for local IDD-specific caregiver support in the Tri-Cities.
Groups include:
- Parent Support Group — for parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Better Together Facebook Group — a closed, private online community for local families navigating autism and other disabilities; created by parents, for parents
1455 SE Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352 | (509) 783-1131
arcoftricities.com/parent-family-support-calendar | Better Together Facebook Group
NAMI Tri-Cities — Family Support Group
NAMI’s Family Support Group is specifically for family members, significant others, and friends of people living with mental health conditions, not for the individuals themselves. It’s a peer-led, confidential space to share challenges, learn from others’ experiences, and feel less alone. Free, no registration required.
1177 Jadwin Ave., Richland | (509) 918-7724
namitricities.org/support-and-education/support-groups | Full Calendar
DSAMC — Tiny Tots Group and Family Connection
The Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-Columbia offers peer support specifically for families of individuals with Down syndrome, including the Tiny Tots Group for parents of young children, new parent packages for families with recent diagnoses, and community events that bring families together.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) — Benton and Franklin Counties
The ADRC connects caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities to local support groups, caregiver resources, and the Washington State Family Caregiver Support Program (see below). Free information and referral, not a support group itself, but the right call if you’re not sure which group fits your situation.
Benton County: 3311 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite D-100, Kennewick | (509) 735-0315
Franklin County: 2715 St. Andrews Loop, Suite A, Pasco | (509) 412-1013
Toll-Free (both counties): 1-855-567-0252
altcwashington.com
Washington State Family Caregiver Support Program
A state-funded program specifically for unpaid family caregivers of adults. Local staff provide one-on-one support, connect caregivers to resources, and can link you to local support groups, respite care, and training. Free or low-cost services.
Contact through your local ADRC (numbers above) or find your county program at dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/caregiver-resources
Virtual — Available From Anywhere
NAMI Family Support Group — Online
NAMI runs free, peer-led Family Support Groups via Zoom throughout the week, available nationally, meaning you can find a meeting time that works regardless of your schedule. No registration required for most groups.
nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups
NAMI Family-to-Family — Free 8-Week Course
A structured 8-week education program for family members, significant others, and friends of adults living with mental illness. Taught by trained NAMI family member volunteers. Covers understanding diagnoses, communication strategies, self-care, and navigating the mental health system. Available locally through NAMI Tri-Cities and online nationally. Free.
nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Family-to-Family
The Arc’s Better Together Facebook Group
A private, moderated Facebook community specifically for Tri-Cities families navigating autism and other disabilities. Created by local parents — the conversations are grounded in the specific reality of living in this community.
Join the group
Autism Society of America — Online Support Groups
The Autism Society runs virtual support groups for caregivers and family members of individuals with autism, available nationally. Groups meet regularly via Zoom.
autism-society.org/living-with-autism/autism-through-the-lifespan/caregiver-resources
Family Caregiver Alliance — Online Support Groups
The national Family Caregiver Alliance hosts online support groups for caregivers across a range of situations and care needs.
caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups
CareLearn Washington — Free Online Caregiver Training
Washington State’s free online learning platform for unpaid family caregivers. Includes skill-based training, disease-specific guidance, and community chat rooms where caregivers can connect with others. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/caregiver-resources
A Note on Finding the Right Group
Not every support group will feel like a fit, and that’s okay. Group dynamics, facilitator style, and who shows up vary significantly. If a group doesn’t click the first time, try a different one before giving up. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Diagnosis-specific groups (like DSAMC or autism-focused groups) offer the deepest peer understanding but may have smaller attendance
- General IDD caregiver groups (like the Arc’s Parent Support Group) cast a wider net and often have more consistent attendance
- Mental health caregiver groups (like NAMI’s Family Support Group) are a better fit when a co-occurring mental health condition is the primary concern
- Virtual groups let you attend without arranging childcare, transportation, or respite — a real barrier for many caregivers
- CAA — if you’re not sure where to start, our team can often point you toward the right group based on your specific situation
You don’t need to be in crisis to go to a support group. You just need to show up.
Contact Columbia Ability Alliance | NAMI Tri-Cities | Arc of Tri-Cities | Washington 2-1-1
