Support Groups in Oakland, CA
OCD Mindfulness Based Self-Compassion Group
Weekly group for adults in treatment or post-treatment for OCD. Thursday evenings. Led by Joan Davidson and Lynne Henderson. Contact Joan Davidson at 510-652-4455 x 2.
Hosted by Joan Davidson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Weekly group for adults in treatment or post-treatment for OCD. Thursday evenings. Led by Joan Davidson and Lynne Henderson. Contact Joan Davidson at 510-652-4455 x 2.
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
Infertility Support Group for Women
This group is currently closed. A new group may be begin in spring 2024.
Hosted by Theresa M Fleury
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group is currently closed. A new group may be begin in spring 2024.
Parenting through the College Application Process
This group is to help parents during the stressful period of their child's college application process. It will provide both support and information about your role and how to best help your child. It will provide guidance about when to ...
Hosted by Alison Trules
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group is to help parents during the stressful period of their child's college application process. It will provide both support and information about your role and how to best help your child. It will provide guidance about when to ...
Orgasms (O's) are Good Women's Group
Many women don't have orgasms on a regular basis or "fake" it to please their partner. This group's focus is to empower women to enjoy their bodies and reach their potential through homework exercises and positive group feedback.
Hosted by Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
Many women don't have orgasms on a regular basis or "fake" it to please their partner. This group's focus is to empower women to enjoy their bodies and reach their potential through homework exercises and positive group feedback.
Onine Group Therapy for Young Professionials
My online process group is a weekly therapy group for young professionals looking to talk about the things that are typically hard to talk about in daily life. Like, hurt feelings, competition or loneliness after work. My group is a ...
Hosted by Rae Walker Mountz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
My online process group is a weekly therapy group for young professionals looking to talk about the things that are typically hard to talk about in daily life. Like, hurt feelings, competition or loneliness after work. My group is a ...
Emotional Regulation and Social Skills
Emotional Regulation & Social Skills: Could your child use help managing big feelings and impulses? This group draws from Michelle Garcia-Winner's social thinking curriculum, using a narrative-based approach to these behaviors by externalizing them as "Unthinkables" characters that your child ...
Hosted by Kate Ekman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Emotional Regulation & Social Skills: Could your child use help managing big feelings and impulses? This group draws from Michelle Garcia-Winner's social thinking curriculum, using a narrative-based approach to these behaviors by externalizing them as "Unthinkables" characters that your child ...
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) ...
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 ...
Mindfulness Group for Anxiety, Depression, Stress
Do you suffer from stress, overthinking, depression, and anxious or worrisome thoughts? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Immerse yourself in the proven "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)" group over eight dynamic weeks. This ...
Hosted by Cathy Trenary
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
Do you suffer from stress, overthinking, depression, and anxious or worrisome thoughts? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Immerse yourself in the proven "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)" group over eight dynamic weeks. This ...
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 ...
Adult Drama Therapy and Mindfulness Group
Drama Therapy offers an approach to healing and personal growth that is at once fun and therapeutic. During group, we will engage in playful theater games to build trust, spontaneity and group cohesion. There will also be time to reflect ...
Hosted by Judy Noddin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94603
Drama Therapy offers an approach to healing and personal growth that is at once fun and therapeutic. During group, we will engage in playful theater games to build trust, spontaneity and group cohesion. There will also be time to reflect ...
In Person Process group facilitated by Audre Mowry
This group is for folks with marginalized genders, i.e. women, trans, and non-binary folks. Groups function as a microcosm of the real world and are a powerful place to build better skills and confidence in navigating relationship with ourselves and ...
Hosted by Bay Area Group Therapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group is for folks with marginalized genders, i.e. women, trans, and non-binary folks. Groups function as a microcosm of the real world and are a powerful place to build better skills and confidence in navigating relationship with ourselves and ...
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 ...
Adolescent Anxiety Group
Introducing a teletherapy process/support group to assist adolescents struggling to cope with their current environment due to the recent global pandemic.
Hosted by Bridge Psych Services - Dr. Aisling Forbes
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94607
Introducing a teletherapy process/support group to assist adolescents struggling to cope with their current environment due to the recent global pandemic.
DBT Skills Multi-family
please see website for more info
Hosted by Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
please see website for more info
Girls with Anxiety
Hosted by Being: A Psychological Corporation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Online Teens Group (13-18) Insurance accepted
Adolescence is a tough period in a child's life as it's marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and interest in usual activities. Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses. In adolescence, depressed mood is ...
Hosted by Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Adolescence is a tough period in a child's life as it's marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and interest in usual activities. Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses. In adolescence, depressed mood is ...
Early Recovery Group, Compassionate Exploration
Are other people encouraging you to seek help, but you're not sure you need it? Maybe you just want to prove them wrong, or perhaps you'd like to find out if your behaviors or bad habits are impacting your life ...
Hosted by Jann Scott
Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Are other people encouraging you to seek help, but you're not sure you need it? Maybe you just want to prove them wrong, or perhaps you'd like to find out if your behaviors or bad habits are impacting your life ...
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, ...
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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.