Support Groups in Oakland, CA
Online Therapy Group for Gay Men
This group is for adults (21+) in CA who identify as gay and male. The purposes of this group are to receive and give support, increase compassion for yourself and others, and co-create a safe space for gay men to ...
Hosted by Max Littman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94619
This group is for adults (21+) in CA who identify as gay and male. The purposes of this group are to receive and give support, increase compassion for yourself and others, and co-create a safe space for gay men to ...
Group Process for High Schoolers
Conscious self- development begins in adolescence. Teenagers experience a huge amount of pressure from school, friends, and society. Most kids in high school become overwhelmed by this at some point- they often struggle with balancing their academic load with social ...
Hosted by Holly Frances
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Conscious self- development begins in adolescence. Teenagers experience a huge amount of pressure from school, friends, and society. Most kids in high school become overwhelmed by this at some point- they often struggle with balancing their academic load with social ...
Mixed/Multi-heritage Identity group- online
As someone who identifies as bi/multiracial, bi/multicultural, or in some other way that doesn't quite fit these boxes, this group is an opportunity to come together with other multi-heritage folks to share experiences, be seen and heard, "take up space", ...
Hosted by Jennie Powe Runde
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, REAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
As someone who identifies as bi/multiracial, bi/multicultural, or in some other way that doesn't quite fit these boxes, this group is an opportunity to come together with other multi-heritage folks to share experiences, be seen and heard, "take up space", ...
Self-Healing & Empowerment (SHE) Group for Blk Wmn
Society tends to approach and respond to womxn as if we're the caretakers of the world, including in the workplace. And whew, this can feel overwhelming! Black womxn struggle with psychological burdens that result from feeling different from others and ...
Hosted by Fellana L Randall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
Society tends to approach and respond to womxn as if we're the caretakers of the world, including in the workplace. And whew, this can feel overwhelming! Black womxn struggle with psychological burdens that result from feeling different from others and ...
Solace:Online Support Group for Navigating Anxiety
This online group will provide community and support for living with anxiety. Many of us were experiencing high levels of anxiety before the COVID19 crisis. If you are feeling overwhelmed, fearful, alone and unsure about what to do, this is ...
Hosted by Jennifer Lilly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
This online group will provide community and support for living with anxiety. Many of us were experiencing high levels of anxiety before the COVID19 crisis. If you are feeling overwhelmed, fearful, alone and unsure about what to do, this is ...
For the Loved Ones of Alcoholics and Addicts
An intimate, rich process group of 4-9 members who seek support around coping with a loved one's addiction or mental illness, and are ready to engage in self-care. Designed for high functioning individuals interested in embracing life's confounding challenges as ...
Hosted by Cecilia S. Kardel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
An intimate, rich process group of 4-9 members who seek support around coping with a loved one's addiction or mental illness, and are ready to engage in self-care. Designed for high functioning individuals interested in embracing life's confounding challenges as ...
Somatic Therapy Skills Group
An 8-week holistic therapy group drawing from yoga philosophy, mindfulness meditation, EMDR and Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing®. Learn skills to trust and utilize your body as your guide in working toward greater awareness, authenticity and presence. In this group ...
Hosted by Shauna Bergh--Somatic Therapy & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT-500, SEP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94608
An 8-week holistic therapy group drawing from yoga philosophy, mindfulness meditation, EMDR and Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing®. Learn skills to trust and utilize your body as your guide in working toward greater awareness, authenticity and presence. In this group ...
addiction recovery group
This group is designed specifically for people who are in recovery from drug or alcohol use issues.
Hosted by Peter V. Curtin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group is designed specifically for people who are in recovery from drug or alcohol use issues.
Ecotherapy Group (Currently Not Occuring)
This ongoing group is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in taking their process outdoors-into the beautiful oak, bay, and redwood forests of the Oakland hills. This group is for those who would like a respite from the bustle and ...
Hosted by Matthew McKernan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
This ongoing group is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in taking their process outdoors-into the beautiful oak, bay, and redwood forests of the Oakland hills. This group is for those who would like a respite from the bustle and ...
Climate Therapy
If you are experiencing distress related to climate change, join my group for people with anxiety and grief related to our changing planet. In the group we will learn skills for managing with climate emotions and practice naming our emotions. ...
Hosted by Dr. Emily Chandler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
If you are experiencing distress related to climate change, join my group for people with anxiety and grief related to our changing planet. In the group we will learn skills for managing with climate emotions and practice naming our emotions. ...
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Group
This 12 week group specializes in women who have experienced relationship trauma. This group will discuss: 1) narcissistic abuse 2) setting boundaries 3) dealing with high conflict
4) closure and moving on 5) healthy practices of dealing/communicating with narcissists 6) ...
Hosted by Natalie Jones
Counselor, PsyD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
This 12 week group specializes in women who have experienced relationship trauma. This group will discuss: 1) narcissistic abuse 2) setting boundaries 3) dealing with high conflict
4) closure and moving on 5) healthy practices of dealing/communicating with narcissists 6) ...
Chronic Illness Support Group (Oakland)
A group for anyone who experiences a chronic illness condition or chronic pain condition, to come together with others to be supported around these conditions
Hosted by Eric J Young
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
A group for anyone who experiences a chronic illness condition or chronic pain condition, to come together with others to be supported around these conditions
Jessica Engle
Does dating scare you? Do you worry you'll die alone but also feel too scared to open your heart to someone? Our dating and social anxiety group can help you find companionship; learn practical, evidence-based techniques for working with and ...
Hosted by Bay Area Dating Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94612
Does dating scare you? Do you worry you'll die alone but also feel too scared to open your heart to someone? Our dating and social anxiety group can help you find companionship; learn practical, evidence-based techniques for working with and ...
Teen Art Therapy Group
The Teen Art Therapy group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans teens between the ages of 14-18. This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making, journaling, and talk therapy and focuses on self esteem, social skills, transitions, relationships, body ...
Hosted by East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
The Teen Art Therapy group is for girls, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans teens between the ages of 14-18. This art therapy group integrates therapeutic art making, journaling, and talk therapy and focuses on self esteem, social skills, transitions, relationships, body ...
Self Esteem for Teens
In this group we give an open space for teen girls to learn and discuss their issues while providing psychoeducation to build self esteem and healthy relationships.
Hosted by Kale Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
In this group we give an open space for teen girls to learn and discuss their issues while providing psychoeducation to build self esteem and healthy relationships.
IFS Women's Support Group for grief & relationship
This group is a six-week therapy group for women, blending the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and mindfulness. This group is tailored for those navigating grief, trauma, relationship shifts, and career challenges along with a safe space for exploration. I ...
Hosted by Kelly Albrecht
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
This group is a six-week therapy group for women, blending the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and mindfulness. This group is tailored for those navigating grief, trauma, relationship shifts, and career challenges along with a safe space for exploration. I ...
Moving with the Seasons: Ecotherapy Circle
This year long circle and training offers a balance of self-growth and deepening earth practices, practical ecotherapy tools and discerning and refining one’s unique gifts for Earth supportive work. You will gain: Earth-based practices and inspiration for deepening your daily ...
Hosted by Ariana Candell: Brainspotting
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, Somatic
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
This year long circle and training offers a balance of self-growth and deepening earth practices, practical ecotherapy tools and discerning and refining one’s unique gifts for Earth supportive work. You will gain: Earth-based practices and inspiration for deepening your daily ...
Ongoing adult therapy group
This ongoing group consists of mental health professionals or graduate students who wish to enhance their personal growth and development. It is a very stable group whose participants are interested in expanding their ability to trust, support and gently challenge ...
Hosted by Jeff Sharp
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This ongoing group consists of mental health professionals or graduate students who wish to enhance their personal growth and development. It is a very stable group whose participants are interested in expanding their ability to trust, support and gently challenge ...
Wild Women Unleashed
In this 8 week expressive arts therapy group for women, we will be utilizing movement, drama, painting, writing, and collage to explore the archetype of the Wild Woman as a doorway to personal power, intuitive knowing and creative energy. This ...
Hosted by Judy Noddin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94603
In this 8 week expressive arts therapy group for women, we will be utilizing movement, drama, painting, writing, and collage to explore the archetype of the Wild Woman as a doorway to personal power, intuitive knowing and creative energy. This ...
Girls Group!
Girls Group is for 7th and 8th grade girls who want to build supportive friendships and feel more confident in themselves. Group runs from March 6th through April 24th. The cost is $500 for 8 sessions.
Hosted by Andrea Weicker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Girls Group is for 7th and 8th grade girls who want to build supportive friendships and feel more confident in themselves. Group runs from March 6th through April 24th. The cost is $500 for 8 sessions.
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Oakland?
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.