Support Groups in Santa Cruz, CA
Neuroaffirming Parents Group
Parenting is challenging, and parents of kids with brain and behavioral differences often experience increased stressors and isolation. This group aims at reducing that isolation and providing a platform for parents to explore their own coping skills, learn some new ...
Hosted by Katrina Tattenham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Parenting is challenging, and parents of kids with brain and behavioral differences often experience increased stressors and isolation. This group aims at reducing that isolation and providing a platform for parents to explore their own coping skills, learn some new ...
Life Rhythms
This weekly group is designed to allow anyone, regardless of musical background, to experience ways in which guided drumming and use of rhythmic explorations can reduce stress, increase relaxation and promote inner clarity and well-being.
Hosted by Helen Giffrow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This weekly group is designed to allow anyone, regardless of musical background, to experience ways in which guided drumming and use of rhythmic explorations can reduce stress, increase relaxation and promote inner clarity and well-being.
Single moms therapy group
This is a biweekly therapy group. We meet on a hiking trail and discuss topics specific to single motherhood. My goal is to help you overcome struggles, provide a safe space to process and vent and help you create a ...
Hosted by Tierney Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95065
This is a biweekly therapy group. We meet on a hiking trail and discuss topics specific to single motherhood. My goal is to help you overcome struggles, provide a safe space to process and vent and help you create a ...
Partners Enhancing Relationship
When our relationships suffer, we want improvement -- who wants too little joy, too little sex, arguments, loneliness, stone-walling? Joining my group with other couples can help a lot, in addition to couples therapy. You'll be surprised how much hearing ...
Hosted by James ‘Jamie' Martin Hollomon
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
When our relationships suffer, we want improvement -- who wants too little joy, too little sex, arguments, loneliness, stone-walling? Joining my group with other couples can help a lot, in addition to couples therapy. You'll be surprised how much hearing ...
Gender Diversity: Coping Skills Group
To Be Determinded (TBD)
Hosted by Lisa Woffington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
To Be Determinded (TBD)
Autism Support
Support for families with children with autism, ADHD, behavior issues.
Hosted by Cameron Jackson
Psychologist, PhD, JD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Support for families with children with autism, ADHD, behavior issues.
Parent/Friends of People with Unique Perceptions
Anahata combines love and logic while understanding that de-escalating crisis is counterintuitive and confusing. This can be discouraging for parents who are scared and want to help their child get "back on track." This group gives parents a place to ...
Hosted by Anahata Christa Marie Neuman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Anahata combines love and logic while understanding that de-escalating crisis is counterintuitive and confusing. This can be discouraging for parents who are scared and want to help their child get "back on track." This group gives parents a place to ...
Creating Healthy Relationships with Kids
Hosted by Christine 'chris' Lang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Stress Management with Positive Side Effects
Working together in a group provides support for you and also compassionate understanding of your issues. The Stress Management with Positive Side Effects Group provides tools for you to use to evaluate where you are and to help you manage ...
Hosted by Xander Abrams
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, Coach
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Working together in a group provides support for you and also compassionate understanding of your issues. The Stress Management with Positive Side Effects Group provides tools for you to use to evaluate where you are and to help you manage ...
The Work that Reconnects, Climate Anxiety Group
Hosted by Hannah Joy Tamezoujt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Online Expressive Arts Journaling Group for Women
Note: Online/California residents. The goal of this group will be to explore one's inner world as a means of expression beyond words. The subconscious and creative parts of us have so much to offer and share for our healing, support ...
Hosted by Theresa M Soltzberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Note: Online/California residents. The goal of this group will be to explore one's inner world as a means of expression beyond words. The subconscious and creative parts of us have so much to offer and share for our healing, support ...
Conversational Spanish for Mental Health Providers
Hosted by Lorenia Parada Ampudia
MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Eating and Body Image Therapy Group
Hosted by Ann Marie Speno
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Santa Cruz Therapy Collective
SCTC is a place for support, healing, & growth. We understand what you’re going through: work burnout, childhood trauma, panic, family distress, sadness. As a group of experienced colleagues who have worked together for years, we have numerous specialties, making ...
Hosted by Dr. Lindsay Steigner
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
SCTC is a place for support, healing, & growth. We understand what you’re going through: work burnout, childhood trauma, panic, family distress, sadness. As a group of experienced colleagues who have worked together for years, we have numerous specialties, making ...
Men's Group: Survivors of Sexual Abuse
This group helps men understand that they are not alone and are not to blame. In a safe, supportive environment, we will use writing, emotional release exercises, and other processes to explore our feelings, confront the violation, and recognize the ...
Hosted by Marlon A Guarino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
This group helps men understand that they are not alone and are not to blame. In a safe, supportive environment, we will use writing, emotional release exercises, and other processes to explore our feelings, confront the violation, and recognize the ...
Men's Group
Shine a Light Counseling Center has an ongoing weekly men’s group for all those male-identified. It is a place to be authentic, to be vulnerable, to speak, to listen, and be supported by other men. We explore different challenges related ...
Hosted by Shine a Light Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Shine a Light Counseling Center has an ongoing weekly men’s group for all those male-identified. It is a place to be authentic, to be vulnerable, to speak, to listen, and be supported by other men. We explore different challenges related ...
Women's Community Grief Ritual
Come gather together in a safe & sacred space to allow your grief opportunity to heal and transform into life-serving energy. We have forgotten as a culture the importance of gathering together in ritual to support this natural process of ...
Hosted by Dana Schlick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Come gather together in a safe & sacred space to allow your grief opportunity to heal and transform into life-serving energy. We have forgotten as a culture the importance of gathering together in ritual to support this natural process of ...
DBT Group
DBT Emotional Regulation skills group for teens This group's topic will be a deep dive into the DBT skill of Emotion Regulation. Group Info: Wednesdays 5:00-6:15pm 11/2-12/14 (break for week of Thanksgiving). Subsequent DBT groups will focus on the DBT ...
Hosted by Heidi Poteet Marini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, , LMFT, ALPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
DBT Emotional Regulation skills group for teens This group's topic will be a deep dive into the DBT skill of Emotion Regulation. Group Info: Wednesdays 5:00-6:15pm 11/2-12/14 (break for week of Thanksgiving). Subsequent DBT groups will focus on the DBT ...
Survivors Support and Empowerment Group
You are not alone. This is a FREE, DROP-IN support group for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking. Come share experiences, learn coping skills, and build practices for self-empowerment, self-care and healing - all in a safe ...
Hosted by J. Sarah MacEwan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
You are not alone. This is a FREE, DROP-IN support group for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking. Come share experiences, learn coping skills, and build practices for self-empowerment, self-care and healing - all in a safe ...
The Heartful Man
A weekly group for men. This is a place to be authentic, to speak from the heart, to listen and be supported by other men. We will explore different themes and challenges related to being a man in the world ...
Hosted by Michael Seniuk
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95062
A weekly group for men. This is a place to be authentic, to speak from the heart, to listen and be supported by other men. We will explore different themes and challenges related to being a man in the world ...
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Santa Cruz?
Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
How does group therapy work?
Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group counseling is typically less expensive than individual counseling, with each session costing on average between $60 to $75. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200 and up, even after insurance. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
As with individual therapy, many insurance companies do offer coverage for group therapy sessions. However, the coverage varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider. Individuals are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to verify coverage.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.