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 ...
Trans/Nonbinary Adults- DBT Skills Group
Starting May 3rd, this DBT skills group for trans and/or nonbinary adults will focus on learning and practicing skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy's four skills modules: mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Each module will last approximately 12 ...
Hosted by Frankie Phipps
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Starting May 3rd, this DBT skills group for trans and/or nonbinary adults will focus on learning and practicing skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy's four skills modules: mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Each module will last approximately 12 ...
Group Therapy
A welcoming, supportive group setting where participants work together to support one another in working towards their goals.
Hosted by Darrah Whitman Jones
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
A welcoming, supportive group setting where participants work together to support one another in working towards their goals.
Meditation Support Group
This group is for beginning and intermediate meditators to learn and practice meditation in a supportive small group. Many people feel they "can't" meditate, they give up quickly, or continue to try but find it very difficult and unpleasant, often ...
Hosted by Heather Hardeman Galvano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
This group is for beginning and intermediate meditators to learn and practice meditation in a supportive small group. Many people feel they "can't" meditate, they give up quickly, or continue to try but find it very difficult and unpleasant, often ...
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 ...
Childhood Trauma Processing Group
Childhood trauma is defined as an event or events experienced by a child that is emotionally painful, frightening, or distressful, which can often lead to lasting mental and physical effects. Symptoms of childhood trauma in adults can include but are ...
Childhood trauma is defined as an event or events experienced by a child that is emotionally painful, frightening, or distressful, which can often lead to lasting mental and physical effects. Symptoms of childhood trauma in adults can include but are ...
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.
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.
Chronic Pain Relief via Video
This online chronic pain recovery and relief group will begin to meet via video (California residents only) when there are enough interested participants. I anticipate starting this group in June of 2024. I have led chronic pain education and support ...
Hosted by Dr. Heather Martarella
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Emeryville, CA 94608
This online chronic pain recovery and relief group will begin to meet via video (California residents only) when there are enough interested participants. I anticipate starting this group in June of 2024. I have led chronic pain education and support ...
Dream Studies
Dream group in English, Portuguese and Spanish,The Importance of Dreams on Self Knowledge and Development workshop led by Dr. Meire Santos, LMFT, Psy.D, Psychology Doctor, is designed to provide an introduction to dream work and dreaming. Participants will have access ...
Hosted by Meire Santos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Dream group in English, Portuguese and Spanish,The Importance of Dreams on Self Knowledge and Development workshop led by Dr. Meire Santos, LMFT, Psy.D, Psychology Doctor, is designed to provide an introduction to dream work and dreaming. Participants will have access ...
Cultivating Calm: Group Therapy for Professionals
Do you: Feel stressed, spread too thin, and overwhelmed by trying to balance work, family, and daily pressures? Struggle to carve out time for yourself? Experience stress-related physical symptoms? Use caffeine, alcohol, or other substances to cope? Feel like you’re ...
Hosted by Brenna McGee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Do you: Feel stressed, spread too thin, and overwhelmed by trying to balance work, family, and daily pressures? Struggle to carve out time for yourself? Experience stress-related physical symptoms? Use caffeine, alcohol, or other substances to cope? Feel like you’re ...
Women’s Support Group
Process group that values each group member and strives to allow individuals to share their thoughts and feelings about important life issues that are common to women. Feedback from the facilitator and group members welcome.
Hosted by Jennifer Sharples
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94566
Process group that values each group member and strives to allow individuals to share their thoughts and feelings about important life issues that are common to women. Feedback from the facilitator and group members welcome.
Art As A Pathway
The aim of this group is to practice and develop tools for processing emotions, letting go of perfection, gaining insight into and challenging thought patterns, through art and writing. The group is open to people who identify as female age ...
Hosted by Marhya Kelsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Hayward, CA 94545
The aim of this group is to practice and develop tools for processing emotions, letting go of perfection, gaining insight into and challenging thought patterns, through art and writing. The group is open to people who identify as female age ...
Workshop-Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work
New dates to be determined. Save Your Marriage/Relationship - an 8 hour relationship workshop based on the research of John Gottman, PhD and his book the Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work. Visit my website for registration information.
Hosted by John R. Edwards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
New dates to be determined. Save Your Marriage/Relationship - an 8 hour relationship workshop based on the research of John Gottman, PhD and his book the Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work. Visit my website for registration information.
Consultation/Workshops/Diversity training
Provides psychological consultation, workshops, diversity and inclusion training for groups, businesses, academic, and religious institution on leadership, motivation, healthy lifestyle changes, spirituality, preventive health, and multicultural humility.
Hosted by Reinvisioning Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Provides psychological consultation, workshops, diversity and inclusion training for groups, businesses, academic, and religious institution on leadership, motivation, healthy lifestyle changes, spirituality, preventive health, and multicultural humility.
Women: Anger & Assertiveness Psychotherapy Group
** NOW OFFERING INDIVIDUAL & COUPLE TELEHEALTH ANGER & ASSERTIVENESS SESSIONS until COVID-safe to resume group** Safe, supportive, confidential place for women ready to learn anger management & assertiveness skills. Heal trauma, abuse, bullying from adult, teen, childhood.. Share, witness ...
Hosted by Debra Milinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
** NOW OFFERING INDIVIDUAL & COUPLE TELEHEALTH ANGER & ASSERTIVENESS SESSIONS until COVID-safe to resume group** Safe, supportive, confidential place for women ready to learn anger management & assertiveness skills. Heal trauma, abuse, bullying from adult, teen, childhood.. Share, witness ...
Women's Group
An evening group for women to explore their identity alone and in intimate relationships. This is an new group forming. Susan has facilitated the Parenting After Trauma Support and Guidance Group at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland for over 15 ...
Hosted by Susan J Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
An evening group for women to explore their identity alone and in intimate relationships. This is an new group forming. Susan has facilitated the Parenting After Trauma Support and Guidance Group at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland for over 15 ...
Men's Support Group
Men are socialized to solve problems, not to feel our feelings. We’re taught to "suck it up," but we can struggle with taking responsibility. And when we fall, we're seldom taught to reach out for help when we really need ...
Hosted by Josh Freund
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Men are socialized to solve problems, not to feel our feelings. We’re taught to "suck it up," but we can struggle with taking responsibility. And when we fall, we're seldom taught to reach out for help when we really need ...
Postponed: Hold Me Tight® Workshop for Couples
(POSTPONED) IN THIS COUPLES WORKSHOP WE WILL: Discuss attachment, bonding and how these two affect your current relationship Review the common negative cycles that most couples get stuck in Learn how trauma and our history can get in the way ...
Hosted by Life by Design Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
(POSTPONED) IN THIS COUPLES WORKSHOP WE WILL: Discuss attachment, bonding and how these two affect your current relationship Review the common negative cycles that most couples get stuck in Learn how trauma and our history can get in the way ...
DBT Skills Group
A DBT skills group uses a psycho-educational class format where the emphasis is on learning and practicing behavioral skills. These skills include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. Skills are taught in a series of three modules, each ...
Hosted by Charese Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
A DBT skills group uses a psycho-educational class format where the emphasis is on learning and practicing behavioral skills. These skills include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. Skills are taught in a series of three modules, each ...
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.
See more therapy options for Alameda County
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Alameda County?
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.