Support groups provide information and allow participants to share experiences, fears, and feelings with others who are concerned about herpes.
If you’re looking for support, Feel free to join thousands of others who are part of ASHA’s STI support forum hosted through Inspire.com. online (free registration required). This forum allows users to post and interact with others but that’s not necessary to participate: You can simply choose to search the hundreds of discussions covering STI topics such as testing, treatment, transmission, and talking with partners. Note that the forum doesn’t offer direct medical advice or opinions regarding symptoms (we can offer referrals to a free clinic, though, no problem).
The groups listed here are not sponsored or endorsed by ASHA, and are entirely responsible for their activities and the content of their websites.
Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP)
SPFPP offers dedicated support for both men and women, providing a space where you can talk openly about your experience, heal emotionally, and connect with others who understand. Whether you’re seeking individual support or a group setting, SPFPP offers resources to help you navigate herpes stigma, disclose your status with confidence, and reclaim your sense of self.
Honeycomb Support Forum
This is a discussion forum for people affected by herpes simplex virus (HSV) with more than 70,000 members where you can talk openly and honestly. If you’ve been feeling afraid, alone, isolated or confused prepare to feel a whole lot better. You are among friends here and our support crew can help you realize just how normal and common this skin condition is.
The STI Project Private Facebook Group
Support group helping people with HSV break through fear, shame, & stigma! If you feel overwhelmed about having herpes, or simply, you’re stuck wrestling with the immense stigma that comes with a herpes diagnosis, then you’re in the right place!
Below is a listing of local support groups in various states in the U.S. You can also search MeetUp.com for more herpes support groups and meetups in your area.
CA
Bay Area Friends
San Francisco, CA
www.bayareafriends.org
Bay Area Friends Meetup
IN
Indy HELP
Indianapolis, IN
www.indyhelp.com
MI
Metro Detroit HELP
Detroit, MI
https://www.metrodetroithelp.org/
ON
Toronto HELP
c/o The Phoenix Association
Toronto, ON
(416) 449-0876
www.torontoherpes.com
Last update: 04/2025
Herpes may raise strong emotional issues, especially in the first few weeks or months after a diagnosis. Some people initially feel embarrassment, shame, anger, or depression. The good news is that these emotions tend to fade away over time. Some studies have shown that even
ASHA answers many questions from the public about STIs, including about genital herpes. Here we offer five things to know about how to manage this common infection.
Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Learn more about all your STI testing options.
Herpes is a very common viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). I can cause sores on the mouth or face or in the genital area. Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be treated.
The STI National Plan has now been amended to add genital herpes as a priority.
In this two-part episode of ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast, Terri Warren, RN, ANP explains many approaches to diagnosing herpes as well as strategies to effectively manage herpes in a relationship and deal with the emotional aspects of the diagnosis.
The U.S. Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) has advised against routine screening for herpes in adolescents, adults, and pregnant women.
Think you can tell that a rash or sore is a genital herpes infection just by looking at it? If you said “no,” you’re right. You can’t. And neither can your healthcare provider.
We need to know if we can keep you company during this visit. We are useful for making this site work.