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 ...
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
Free Yourself: Somatic-IFS Skills Group
Listening to your body’s wisdom is re-learning how to trust yourself. This skills group is for those interested in practicing how to quiet the mind for greater connection to one’s intuition. Weekly sessions will include psychoeducation using somatic and IFS ...
Hosted by Lauren Massell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
Listening to your body’s wisdom is re-learning how to trust yourself. This skills group is for those interested in practicing how to quiet the mind for greater connection to one’s intuition. Weekly sessions will include psychoeducation using somatic and IFS ...
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.
Cinical Consultation Group
To Be Arranged. Currently working psychotherapist or those in training consult with me concerning individual clients. Our focus is basically from the perspective of the psychology of CG JUNG. More directly our work incorporates the theory and practice of Integrative ...
To Be Arranged. Currently working psychotherapist or those in training consult with me concerning individual clients. Our focus is basically from the perspective of the psychology of CG JUNG. More directly our work incorporates the theory and practice of Integrative ...
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 ...
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 ...
DBT Consulting Group for Therapists
Peer Consultation Group for therapists who want to practice Dialectical Behavioral Skill building, in a supportive and peer run circle (of up to 10 clinicians).
Hosted by DBT certified: Myra Altenau, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Piedmont, CA 94610
Peer Consultation Group for therapists who want to practice Dialectical Behavioral Skill building, in a supportive and peer run circle (of up to 10 clinicians).
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 ...
Girls with Anxiety
Hosted by Being: A Psychological Corporation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Men's Sexual Addiction
This group is an orientation to individual, intensive work using FSAP- Feeling State Addiction Protocol, by Robert Miller, Ph.D.
Hosted by Michael McCratic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, BCETS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94566
This group is an orientation to individual, intensive work using FSAP- Feeling State Addiction Protocol, by Robert Miller, Ph.D.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Suicide Bereavement Group
Hosted by La Cheim Behavioral Services
Hosted by Susan Futterman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
Hosted by La Cheim Behavioral Services
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 ...
Bay Area Therapy Group
Hosted by Anisha Mauze
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Men's Group
This group is an opportunity for men to cultivate more fulfilling relationships with themselves, loved ones, and other men. Through self-exploration and receiving the support of others, participants have the opportunity to find a deeper strength within. This strength can ...
Hosted by Nick Wightman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
This group is an opportunity for men to cultivate more fulfilling relationships with themselves, loved ones, and other men. Through self-exploration and receiving the support of others, participants have the opportunity to find a deeper strength within. This strength can ...
Growing Older with Grace
Finding peace of mind in the mayhem of growing older can be challenging. As our bodies age, we can benefit from sharing our stories, and seeing our experiences reflected in our community. We are, none of us, alone in this ...
Hosted by Uma Kahn Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
Finding peace of mind in the mayhem of growing older can be challenging. As our bodies age, we can benefit from sharing our stories, and seeing our experiences reflected in our community. We are, none of us, alone in this ...
Your Therapy Room
Hosted by Brittaney Latta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94603
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.