Herpes Support Groups in Chicago (2026)

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Chicago has one of the more active herpes support communities in the Midwest. Between the established HELP chapter, a social meetup group with hundreds of members, and strong clinical resources, you’ve got real options for connection and support.

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In-person herpes support groups in Chicago

Chicago HELP

Phone: (312) 810-8132 or (866) 660-0416 (toll-free)
Email: info@chicagohelp.org
Address: P.O. Box 2351, Chicago, IL 60690
What they offer: Education, counseling, peer support, forums, and local events. Contact them directly for current meeting schedules.

Social groups and meetups

Chicago Friends Meetup. This is the most active social group in the area with 800+ members. They organize 2-3 events per month, dinners, outings, and casual meetups. The group welcomes anyone in the Chicago area with HSV-1, HSV-2, or HPV. Find them on Meetup.com (search “Chicago Friends”).

Illinois H Friends. An online community of 780+ members that keeps everyone informed about medical advances and coordinates with the Chicago social meetup group.

Clinical resources in Chicago

Chicago Department of Public Health STI Clinics

Roseland: 200 E. 115th St., Chicago, IL 60628, (312) 747-9000
Lakeview: North Clark Street Health Clinic (5 days/week)
Austin: West Division Street Health Hub (3 days/week)
Confidential testing, treatment, and referrals

Howard Brown Health, 4025 N Sheridan Rd, (773) 388-1600. Comprehensive STI care and mental health services. Specializes in LGBTQ+ care but welcomes all patients.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Multiple Chicago locations offering testing, diagnosis, and medication management.

Virtual and online options for Chicago residents

Herpes Opportunity virtual support calls. Facilitated group calls for people nationwide
SPFPP virtual groups. Men’s group (2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:30 PM ET), Women’s group (1st & 3rd Mondays at 7:30 PM ET). Visit spfpp.org
Private Facebook groups. Several confidential groups serve Chicago and Illinois residents

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Showing up is the first step.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a herpes support group in Chicago?+

Chicago HELP is the established support organization, reachable at (312) 810-8132 or info@chicagohelp.org. The Chicago Friends Meetup group has 800+ members and organizes 2-3 social events per month. Howard Brown Health also provides sexual health services and mental health support.

Are there social events for people with herpes in Chicago?+

Yes. The Chicago Friends Meetup group organizes 2-3 events per month including dinners, outings, and social gatherings. It's a great way to build friendships in a relaxed setting.

Can I get herpes testing in Chicago without a doctor?+

Yes. The Chicago Department of Public Health runs STI clinics including the Roseland clinic at 200 E. 115th St. Howard Brown Health and Planned Parenthood of Illinois also offer walk-in testing at multiple locations.