Support Groups in Oakland, CA
Grief Support Group
It's important to talk about your loved one, honor your emotions and recognize the various stages of mourning. With loss also comes changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. This group is a safe space where ...
Hosted by Cathy Trenary
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
It's important to talk about your loved one, honor your emotions and recognize the various stages of mourning. With loss also comes changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. This group is a safe space where ...
detoxing masculinity: group for men of color
This facilitated weekly group will utilize a combination of psychoeducation, group process/discussion and experiential activities (mindfulness, trauma-release, expressive arts,etc) to explore our diverse experience as men of color. Part of our work as self-identified men of color is to unlearn ...
Hosted by Sarwang Parikh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
This facilitated weekly group will utilize a combination of psychoeducation, group process/discussion and experiential activities (mindfulness, trauma-release, expressive arts,etc) to explore our diverse experience as men of color. Part of our work as self-identified men of color is to unlearn ...
Adult Children of Alcoholics
This group addresses the psychological issues of ACAs. There is a maximum of 8 people in the group Please call for information. This group is currently closed.
Hosted by Theresa M Fleury
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group addresses the psychological issues of ACAs. There is a maximum of 8 people in the group Please call for information. This group is currently closed.
True Yang Somatic Ketamine Therapy
True Yang Somatic Ketamine Therapy offers somatic and ketamine-assisted therapy for the healing of trauma. Somatic therapy is based in the neuroscience of attachment. Together, you and your therapist will navigate an exploration of the “imprints” in your nervous system ...
Hosted by Angela Allan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
True Yang Somatic Ketamine Therapy offers somatic and ketamine-assisted therapy for the healing of trauma. Somatic therapy is based in the neuroscience of attachment. Together, you and your therapist will navigate an exploration of the “imprints” in your nervous system ...
Please visit our website for more details.
Hosted by Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
CalPsychiatry
CalPsychiatry is a group of informed, empathetic and team-oriented psychiatrists. We have specialties in treatment of mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (including OCD), ADHD, addiction and women's mental health. We have practices in San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto ...
Hosted by Juliet Morgan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
CalPsychiatry is a group of informed, empathetic and team-oriented psychiatrists. We have specialties in treatment of mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (including OCD), ADHD, addiction and women's mental health. We have practices in San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto ...
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 ...
Healing Course to a Healthy & Lasting Relationship
Calling all Single Women! It's Your Time. Are your ready to embark on a life changing journey towards attracting a healthy, emotionally available mate? Are you tired of being in a dysfunctional or toxic relationships? Do you repeatedly find yourself ...
Hosted by Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Calling all Single Women! It's Your Time. Are your ready to embark on a life changing journey towards attracting a healthy, emotionally available mate? Are you tired of being in a dysfunctional or toxic relationships? Do you repeatedly find yourself ...
She's Strong but She's Exhausted
An eight week skill building support group for women of color who feel like they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. What can I get from this? A safe space to openly share aspects of your story ...
Hosted by Akilah V. Vazquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94605
An eight week skill building support group for women of color who feel like they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. What can I get from this? A safe space to openly share aspects of your story ...
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 ...
Creative Community: Winter Expressive Arts
Start the new year with mornings of guided creativity and connection. This online group introduces participants to expressive arts therapy. This 4-week process is designed to: Invite centered relaxation, process emotions, connect deeply to self and others, explore creative self ...
Hosted by Yoshiko Hedges Powell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
Start the new year with mornings of guided creativity and connection. This online group introduces participants to expressive arts therapy. This 4-week process is designed to: Invite centered relaxation, process emotions, connect deeply to self and others, explore creative self ...
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.
Healing &Transformation Through the Arts
In this ongoing group, we step through the doorway into the creative process. As we work in imagery and make art together, we discover and develop links to feelings, patterns, beliefs and inner iconography. Within the safety of our group, ...
Hosted by Merideth Bowen Shamszad
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
In this ongoing group, we step through the doorway into the creative process. As we work in imagery and make art together, we discover and develop links to feelings, patterns, beliefs and inner iconography. Within the safety of our group, ...
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 ...
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
Mindfulness for Stress & Anxiety Guided Journey
Are you feeling stressed and anxious? Do you feel wound up without your usual stress outlets? Have you thought about meditating or tried an app, but it didn't last? In this guided journey of mindfulness, I teach you all the ...
Hosted by Elana Morgulis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
Are you feeling stressed and anxious? Do you feel wound up without your usual stress outlets? Have you thought about meditating or tried an app, but it didn't last? In this guided journey of mindfulness, I teach you all the ...
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.
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 ...
Moving Throughout Emotional Crisis
Offering a blend of didactic skill based training and supportive group process, the Moving Through Emotional Crisis Group offers support to anyone suffering from intense depression, anxiety or trauma related symptoms. This 90 minute group is divided into approximately 30 ...
Hosted by Mary Deyo
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
Offering a blend of didactic skill based training and supportive group process, the Moving Through Emotional Crisis Group offers support to anyone suffering from intense depression, anxiety or trauma related symptoms. This 90 minute group is divided into approximately 30 ...
White Male Resilience -- Unlearning the "isms"
This three month group therapy course is for white men who want to make a social difference in their families, communities, and the world. This group will teach you skills necessary to stay present and connected in difficult and uncomfortable ...
Hosted by Aaron Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This three month group therapy course is for white men who want to make a social difference in their families, communities, and the world. This group will teach you skills necessary to stay present and connected in difficult and uncomfortable ...
See more therapy options for Oakland
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.