Moms of Special Needs Children
As a mom to a neurodiverse, medically complex child, I understand the challenges that accompany raising these special kiddos. I've created a safe, welcoming space to share our experiences and get support from other moms on this journey. Please reach ...
Hosted by Katie Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94566
As a mom to a neurodiverse, medically complex child, I understand the challenges that accompany raising these special kiddos. I've created a safe, welcoming space to share our experiences and get support from other moms on this journey. Please reach ...
Pandemic Support Group
As the confusion, isolation and fear surrounding COVID-19 drags on, people everywhere are struggling to cope. This mindfulness-based, virtual support group is designed to help clients with the stress and difficulty of our current shared experience. Connecting with like-minded people ...
Hosted by Kristin Porter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Castro Valley, CA 94546
As the confusion, isolation and fear surrounding COVID-19 drags on, people everywhere are struggling to cope. This mindfulness-based, virtual support group is designed to help clients with the stress and difficulty of our current shared experience. Connecting with like-minded people ...
Berkeley Christian Counselors
Hosted by Scott Leiker
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
Couples Communications Group
This San Leandro Couples Collective provides a supportive, experiential learning opportunity for couples to strengthen collaborative communication tools and practices. The Purpose of this Group is for Couples to: ?~ Anchor relational security, intimate connection, trust and love ?~ Build ...
Hosted by Michael S Gelbart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Leandro, CA 94577
This San Leandro Couples Collective provides a supportive, experiential learning opportunity for couples to strengthen collaborative communication tools and practices. The Purpose of this Group is for Couples to: ?~ Anchor relational security, intimate connection, trust and love ?~ Build ...
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.
Women's Infertility Support Group
With the support of other women and trained professionals (co-led by Genevieve Weiscovitz, Psy D), come find relief from the isolation and emotional roller coaster of infertility. Our support group will use creative arts and mindfulness techniques in a non-judgmental ...
Hosted by Ariana Heller
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MAEd
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
With the support of other women and trained professionals (co-led by Genevieve Weiscovitz, Psy D), come find relief from the isolation and emotional roller coaster of infertility. Our support group will use creative arts and mindfulness techniques in a non-judgmental ...
Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group
Are you experiencing a creative block? Looking for a way to decrease stress and anxiety? Feeling isolated and looking for support in a judgment-free setting? Are you interested in getting to know yourself on a deeper level through your art? ...
Hosted by Danielle Swan
Pre-Licensed Professional, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Are you experiencing a creative block? Looking for a way to decrease stress and anxiety? Feeling isolated and looking for support in a judgment-free setting? Are you interested in getting to know yourself on a deeper level through your art? ...
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is an abuse within a relationship where there should be love and trust. This program helps participants understand the dynamics of domestic violence and take responsibility for there actions. Our approach treats clients with dignity and respect. The ...
Hosted by Vaughn L Baker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Leandro, CA 94577
Domestic violence is an abuse within a relationship where there should be love and trust. This program helps participants understand the dynamics of domestic violence and take responsibility for there actions. Our approach treats clients with dignity and respect. The ...
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 ...
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for HS Teens
DBT Group For High School Aged Teens (In-person only) Does your teen have issues with managing: •Anxiety • Depression • Panic attacks • Mood swings • Avoidance • Anger • Substance abuse • Truancy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is not ...
Hosted by Laura Michelle Eklund
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94566
DBT Group For High School Aged Teens (In-person only) Does your teen have issues with managing: •Anxiety • Depression • Panic attacks • Mood swings • Avoidance • Anger • Substance abuse • Truancy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is not ...
Mother2Mother Therapy Group
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with ...
Hosted by Victoria Rutsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94588
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with ...
A Different Parent
We tend to parent much like our parents did, even when we want to be different parents. Early learning makes it hard to break cycles. This group is for parents who wish they had been parented differently. A place to ...
We tend to parent much like our parents did, even when we want to be different parents. Early learning makes it hard to break cycles. This group is for parents who wish they had been parented differently. A place to ...
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 Group - East Bay - In-person - Berkeley
This is an interpersonal psychotherapy process group available to all who identify as men, including trans men. / Men can struggle with many parts of life: emotionally, in relationships, at the workplace, socially. The struggle is all the more difficult ...
Hosted by David Thanos Heliotis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94703
This is an interpersonal psychotherapy process group available to all who identify as men, including trans men. / Men can struggle with many parts of life: emotionally, in relationships, at the workplace, socially. The struggle is all the more difficult ...
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 ...
Parent Support Group
In the parent support group, we focus on how to navigate complex family dynamics with particular focus on substance use and behavioral concerns in teenagers. This is especially for parents who want to foster healthy and loving communication within the ...
Hosted by Sarah Hausman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Alameda, CA 94501
In the parent support group, we focus on how to navigate complex family dynamics with particular focus on substance use and behavioral concerns in teenagers. This is especially for parents who want to foster healthy and loving communication within the ...
Child/Adolescent ARFID Support Group
A 10 week ARFID Support Group to increase knowledge, meet others and learn new coping skills.
Hosted by Amanda Hagos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Fremont, CA 94538
A 10 week ARFID Support Group to increase knowledge, meet others and learn new coping skills.
Grief and Loss Group (Virtual)
Welcoming all Adults in California who have experienced the loss of someone significant. Join (virtually) a circle of people who understand and are grieving alongside you. Although grief is a part of life, it is one of the most difficult ...
Hosted by Sarah Cybulski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
Welcoming all Adults in California who have experienced the loss of someone significant. Join (virtually) a circle of people who understand and are grieving alongside you. Although grief is a part of life, it is one of the most difficult ...
Exploring Aging and Illness
Hosted by Nancy Sarah Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
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 ...
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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.