Moving Forward
Are you finding yourself to be unsteady and unsure as you approach the new leg of your journey? You have made it this far but the next steps feel too big and too hard. Whether its due to loss, change ...
Hosted by Judy Dodgen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Are you finding yourself to be unsteady and unsure as you approach the new leg of your journey? You have made it this far but the next steps feel too big and too hard. Whether its due to loss, change ...
Inner Balance Meditation (MeetUp)
Pre-register for a virtual guided healing meditation on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST, This virtual session is free, but pre-registration on the MeetUp site is necessary to get the Zoom link ...
Hosted by Ellen Radha Katz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Inglewood, CA 90302
Pre-register for a virtual guided healing meditation on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST, This virtual session is free, but pre-registration on the MeetUp site is necessary to get the Zoom link ...
DBT Skills Class Online or In-person
Welcome to our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Class where you'll learn practical tools to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and cope with life's challenges effectively. Led by experienced therapists, our classes blend psychoeducation with group discussions and experiential exercises. ...
Welcome to our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Class where you'll learn practical tools to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and cope with life's challenges effectively. Led by experienced therapists, our classes blend psychoeducation with group discussions and experiential exercises. ...
Therapists of Color Consultation & Supervision
Spark Center is inviting colleagues to participate in one of my three (licensed therapists, interns/associates, or supervisors) weekly groups focusing on the following: processing and receiving support around working with privileged/marginalized populations; addressing microaggressions in the therapeutic/supervisory/c ollegial context; engaging ...
Hosted by La Tanya Takla
Psychologist, EdD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Sacramento, CA 95811
Spark Center is inviting colleagues to participate in one of my three (licensed therapists, interns/associates, or supervisors) weekly groups focusing on the following: processing and receiving support around working with privileged/marginalized populations; addressing microaggressions in the therapeutic/supervisory/c ollegial context; engaging ...
ACT Skills Group for Stress, Worry, and Anxiety
This group is for adults and provides the fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with a particular emphasis on its application to general stress, worry, and anxiety. The group is predominantly skills-based and will emphasize Jeanne’s teaching. This is a ...
Hosted by Jeanne Jakob / Inside Out Psychology Inc
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Los Gatos, CA 95032
This group is for adults and provides the fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with a particular emphasis on its application to general stress, worry, and anxiety. The group is predominantly skills-based and will emphasize Jeanne’s teaching. This is a ...
The Davis Group Counseling & Wellness Services
Hosted by Maren Massey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Roseville, CA 95661
Ongoing Psychotherapy Group for Men and Women
Why group therapy?
1. Group therapy is affordable, and offers unique opportunities for growth not readily available through individual therapy. 2. Being part of a group is exciting! It is a lively, interactive, and ever-changing experience. 3. An ongoing therapy group ...
Hosted by Christine Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Burbank, CA 91505
Why group therapy?
1. Group therapy is affordable, and offers unique opportunities for growth not readily available through individual therapy. 2. Being part of a group is exciting! It is a lively, interactive, and ever-changing experience. 3. An ongoing therapy group ...
The Art of Intimate Conversation
New workshops for couples! Increase trust and intimacy with your partner. Learn new relationship skills, and have time to practice them with your partner. Glori and her life partner, Leon Berg, combine their talents to introduce you to a process ...
Hosted by Glori R Zeltzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ojai, CA 93023
New workshops for couples! Increase trust and intimacy with your partner. Learn new relationship skills, and have time to practice them with your partner. Glori and her life partner, Leon Berg, combine their talents to introduce you to a process ...
Women's Self-Compassion + Happiness Group (Online)
Are you a woman whose heart has been wounded after a lifetime of putting other people's needs & wants above your own? Do you find it hard to honor yourself & do what you really want? Have you been hurt ...
Hosted by The Happiness Psychiatrist | Sheenie Ambardar MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90401
Are you a woman whose heart has been wounded after a lifetime of putting other people's needs & wants above your own? Do you find it hard to honor yourself & do what you really want? Have you been hurt ...
Here I Am Becoming: The Sister Course
A 28-Hour, 4-day, Live Webinar that provides targeted psychoeducation process for female survivors, curated specifically for the intimate partner or spouse who has been harmed and impacted by deceptive sexuality. The course curriculum is based on Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma ...
Hosted by Trish Haight
Marriage & Family Therapist, SEP, CSAT, CCPS, CPTT, DSTT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Los Angeles, CA 90064
A 28-Hour, 4-day, Live Webinar that provides targeted psychoeducation process for female survivors, curated specifically for the intimate partner or spouse who has been harmed and impacted by deceptive sexuality. The course curriculum is based on Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma ...
Support Group for Dual Identity Americans
Whispered Tales Exchange: Support Group for Dual Identity Americans. Embrace the unique dance of cultural dualities in a warm and inclusive space. Share your stories, explore shared experiences, and foster lasting connections. Navigate the complexities of identity with understanding hearts. ...
Hosted by Ehsan Bozorgi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Tustin, CA 92780
Whispered Tales Exchange: Support Group for Dual Identity Americans. Embrace the unique dance of cultural dualities in a warm and inclusive space. Share your stories, explore shared experiences, and foster lasting connections. Navigate the complexities of identity with understanding hearts. ...
Meaning-Making for Childfree Women in Mid-Life
Do you crave a community where you can be understood and explore your unique perspectives on your life choices? Are you feeling insecure, anxious, or depressed and wish to reconnect to meaning and purpose in mid-life and beyond? Do you ...
Hosted by Jacquelyn Toth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Do you crave a community where you can be understood and explore your unique perspectives on your life choices? Are you feeling insecure, anxious, or depressed and wish to reconnect to meaning and purpose in mid-life and beyond? Do you ...
Simply Happier: Woman's Healing Circle
WELCOME to my sacred space where women go from feeling Overwhelmed, Disconnected, and Defeated to CONFIDENT, EMPOWERED, and REVIVED. We come together to share, heal our hearts, and reclaim our feminine energy through insight, honesty, and laughter! There is great ...
Hosted by Liz M. Cardenas Holistic Therapy & Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT, PCC, Reiki
Verified Verified
Group meets in Newport Beach, CA 92660
WELCOME to my sacred space where women go from feeling Overwhelmed, Disconnected, and Defeated to CONFIDENT, EMPOWERED, and REVIVED. We come together to share, heal our hearts, and reclaim our feminine energy through insight, honesty, and laughter! There is great ...
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 ...
The Black Women’s Collective
In an effort to support community healing and make therapy more financially accessible The Black Women’s Collective is back. This will be a space to learn and practice skills. An opportunity to build community. And a chance for personal growth. ...
Hosted by Kendall Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
In an effort to support community healing and make therapy more financially accessible The Black Women’s Collective is back. This will be a space to learn and practice skills. An opportunity to build community. And a chance for personal growth. ...
Orange County Couples
Increase your understanding and communication skills within your relationship and find greater emotional support and passion. Uncovering core issues that impede happiness within a safe and transformative group setting and process.
Hosted by Facing Your Fears
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Newport Beach, CA 92660
Increase your understanding and communication skills within your relationship and find greater emotional support and passion. Uncovering core issues that impede happiness within a safe and transformative group setting and process.
Dad's Support Group
This group focuses on a range of topics relevant to men's lives, including but not limited to relationships, masculinity, mental health, work-life balance, fatherhood, self-esteem, and identity. The group aims to create a non-judgmental and empathetic atmosphere where dads can ...
Hosted by Alexander Ochoa
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in El Sobrante, CA 94803
This group focuses on a range of topics relevant to men's lives, including but not limited to relationships, masculinity, mental health, work-life balance, fatherhood, self-esteem, and identity. The group aims to create a non-judgmental and empathetic atmosphere where dads can ...
Queer Support Group
This is a bi-weekly 90 minute process group is for anyone needing support with sexual empowerment, their sexuality, sex practices, codependency, toxic relationship pattens, dating, hooking up, fears of intimacy, fear of being vulnerable, alternative life styles, macro micro aggression ...
Hosted by Maxine M. Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in Los Angeles, CA 90048
This is a bi-weekly 90 minute process group is for anyone needing support with sexual empowerment, their sexuality, sex practices, codependency, toxic relationship pattens, dating, hooking up, fears of intimacy, fear of being vulnerable, alternative life styles, macro micro aggression ...
Beach Bumps Walk & Talk Monthly Group
Monthly walks along our beautiful coast, mainly Mission Bay/Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla areas. All stages of Motherhood welcome. Strollers, baby wraps, bumps, tricycles! Join for one walk or each month, no commitment, just show up and we'll be ...
Hosted by Angela Bianco Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92109
Monthly walks along our beautiful coast, mainly Mission Bay/Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla areas. All stages of Motherhood welcome. Strollers, baby wraps, bumps, tricycles! Join for one walk or each month, no commitment, just show up and we'll be ...
Edelweiss Individual and Family Therapy
Edelweiss Individual and Family Therapy specializes in offering mental health counseling services to adults in different phases of adulthood who are dealing with a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress related to life changes, grief, burnout, ...
Hosted by Saba Montazerian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Newport Beach, CA 92660
Edelweiss Individual and Family Therapy specializes in offering mental health counseling services to adults in different phases of adulthood who are dealing with a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress related to life changes, grief, burnout, ...
See more therapy options for California
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in California?
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.