Purity Culture Process Group: Male Messaging
This nine week group is for individuals looking to replace the harmful messages learned from religious purity cultures. Join with others in deconstructing the underlying beliefs that result in body insecurity, mistrust of pleasure, and sexual shame. Time is spent ...
Hosted by Tendril Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92127
This nine week group is for individuals looking to replace the harmful messages learned from religious purity cultures. Join with others in deconstructing the underlying beliefs that result in body insecurity, mistrust of pleasure, and sexual shame. Time is spent ...
Storm Haven, Counseling & Wellness
Welcome to our practice of dedicated mental health providers! Supporting fellow humans is at the core of our mission. Life's storms can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost. Here, you'll find a safe haven where we comprehend the complexities of ...
Hosted by Jennifer Hyatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Temecula, CA 92592
Welcome to our practice of dedicated mental health providers! Supporting fellow humans is at the core of our mission. Life's storms can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost. Here, you'll find a safe haven where we comprehend the complexities of ...
Breathe Mama Breathe
Having a “mama moment” or maybe even a “mama meltdown?” Breathe mama, breathe. This virtual group is for expecting mamas and new mamas located in California with children ages 0-1. This psychoeducational group provides practical mindfulness techniques for new mamas. ...
Hosted by Spark All Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94115
Having a “mama moment” or maybe even a “mama meltdown?” Breathe mama, breathe. This virtual group is for expecting mamas and new mamas located in California with children ages 0-1. This psychoeducational group provides practical mindfulness techniques for new mamas. ...
Parenting Group
The group will be run by elementary, Betty McGann, and therapist, Kevin Niehaus, LPCC. Groups will focus on helping parents provide mindful and gentle parenting techniques to their parenting practices. ? ? Now enrolling clients for the 10-group series? $30 ...
Hosted by Kevin Niehaus
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC, MBA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Torrance, CA 90505
The group will be run by elementary, Betty McGann, and therapist, Kevin Niehaus, LPCC. Groups will focus on helping parents provide mindful and gentle parenting techniques to their parenting practices. ? ? Now enrolling clients for the 10-group series? $30 ...
Online Polyamory & ENM group (online via Zoom)
Online group to discuss, process, and receive support in navigating the challenges of polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and open relationships. After working for many years with people in both individual therapy & relationship therapy, I came to realize how important it ...
Hosted by Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
Online group to discuss, process, and receive support in navigating the challenges of polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and open relationships. After working for many years with people in both individual therapy & relationship therapy, I came to realize how important it ...
DBT Skills Group
Now running DBT Skills groups in conjunction with indiviudal DBT therapy.
Hosted by Larry S Hymes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in West Hollywood, CA 90046
Now running DBT Skills groups in conjunction with indiviudal DBT therapy.
Autism Support
Support for families with children with autism, ADHD, behavior issues.
Hosted by Cameron Jackson
Psychologist, PhD, JD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Support for families with children with autism, ADHD, behavior issues.
OCD Therapy Group for Adults - In Person
This is a weekly therapeutic group experience for adults with OCD who are seeking increased connection, support, and an opportunity to learn and apply Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) skills. This group will be conducted in person, and thus it ...
Hosted by Kristen McDonald
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90401
This is a weekly therapeutic group experience for adults with OCD who are seeking increased connection, support, and an opportunity to learn and apply Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) skills. This group will be conducted in person, and thus it ...
Mindful Adolescents
Group designed to assist adolescents in Mindfulness- where they can learn to focus attention where they choose: Their environment, body, thoughts and emotions-responding non-judgmentaly, as opposed to reacting to life- where they are present in the moment, leading to balance ...
Hosted by Dea Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Encinitas, CA 92024
Group designed to assist adolescents in Mindfulness- where they can learn to focus attention where they choose: Their environment, body, thoughts and emotions-responding non-judgmentaly, as opposed to reacting to life- where they are present in the moment, leading to balance ...
Parent Skills Training
(Currently not running because I do not have enough parents). Parents struggling with a child/children with oppositional behaviors will benefit from Parent Skills Training. This program is evidence-based, for parents of children ages 8-12 or adolescents ages 13-17. The groups ...
(Currently not running because I do not have enough parents). Parents struggling with a child/children with oppositional behaviors will benefit from Parent Skills Training. This program is evidence-based, for parents of children ages 8-12 or adolescents ages 13-17. The groups ...
Sport Concussion Education and Support Group
Being diagnosed with a head injury can be anxiety provoking. In this psychoeducational group, we will review sleep hygiene habits and how to keep your thinking balanced and positive. One session will be taught by a sport nutritionist and devoted ...
Being diagnosed with a head injury can be anxiety provoking. In this psychoeducational group, we will review sleep hygiene habits and how to keep your thinking balanced and positive. One session will be taught by a sport nutritionist and devoted ...
Virtual DBT Adolescent Skills Group
This group is for all genders & Ages 12 - 17. The style of the group is structured, it includes; skills review and learned Implementation from peers & provider.
Hosted by Samantha Lauro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Pedro, CA 90732
This group is for all genders & Ages 12 - 17. The style of the group is structured, it includes; skills review and learned Implementation from peers & provider.
Art Therapy for Moms
This is an online group to help new and not-so-new moms with parenthood struggles. The group provides a safe space to connect with other moms while making art. Don't worry--you don't have to be Van Gogh to do art therapy. ...
Hosted by Ruthie Ayzenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, PMH-C, RYT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Los Altos, CA 94022
This is an online group to help new and not-so-new moms with parenthood struggles. The group provides a safe space to connect with other moms while making art. Don't worry--you don't have to be Van Gogh to do art therapy. ...
Fertility Support Group
Are you currently exploring family building options or in the midst of fertility treatment? Do you experience significant anxiety, depression, anger, stress, grief or hopelessness related to fertility? Or perhaps you are living in quiet shame or feeling isolated? If ...
Hosted by Jamie Van Zanen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Campbell, CA 95008
Are you currently exploring family building options or in the midst of fertility treatment? Do you experience significant anxiety, depression, anger, stress, grief or hopelessness related to fertility? Or perhaps you are living in quiet shame or feeling isolated? If ...
People Pleasing and the Professional Woman
Forget "year of YES", and enjoy the freedom to say NO! Are you a professional woman who struggles with people pleasing? Do you feel exhausted or overwhelmed managing the needs of too many? Would you benefit from more energy and ...
Hosted by Michelle A Post
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CTBS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Los Angeles, CA 90025
Forget "year of YES", and enjoy the freedom to say NO! Are you a professional woman who struggles with people pleasing? Do you feel exhausted or overwhelmed managing the needs of too many? Would you benefit from more energy and ...
Grief Therapy Group
This therapy group is an opportunity to process grief in a warm and supportive environment. The group is open to anyone who needs a safe space, community and tools to facilitate the grief process. This group is for people dealing ...
Hosted by Soul Restoration Project
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
This therapy group is an opportunity to process grief in a warm and supportive environment. The group is open to anyone who needs a safe space, community and tools to facilitate the grief process. This group is for people dealing ...
Interpersonal Process Group
This is a 16 week group that includes feedback. Some relationship goals include but are not limited to: Improving trust, nurturing curiosity, openness and patience; safely expressing and experiencing feelings; communicating wants/needs while also taking responsibility for them; altering habitual, ...
Hosted by Eric Kruger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This is a 16 week group that includes feedback. Some relationship goals include but are not limited to: Improving trust, nurturing curiosity, openness and patience; safely expressing and experiencing feelings; communicating wants/needs while also taking responsibility for them; altering habitual, ...
One Heart, Two Homes Co-parenting Class
One Heart, Two Homes is an solution-focused co-parenting program that offers solutions and strategies co-parents can use to prevent parental conflict. This is the ONLY court approved program in the Central Valley that can be completed in two days. This ...
Hosted by Livewell Behavioral Health Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Fresno, CA 93710
One Heart, Two Homes is an solution-focused co-parenting program that offers solutions and strategies co-parents can use to prevent parental conflict. This is the ONLY court approved program in the Central Valley that can be completed in two days. This ...
Advanced Personal Growth and Development
Very small group of selected clients who participated ina group devoted to accelerated personal growth and development. Some reading and contemplation/meditation is required. Instruction provided.
Hosted by Applied Clinical Neuroscience
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Menlo Park, CA 94025
Very small group of selected clients who participated ina group devoted to accelerated personal growth and development. Some reading and contemplation/meditation is required. Instruction provided.
Elevation Behavioral Health Outpatient Treatment
Elevation Behavioral Health offers mental health and addiction outpatient treatment programs and groups for those interested in attending at an outpatient level of care. Call for details.
Hosted by Elevation Behavioral Health Mental Health Retreats
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Group meets in Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Elevation Behavioral Health offers mental health and addiction outpatient treatment programs and groups for those interested in attending at an outpatient level of care. Call for details.
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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.