Parenting is hard, and you quickly learn why the old adage “It takes a village” is so popular. Sometimes, parents need support, whether it’s emotional, social or just needing a bit of “me” time.
We’ve assembled a list of support groups and resources that offer information and guidance for navigating parenthood for both moms and dads.
Treatment and Learning Centers
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The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC) in Rockville, MD, is a trusted nonprofit that supports children and families across the DMV with educational, therapeutic and developmental services tailored to each child’s needs. From speech-language and occupational therapy to educational evaluations, tutoring, early intervention and specialized summer programs, TLC’s multidisciplinary approach helps kids build communication, learning and life skills in a caring, family-focused environment. Parents in the region turn to TLC not just for expert clinical support, but also for programs that strengthen confidence, promote progress and empower children with diverse abilities to thrive at home, school and in the community.
- Cost: Cost varies based on services
- Location: 9975 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD
- Contact: (301) 738-9691
Parent Encouragement Program
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Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping parents in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area raise confident, resilient and emotionally healthy children. Through affordable classes, support groups and online resources grounded in positive parenting principles, PEP equips caregivers with practical tools to navigate everyday challenges — from tantrums and school stress to building strong family relationships. Whether you’re a new parent or navigating the tween and teen years, PEP offers judgment-free guidance and a supportive community that helps parents learn, grow and parent with greater confidence.
- Cost: Cost varies by service
- Location: 10100 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, MD
- Contact: (301) 929-8824
PACE
Serving parents in DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, PACE is an educational and emotional resource for first- and second-time moms. Their facilitators, who are both mental health professionals and parents, host weekly two-hour support groups sessions to discuss a variety of topics to help make parenthood a little smoother.
- Cost: $375 for their eight-week first-time moms group and $250 for their five-week second-time moms group
- Location: Sessions are held in a hybrid and virtual format based on parent and group leader needs
- Contact: hello@pacemoms.org
MONA
Mothers of North Arlington (MONA) offers fun events, playgroups, workshops and monthly gatherings for mothers at all stages of parenthood. They also offer an annual school fair where parents can learn more about education opportunities in their area.
Cost: $36 annual membership fee
Location: Events held around North Arlington
Contact: admin@monamoms.org
Mama Love Collective
This Maryland-based organization provides community and support for parents in all stages of raising their little ones. They offer programs for expecting mothers, parents of toddlers, fathers and even have groups for parents with neurodivergent children.
Cost: Varies based on program length but $400 is typical
Location: Silver Spring, MD, and virtual
Contact: Contact Form
MomCo
For parents who are looking to build community around parenthood and faith, MomCo is an international organization that does just that. There are groups all over the DMV area, including Falls Church, McLean, Springfield and White Oak. Check out the MomCo website to find a group meeting near you or to start your own chapter. They also offer virtual options for busy parents that can’t make in-person meetings.
Cost: Varies by chapter
Location: Meetings are held online and in-person throughout the DMV
Contact: info@themom.co
Postpartum Support Virginia
For new parents who are struggling with their mood or anxiety, Postpartum Support Virginia hosts support groups across the state to educate families about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and provide resources to help new and expectant mothers and their families work through these challenges. They have events in Fairfax County and Arlington, and also offer plenty of virtual options.
Cost: Free
Location: Arlington, Fairfax County and virtual
Contact: info@postpartumva.org
Fit4Mom
If you’re a mama looking for ways to stay active and build community in parenthood, Fit4Mom is a national organization with local chapters in the DMV. They offer workout classes specifically designed for prenatal and postnatal mothers including “Stroller Strides” and “Fit4Baby,” which combine cardio, strength training and core work. You can find chapters in DC, Alexandria, Southwest NoVa, Fairfax County and Montgomery County. First classes are typically free.
Cost: $25 per class with membership-based discounts available
Location: Throughout the DMV
Contact: info@fit4mom.com
Dads Achieving Discipline and Strength (DADS)
Dads who want to build community through fitness also have plenty of opportunities to do so. This program was made to connect fathers in the Alexandria area who want to feel stronger and more energized for their families. They meet from 6-7 a.m. every Friday at Revolutionary Fitness.
Cost: Included in gym membership for $297 per month
Location: 215 N. Payne St., Alexandria
Contact: (571) 317-1456
Washington Parent Picks
Voted on by locals, for locals, these are the Washington Parent Picks of 2025 for family support in the region. Looking for something more specific? Visit the website and scroll through the various businesses who were dubbed the best of the best in the region.
Washington Psychological Wellness (Winner)
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Washington Psychological Wellness is a boutique-style mental health clinic serving families in the DMV with compassionate, evidence-based therapy and coaching services for all ages. From child and teen therapy to adult, couples and family counseling, their skilled team helps clients navigate life’s challenges with personalized care in a warm, supportive environment. With convenient in-person locations in Gaithersburg and Rockville and secure telehealth options, Washington Psychological Wellness is a valuable resource for parents seeking emotional support, practical strategies and holistic wellness for their children and families.
- Cost: Cost varies by service
- Location: 1395 Piccard Drive, Suite 110, Rockville, MD; 845-F Quince Orchard Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD
- Contact: (301) 769-5878
Playful Therapy Connections (Finalist)
Playful Therapy Connections is a neurodiversity-affirming mental health practice serving children, teens, adults and families in the DMV and beyond with a range of therapy, testing and support services. Using evidence-based approaches like play therapy, sandtray, expressive arts and acceptance-focused techniques, they help clients express emotions, build social skills and strengthen family communication in ways that honor individual identity and strengths. With both virtual and in-person sessions available and specialized support for neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers, Playful Therapy Connections is a trusted resource for parents seeking compassionate, personalized support for their family’s emotional well-being.
- Cost: Cost varies by service
- Location: 10 N Jefferson St., Suite 203, Frederick, MD
- Contact: (202) 750-1028
Arbit Counseling LLC (Finalist)
Arbit Counseling is a women-owned mental health practice rooted in the Washington, DC, and Virginia community that offers compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals, kids, teens, couples and families. Their team provides tailored services that include play therapy, trauma-informed care, reproductive and adult psychiatry, and family counseling, helping parents navigate everything from anxiety and behavior challenges to life transitions and relationship stressors.
- Cost: Cost varies by service
- Location: 4545 42nd St. NW, Suite 214, Washington, DC; 4405 East-West Highway, Suite 507, Bethesda, MD
- Contact: (240) 863-2618
Facebook Groups
Social media can be a fantastic resource to connect with other parents and find information related to parenthood, schools, babysitting and more. Here is a list of trusted Facebook groups in the DMV that you can join to help build your parenting community.
Washington, DC
Maryland
Virginia
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