If you live in Texas, you’ve probably heard the term “herpes” at least once. Most people know someone who has been impacted by this virus. Herpes is most prevalent in the U.S. and Canada because infected people often don’t even know they carry them. Texas is not exempt from this virus. There could be people in your life who have herpes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that genital herpes affects one in six adults in the U.S. Most individuals with the virus are unaware of their infection. In Texas, the prevalence of genital herpes is high. Over 300,000 people are estimated to be living with the virus in the state.
The Top Texas Herpes Support Groups
Texas is home to many herpes support groups that provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals living with the virus. This section will overview various Texas herpes support groups, including details about their structure and activities. We will also share personal stories from individuals who have found support through these groups.
1. Positivesingles 
PositiveSingles is one of the most trusted online platforms serving as a dedicated Texas herpes support community. Designed specifically for individuals living with herpes and other STIs, it offers more than just dating opportunities—it provides a safe, private, and understanding space where members can share experiences, advice, and build meaningful connections.
What sets PositiveSingles apart is its blend of privacy, resources, and accessibility. Users can remain anonymous until they feel ready to share more, making it easier to join without hesitation. The platform also offers educational content—covering topics like disclosure, outbreak management, and safe dating practices—giving members practical tools to navigate both relationships and everyday life with herpes.
2. Austin Help
Austin HELP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting individuals living with herpes in Austin and surrounding areas. The group’s mission is to provide education and raise awareness. They aim to reduce the stigma associated with herpes. This is done through community outreach, support services, and counselling. Austin HELP creates a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals. Here, people can discuss their diagnosis openly. They can receive emotional support and access reliable information.
Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is often misunderstood. This leads to feelings of isolation and shame. Austin HELP works to break the stigma surrounding herpes. They offer individuals the tools and resources needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
3. Austin H Friends
Herpes support and social groups may be found at Austin H Friends. This Yahoo group was created to notify people about upcoming activities in and around Austin.
Members of Austin H Friends offer sporadic monthly events in addition to the group’s five monthly events. This is where you should go if you want to meet herpes sufferers in Texas.
Austin H Friends approves membership requests. Review the membership terms below. Once your application is accepted, you will receive a welcome letter with a quick rundown of their monthly activities.
4. DFW Friends
The DFW Friends group can assist people with herpes in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, region and its surroundings. The group is free for those 21 and older. It doesn’t provide dating services, but it does hold meetings on the first and second Saturdays of the month in a laid-back, social setting.
Joining this group is free of charge. Members can be in any relationship and come from all different backgrounds. We are a reasonable, amicable, and hilarious group looking to widen our social circle to have more fun and become closer to others.
5. Clear Lake H Friends
In addition to Galveston County and the neighbouring areas, Clear Lake H Friends assists Texans living with herpes in Clear Lake and Houston, Texas. Clear Lake H Friends hosts meetings, gatherings, festivals, and other activities.
No matter their age, colour, creed, sexual preference, or marital status, the group is available to anybody with a herpes diagnosis. Members also attend other herpes support groups’ activities.
This group serves the southern suburbs of Houston, including Galveston, Webster, Pearland, Alvin, Friendswood, Seabrook, Kemah, League City, Bacliff, Dickinson, San Leon, Santa Fe, La Marque, La Porte, Shoreacres, Pasadena, Deer Park, Manvel, Texas City, Hitchcock, Tiki Island, Baytown, and Channelview, as well as the Clear Lake area of Houston.
6. Houston H Friends
Houston H Friends in Houston and the surrounding areas can help people with herpes residing in Texas. This Meetup group is meant to assist people in staying informed of forthcoming events throughout the Houston Metropolitan Area. It primarily focuses on sharing social events for persons with herpes, also known as HSV. Those with HPV are also welcomed by this community (some of us have both).
Through enhanced communication, support, education, and encouragement of social gatherings. This website aims to help Houston citizens who are herpes and HPV-challenged get closer.
Sugar Land, Clear Lake, and Galveston are just a few places where we have events in addition to Houston and the Woodlands. Members also travel from San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, College Station, and Beaumont to join.
8. Houston HELP
People with herpes in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas can get support from Houston HELP. The American Social Health Association is aware of Houston HELP and supports it (ASHA).
The group meets at the Montrose Clinic every third Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Topics include dealing with the physical effects of HSV and HPV, relationships, dating, and feelings.
The group provides information and support for members who require it. Houston HELP disseminates news and bulletins to its supporters through Houston H Friends.
9. San Antonio H Friends
Those with herpes HSV1, HSV2, or HPV in San Antonio and the surrounding areas can join San Antonio H Friends, an organized social & support group. The American Social Health Association sponsors San Antonio H Friends (also San Antonio HELP) (ASHA).
The club gets together many times every month for things like movies, birthday parties, tubing, and other events. They also have quarterly support meetings. Additionally, participants organize their ad hoc group activities—the San Antonio H Friends organization.
10. LGBTQ+ Herpes Support Group – Austin Location:
The LGBTQ+ Herpes Support Group in Austin embraces individuals from the diverse LGBTQ+ community. This inclusive environment ensures that members can freely express their identities and share their experiences, knowing they will be met with acceptance and understanding. The support group recognizes the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals living with herpes. It creates a space that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
The support group in Austin offers a safe and confidential space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs related to living with herpes. The nonjudgmental environment encourages open and honest discussions about disclosure, dating, relationships, self-care, and mental well-being. By sharing their experiences, members can find support, gain insights, and develop coping strategies.
11. Herpes Outreach Project (HOP) – Fort Worth Location
The Herpes Outreach Project (HOP) in Fort Worth aims to empower individuals with herpes through education, support, and advocacy. Their meetings provide a platform for open discussions, peer support, and promoting self-acceptance. HOP also offers informational resources, referral services, and community events to foster connections and reduce the stigma associated with herpes.
12. Dallas HSV Support Group – Dallas Location
The Dallas HSV Support Group is committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental spa for herpes patients. Their meetings offer a platform for sharing experiences, discussing coping strategies, and accessing educational resources. The group also facilitates guest speaker sessions with medical professionals and hosts social gatherings to foster connections among members.
13. Lone Star Herpes Support Group – Houston Location:
The Lone Star Herpes Support Group in Houston provides a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals with herpes. Their meetings focus on fostering emotional support, sharing experiences, and providing education on managing the virus effectively. They also organize social events and offer resources for navigating relationships and intimacy with herpes.
STD Trends in Texas
Texas continues to face significant STD challenges, with rising infection rates and persistent gaps in access to care. Recent data highlights growing concerns around chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, emphasizing the need for prevention, testing, and accessible sexual health services.
San Antonio: Highest STD Rates Among Major Texas Cities
San Antonio currently reports 834 STD cases per 100,000 residents, the highest rate among Texas’ major cities and 37th nationally. Limited healthcare access contributes to the issue—19.5% of residents under 65 lack health insurance, more than double the national average. This leaves many vulnerable to undiagnosed or untreated infections.
Other major Texas city rankings:
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Austin – 49th
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Dallas – 50th
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Houston – 58th
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El Paso – 58th
Austin: Among the Nation’s High-Risk Cities
Austin remains part of the national upward trend in STD rates. CDC data shows U.S. STD infections have climbed for multiple consecutive years. In recent rankings by Innerbody Research, Austin placed 62nd among the top 100 U.S. cities for STD prevalence, underscoring ongoing public health challenges.
Houston: Still Experiencing Rising Infections
Houston ranks 58th nationwide for STD rates. CDC surveillance shows mixed trends, while chlamydia cases have declined slightly since 2016, gonorrhea has increased by 45% and syphilis by 52%. These increases highlight the urgent need for improved testing, education, and prevention programs.
Texas’ statewide trends reflect a broader national rise in STDs, reinforcing the importance of awareness, timely treatment, and expanding access to sexual health resources.
Conclusion
If you feel ready to take the next step, attending a Texas herpes support group can be life-changing. You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere, understanding peers, and information that empowers.
By participating in these groups, you can reduce feelings of isolation, gain the knowledge and tools needed to manage your health and build meaningful relationships with others who understand your journey. If you’re living with herpes in Texas, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the many available support groups. You are not alone, and help is just a group away.
Educational Websites and Articles:
- American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) – ASHA provides extensive educational resources on herpes and other sexual health topics.
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—Herpes Information—This is a reliable source for information on herpes, including prevention and management.
- Mayo Clinic – Genital Herpes – Mayo Clinic offers detailed information on genital herpes symptoms, causes, and treatment.
