CTE Support
Navigate CTE-suspected challenges with an experienced, supportive team.
Whether you're noticing changes after years of repeated head impacts or supporting someone who is, you deserve a place where you're understood—not judged. These clinician-led support groups offer education, practical tools, and real connection for athletes with suspected CTE-related symptoms and the families who support them.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT
The Challenges Often Go Beyond the Physical
Repeated head trauma can affect far more than memory or concentration. It can change relationships, confidence, emotional regulation, and even your sense of identity.
For many athletes and families, these changes can feel confusing—especially when there aren't clear answers.
You may notice
- Mood changes or increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Feeling unlike yourself
- Relationship strain
- Anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm
- Uncertainty about what comes next
Although a formal CTE diagnosis cannot be made during life, symptoms deserve support, validation, and care.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO CARRY THIS ALONE
Find understanding, support, and a way forward.
Whether you're navigating suspected CTE symptoms yourself or supporting someone who is, the CTE Support groups offer more than conversation.
They provide practical guidance, professional support, and a community that understands the unique challenges of life after repeated head impacts.
Our appoach is simple, structured and proven to help athletes, veterans, and their families navigate CTE-suspected symptoms and challenges:
Clinically Guided Conversations
Led by a licensed mental health provider, each session combines compassionate discussion with evidence-informed guidance to help participants better understand and navigate the emotional, cognitive, and personal challenges associated with repeated head trauma.
Trauma-Informed Shared Understanding
Connect with others who understand the realities of these experiences. Sharing perspectives, challenges, and successes in a supportive environment can reduce isolation and foster a greater sense of connection and hope.
Practical Strategies for Everyday Life
Leave each session with tools and strategies you can apply beyond the group—from managing emotional changes and strengthening communication to building resilience and navigating daily challenges with greater confidence.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Support for both individuals and the people who stand beside them.
Whether you're experiencing changes after years of repeated head impacts or supporting someone through them, each group provides a safe, clinically guided space to connect, learn, and move forward with confidence.
Individual Support Group
For individuals experiencing suspected CTE-related symptoms or concerns after repeated head trauma.
Share your experiences, gain practical strategies, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of navigating emotional, cognitive, and identity changes.
Highlights:
- Mood and emotional regulation
- Memory and cognitive concerns
- Identity and life transitions
- Practical coping strategies
Family & Caregiver Support Group
Supporting someone you love can be overwhelming. This group provides guidance, encouragement, and a place to care for your own wellbeing while learning how to better support theirs.
Highlights:
- Understanding behavioral changes
- Effective communication strategies
- Managing stress and caregiver burnout
- Building a supportive community
What You Can Expect
Move Forward with Greater Confidence and Support.
While every journey is different, these groups are designed to help you better understand your experiences, strengthen your support system, and navigate the challenges of repeated head impacts with greater confidence.
Feel Less Alone
Connect with others who understand the unique challenges you’re facing, reducing isolation through shared experiences and meaningful support.
Build Practical Coping Strategies
Develop tools to better manage emotional changes, daily challenges, relationships, and the uncertainty that often accompanies suspected CTE-related symptoms.
Strengthen Communication
Learn healthier ways to communicate with loved ones, caregivers, and support networks while fostering greater understanding on both sides.
MEET JESSICA
Jessica Joiner LCSW, LAC, SAP
Jessica Joiner is a licensed mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive in high-pressure, high-performance environments. Her work blends evidence-based therapy with a deep understanding of the mental and emotional demands of leadership, competition, and performance, providing personalized care that supports lasting wellbeing and sustainable success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the CTE Support Groups for?
The groups are designed for individuals experiencing concerns or changes that may be related to repeated head impacts, including athletes, veterans, performers, and others with a history of repeated head trauma. A separate group is available for family members and caregivers supporting someone through these challenges.
Is the CTE Support Group the same as individual therapy?
No. These are support groups rather than individual therapy. They provide professional guidance, education, connection, and practical strategies in a group setting. Individualized mental health care may be recommended when someone needs more specialized or intensive support.
What happens during a support group session?
Sessions provide a confidential, clinician-led space to discuss challenges, learn practical coping strategies, ask questions, and connect with others who may have similar experiences. Topics may include emotional regulation, cognitive concerns, identity, relationships, stress, and navigating uncertainty.
Do I need a CTE diagnosis to participate?
No. You do not need a confirmed CTE diagnosis to seek support. The groups are intended for people experiencing changes or concerns following repeated head impacts, including those who may be exploring whether their symptoms could be related to long-term effects of head trauma.
Can family members or caregivers join?
Yes. Family members and caregivers have their own dedicated support group focused on understanding changes, improving communication, managing stress and burnout, and maintaining their own wellbeing while supporting someone they love.
Can I participate if I'm not sure what's causing the changes I'm experiencing?
Absolutely. You don’t need to have everything figured out before seeking support. If you’re noticing emotional, cognitive, behavioral, or identity changes after repeated head impacts, a support group can provide a place to talk through your experience and determine what additional support may be appropriate.