Austin’s herpes support scene is surprisingly active for a mid-size city. Between the long-running Austin HELP chapter, a social group with nearly 900 members, and affordable clinical resources, you’ve got real options for connection and care.
In-person herpes support groups in Austin
Austin HELP
- When: 1st Tuesday of each month
- Phone: (512) 247-5551
- Email: Support@austinhelp.org
- Address: P.O. Box 3583, Austin, TX 78764-3583
- What to expect: Confidential meetings limited to those with an HSV diagnosis and their significant others. They share publications and information, and meetings often end with dinner together. A non-profit chapter of the Herpes Resource Center.
Social groups and meetups
Austin H Friends. Close to 900 members in and around Austin. They hold five sponsored events per month, making it one of the most active social groups in the country. Open to ages 18+ (membership requires moderator approval). Search for them on Meetup.com.
LGBTQ+ Herpes Support Group. A dedicated group for LGBTQ+ community members living with herpes. Provides a safe space for free expression and addresses the unique challenges faced at the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and herpes stigma.
Clinical resources in Austin
Austin Public Health. Sexual Health Clinic
- Where: 15 Waller St, RBJ Health Center, 1st Floor, Austin, TX 78702
- Phone: (512) 972-5430
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–12pm and 1–5pm
- Cost: $20 for testing and treatment
- Note: Can only test for genital herpes with active symptoms (swab test). Blood tests may be available, call to confirm.
Kind Clinic. Sexual health services regardless of ability to pay.
- Central: 101 W. Koenig Ln
- South: 2800 S. I-35 Frontage Rd
- Phone: (833) 937-5463
Vivent Health (formerly AIDS Services of Austin). HIV, STD, and HCV counseling, testing, and prevention services.
Virtual and online options for Austin residents
- Herpes Opportunity virtual support calls. Facilitated group calls for people anywhere
- SPFPP virtual groups. Weekly online meetings. Visit spfpp.org
- ASHA online forums. Anonymous discussions about transmission, HSV types, and disclosure
Austin’s community is welcoming and active. With five social events a month and a long-running HELP chapter, you’ll find your people here.
