Dream Consultation
I developed a gift for dream interpretation early in life. In this group participants practice and gradually gain expertise in the interpretation of their own dreams. We discuss the nature of symbolic dream material, metaphors, archetypes, world mythologies and psychodynamic ...
Hosted by Barry Steven Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
I developed a gift for dream interpretation early in life. In this group participants practice and gradually gain expertise in the interpretation of their own dreams. We discuss the nature of symbolic dream material, metaphors, archetypes, world mythologies and psychodynamic ...
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group
Virtual ACT for Anxiety and Depression workshop: 8-week course to help you find your path to a life worth living. Whether you struggle with lifelong anxiety and/or depression, feel stuck in life or overwhelmed by current events, this group can ...
Virtual ACT for Anxiety and Depression workshop: 8-week course to help you find your path to a life worth living. Whether you struggle with lifelong anxiety and/or depression, feel stuck in life or overwhelmed by current events, this group can ...
The Art of Aging: Women's Empowerment Group
You are more than the color of your hair! In the midst of a culture that values youth over the wisdom that comes with aging, this group will focus on learning the art of honoring the physical, emotional changes that ...
You are more than the color of your hair! In the midst of a culture that values youth over the wisdom that comes with aging, this group will focus on learning the art of honoring the physical, emotional changes that ...
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Group for Asian Femmes
Are you interested in cultivating a deeper sense of meaning, alignment, and connection through exploring medicine work in community? This twelve-week therapy group incorporates ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) at a reduced fee for those identifying as Asian or mixed-race women or ...
Hosted by Teresa Trinh
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT, KAP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94703
Are you interested in cultivating a deeper sense of meaning, alignment, and connection through exploring medicine work in community? This twelve-week therapy group incorporates ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) at a reduced fee for those identifying as Asian or mixed-race women or ...
Sibling Loss Group
The death of a sibling, either in childhood or adulthood, is a very particular kind of loss that can involve a myriad of complex emotions. In this supportive psychotherapy group, we will explore the impact of losing a sibling with ...
Hosted by Ava Charney-Danysh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
The death of a sibling, either in childhood or adulthood, is a very particular kind of loss that can involve a myriad of complex emotions. In this supportive psychotherapy group, we will explore the impact of losing a sibling with ...
trauma- skills group
Hosted by Mia Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
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 ...
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 ...
Process Group for Adult Adoptees
Does "The Primal Wound" by Nancy Verrier speak to you ? Do you feel sometimes that love and loss exist in the same place? Do you feel that important parts of your experience somehow went unnamed and unparented even if ...
Hosted by Tara Noone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Does "The Primal Wound" by Nancy Verrier speak to you ? Do you feel sometimes that love and loss exist in the same place? Do you feel that important parts of your experience somehow went unnamed and unparented even if ...
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 ...
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", ...
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 ...
Marriage Survival Training
Marriage is hard. No wonder so many couples start out madly in love but still end up divorced. This 2-day Christian marriage intensive is offered on-line and in-person. The format alternates between teaching sessions (group class) and couple practice time ...
Hosted by Joy Wong Liu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Marriage is hard. No wonder so many couples start out madly in love but still end up divorced. This 2-day Christian marriage intensive is offered on-line and in-person. The format alternates between teaching sessions (group class) and couple practice time ...
Exploring Aging and Illness
Hosted by Nancy Sarah Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
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.
Nourish Your Mood: Meditation and Eating
Improve your mood with cutting-edge brain science and mindfulness. Have you tried everything for your anxiety and still aren't feeling good? The latest research shows that anxiety and depression are whole-body issues related to inflammation, gut health, and the microbiome. ...
Hosted by L Rebecca Connell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
Improve your mood with cutting-edge brain science and mindfulness. Have you tried everything for your anxiety and still aren't feeling good? The latest research shows that anxiety and depression are whole-body issues related to inflammation, gut health, and the microbiome. ...
The Conscious Mom Reset
As a mom, you're likely the center of the household. You're constantly responding to your family's needs, big and small. But when you're so busy caring for others, it's hard to find the perspective to look at the big picture ...
Hosted by Nicole George-O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94601
As a mom, you're likely the center of the household. You're constantly responding to your family's needs, big and small. But when you're so busy caring for others, it's hard to find the perspective to look at the big picture ...
Foresight Mental Health
Foresight is a mental health and wellness clinic providing patients with a wide range of treatment and services related to improving mental health and lifestyle. We are a team of psychiatrists, therapists, software engineers, bioengineers, and researchers with a mission ...
Hosted by Meryl Franklin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Foresight is a mental health and wellness clinic providing patients with a wide range of treatment and services related to improving mental health and lifestyle. We are a team of psychiatrists, therapists, software engineers, bioengineers, and researchers with a mission ...
Your Therapy Room
Hosted by Brittaney Latta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94603
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 ...
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.