Supporting Family Caregivers

Source: The Osborn

In 2025, an estimated 63 million Americans identified themselves as a caregiver (AARP). November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month, and is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the profound impact caregivers have on families. As a caregiver, significant time and energy is devoted to ensuring the well-being of your loved one. The decision to become a caregiver for a family member often allows your loved ones to remain in comfortable and familiar environments. However, the added responsibility of caregiving can lead to increased stress when you, the caregiver, are not adequately supported.

The experience of burnout or isolation is widespread for caregivers and an option to prevent or manage those common but unpleasant experiences is therapeutic intervention. Individual therapy can provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for caregivers to process your own personal challenges. Because caregivers frequently de-center their own needs, therapy offers an opportunity to refocus on your well-being. It can also serve as routine respite, allowing you to recharge and remain present in your caregiving roles. 

Caregiver support groups offer another valuable source of support. Joining a community of people who truly understand the caregiving experience can ease feelings of loneliness and isolation. These groups also provide you with opportunities to share and receive advice that could decrease the impact of barriers and stressors related to caregiving. Because caregiving requires strong problem-solving skills, access to shared knowledge and resources can greatly enhance your ability to provide high-quality care. A connected network of caregivers can empower its members and ultimately strengthen the care provided to loved ones. 

Source: Circle Center Instagram

I had the opportunity early in my career to see the benefit of caregivers becoming a part of a community. During my time at Circle Center as a social work intern, I was able to connect with several amazing and dedicated caregivers. I especially valued meeting caregivers when they first came to Circle Center, building ongoing connections with them, and hearing their stories. I had the pleasure of listening to caregivers share how increased support and community were invaluable for both their own mental health and the mental health of the loved ones they care for.

Caregivers are remarkable, resilient individuals but you need care and support, too. If you are interested in connecting with an individual therapist, RVA Counseling has a variety of qualified mental health professionals to help and support you as a person and in your role as a caregiver. To get started with scheduling your appointment at RVA Counseling, call 804-716-0428 or email scheduling@rvacounseling.com. 

Below are local caregiver support groups:

Circle Center 

4900 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23230

Monthly Caregiver Support Group

When: 2nd Thursday at 4:30 pm (virtual)

4th Thursday at 2:30 pm (in-person at Circle Center)

Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group

When: 1st Tuesday at 6:00 pm (in-person at Circle Center or virtual) 

For more information contact Jay Burkhardt (Director of Social Work at Circle Center and Group Facilitator) at (804)-355-5717 or at  jburkhardt@circlecenterva.org

Candor Therapy Network

112 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220

Caregiver Support Group Therapy

Accepts all major commercial insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid

When: Tuesdays at 5pm

For more information call 703-249-9890 or visit their website at https://www.candortherapynetwork.com/grouptherapy 

AARP. Caregiving in the US 2025. (2025). https://doi.org/10.26419/ppi.00373.001