Support Groups in 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 is to have a space for people to share their fears, pain, and challenges with ENM. I have seen people struggle in isolation. It is so helpful to normalize the challenges that come up with ENM and to have a place to process without judgement, ask questions, and even sometimes simply to vent with folks who get it.
Photo of Misty Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Hosted by Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
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 is to have a space for people to share their fears, pain, and challenges with ENM. I have seen people struggle in isolation. It is so helpful to normalize the challenges that come up with ENM and to have a place to process without judgement, ask questions, and even sometimes simply to vent with folks who get it.
(408) 583-5606 View (408) 583-5606
This ongoing, mixed gender, psychotherapy/support group explores the effect a narcissistic parent has on self esteem and relationships. It will examine dysfunctional, repetitive patterns learned in childhood and reenacted in adult life. The group will explore the origin of narcissism and why you continue to be drawn to controlling, self-absorbed people and how to break the habit. You will be able to recognize "red flags" to watch out for such as entitlement, exploitation and lack of empathy. You will learn to set and maintain appropriate boundaries and create lasting, reciprocal relationships.
Photo of Ami E. Hartley, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, ATR-BC
Hosted by Ami E. Hartley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, ATR-BC
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
This ongoing, mixed gender, psychotherapy/support group explores the effect a narcissistic parent has on self esteem and relationships. It will examine dysfunctional, repetitive patterns learned in childhood and reenacted in adult life. The group will explore the origin of narcissism and why you continue to be drawn to controlling, self-absorbed people and how to break the habit. You will be able to recognize "red flags" to watch out for such as entitlement, exploitation and lack of empathy. You will learn to set and maintain appropriate boundaries and create lasting, reciprocal relationships.
(415) 319-9740 View (415) 319-9740
I am excited to announce a new psychotherapy process group for poly people in San Francisco. This group will be a safe place to expand self-understanding, improve understanding of others, and develop insight into their relationship values and patterns, in an environment where members don't have to educate people about polyamory. My special interests include identity, relationship and change issues. I enjoy working with a wide range of individuals and couples, including helping poly couples sort out their varying styles of polyamory, understanding the underpinnings of difficult areas in their relationship and helping couples make polyamory work optimally for them.
Photo of Wendy Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Hosted by Wendy Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
I am excited to announce a new psychotherapy process group for poly people in San Francisco. This group will be a safe place to expand self-understanding, improve understanding of others, and develop insight into their relationship values and patterns, in an environment where members don't have to educate people about polyamory. My special interests include identity, relationship and change issues. I enjoy working with a wide range of individuals and couples, including helping poly couples sort out their varying styles of polyamory, understanding the underpinnings of difficult areas in their relationship and helping couples make polyamory work optimally for them.
(415) 787-2981 View (415) 787-2981
We provide adherent multi-family skills training groups, which we combine with individual DBT and parent coaching. We teach skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Photo of Milton Z Brown - DBT Centers of California
Hosted by DBT Centers of California
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
We provide adherent multi-family skills training groups, which we combine with individual DBT and parent coaching. We teach skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
(858) 267-4821 View (858) 267-4821
If previous attempts at stopping substance use have failed or if you want to learn to manage your use rather than abstain, this is the group for you. We approach addiction as a biopsychosocial phenomenon and help our patients understand the biological, emotional, and behavioral factors underlying their drug use using evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and insight-oriented therapies. Power Over Addiction: A Harm Reduction Workbook for Changing Your Relationship with Drugs will be the curriculum for this group. $200 intake; $75 per group session
Photo of Mireya Peña, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Mireya Peña
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
If previous attempts at stopping substance use have failed or if you want to learn to manage your use rather than abstain, this is the group for you. We approach addiction as a biopsychosocial phenomenon and help our patients understand the biological, emotional, and behavioral factors underlying their drug use using evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and insight-oriented therapies. Power Over Addiction: A Harm Reduction Workbook for Changing Your Relationship with Drugs will be the curriculum for this group. $200 intake; $75 per group session
(510) 726-9553 View (510) 726-9553
This confidential group is designed to help people struggling to recover from their out of control sexual behaviors. We invite individuals with complex presentations and co-occurring issues which may have made recovery very difficult such as, over working, compulsive technology use, codependency, overeating, history of substance abuse, mood disorders, early attachment trauma, and more to join. The group covers topics related to harm reduction, sobriety, relapse prevention, intimacy, secrets and shame, healthy lifestyle, skills related to anger and communication. This is an on-going group.
Hosted by Elizabeth Corsale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
This confidential group is designed to help people struggling to recover from their out of control sexual behaviors. We invite individuals with complex presentations and co-occurring issues which may have made recovery very difficult such as, over working, compulsive technology use, codependency, overeating, history of substance abuse, mood disorders, early attachment trauma, and more to join. The group covers topics related to harm reduction, sobriety, relapse prevention, intimacy, secrets and shame, healthy lifestyle, skills related to anger and communication. This is an on-going group.
(415) 723-4321 View (415) 723-4321
Support for issues related to: - feelings around becoming a mother - shifts in identity/ role in family - changes in lifestyle/ life balance - pregnancy, labor & delivery caring for newborn - relationship with your parents/ role models - childhood experiences & parenting concerns - preparing for baby
Photo of Melodie Del Rio, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Hosted by Melodie Del Rio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
Support for issues related to: - feelings around becoming a mother - shifts in identity/ role in family - changes in lifestyle/ life balance - pregnancy, labor & delivery caring for newborn - relationship with your parents/ role models - childhood experiences & parenting concerns - preparing for baby
(415) 390-5620 View (415) 390-5620
This Infertility Support Group is a professionally-led virtual support group. The group has weekly topics, support strategies and opportunities for you to share and to support each other in a safe, confidential, and judgment-free environment while building a infertility community. Infertility support groups have many benefits, such as finding emotional support, gaining insights from others, learning about infertility, discovering tips and tricks, connecting with and helping others. This group is limited to 10 women and is not a drop-in group. Open to any individual who is trying to conceive.
Photo of Samantha Franklin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Samantha Franklin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
This Infertility Support Group is a professionally-led virtual support group. The group has weekly topics, support strategies and opportunities for you to share and to support each other in a safe, confidential, and judgment-free environment while building a infertility community. Infertility support groups have many benefits, such as finding emotional support, gaining insights from others, learning about infertility, discovering tips and tricks, connecting with and helping others. This group is limited to 10 women and is not a drop-in group. Open to any individual who is trying to conceive.
(415) 886-1758 View (415) 886-1758
When a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s not uncommon for parents and partners to experience overwhelming feelings of isolation, helplessness, and frustration as they navigate the uncertainty of how best to help. If your loved one is struggling with addiction, this 10-week group will teach you skills to help your loved one reduce their problematic substance use, obtain treatment, and improve your own mental well-being. Cost of the group is $200 intake (sliding scale available) and $85 each family per group.
Photo of Jennifer Fernandez - California Center for Change, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by California Center for Change
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
When a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s not uncommon for parents and partners to experience overwhelming feelings of isolation, helplessness, and frustration as they navigate the uncertainty of how best to help. If your loved one is struggling with addiction, this 10-week group will teach you skills to help your loved one reduce their problematic substance use, obtain treatment, and improve your own mental well-being. Cost of the group is $200 intake (sliding scale available) and $85 each family per group.
(415) 969-3982 View (415) 969-3982
Using a developmental model to couples relationships, Dr. Santos and her husband, Cesar Santos, MA, MBA, Integral Life Coach, will conduct a 12-week psychoeducational couples' group with the purpose of teaching and developing relationational skills based on mindfulness-oriented techniques. The group will start with 6 psychoeducational encounters with the explanation of the challenges present in each phase of a couples' history; then the group will be divide by gender, and men and women will discuss separadetely for 3 weeks. Finally, the whole group resumes for the last 3 weeks and co-create their new vows and agreements.
Photo of Meire Santos, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PsyD, LMFT
Hosted by Meire Santos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PsyD, LMFT
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
Using a developmental model to couples relationships, Dr. Santos and her husband, Cesar Santos, MA, MBA, Integral Life Coach, will conduct a 12-week psychoeducational couples' group with the purpose of teaching and developing relationational skills based on mindfulness-oriented techniques. The group will start with 6 psychoeducational encounters with the explanation of the challenges present in each phase of a couples' history; then the group will be divide by gender, and men and women will discuss separadetely for 3 weeks. Finally, the whole group resumes for the last 3 weeks and co-create their new vows and agreements.
(510) 606-8607 View (510) 606-8607
"Tending the Fire Within:" A depth and intimacy-oriented group where we embrace and explore issues that men often find themselves struggling with. We share and learn to work with our anger, shame, loneliness, fear, grief and sense of power in order to create lives with more passion and connection. By supporting each other's experience, we dive more deeply into our own unique expression of masculinity and learn how we can feel more alive by holding our issues with compassion and heart.
Photo of Robert Schene, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP
Hosted by Robert Schene
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
"Tending the Fire Within:" A depth and intimacy-oriented group where we embrace and explore issues that men often find themselves struggling with. We share and learn to work with our anger, shame, loneliness, fear, grief and sense of power in order to create lives with more passion and connection. By supporting each other's experience, we dive more deeply into our own unique expression of masculinity and learn how we can feel more alive by holding our issues with compassion and heart.
(415) 702-0949 View (415) 702-0949
With The Dream Act, a new demand appeared: young immigrants and their families who do not know which steps to take towards a College Degree and professional career in the USA. This support group will give these young immigrants, already in College or post College but not able to have a profession yet, the necessary guidance and mentorship. We will visit local Universities; have guest speakers and mentors. The group will also provide a safe space to address heated topics around immigrant reality: emotional blocks towards educational success, bilinguism, self-esteem, student skills, job market, among others.
Photo of Meire Santos, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PsyD, LMFT
Hosted by Meire Santos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PsyD, LMFT
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
With The Dream Act, a new demand appeared: young immigrants and their families who do not know which steps to take towards a College Degree and professional career in the USA. This support group will give these young immigrants, already in College or post College but not able to have a profession yet, the necessary guidance and mentorship. We will visit local Universities; have guest speakers and mentors. The group will also provide a safe space to address heated topics around immigrant reality: emotional blocks towards educational success, bilinguism, self-esteem, student skills, job market, among others.
(510) 606-8607 View (510) 606-8607

More Groups Nearby

Are you distressed by the challenges of work? Frustrations with co-workers, conflicts with leaders, or just burned out by the grind of working so hard? Our Well At Work group will give you an opportunity to learn coping skills that will lower your stress level, reduce anxiety, and increase your sense of well-being. Groups will meet weekly for one hour. When you realize that you are not alone in your struggle, that is the first step to feeling better. Meetings will be held online.
Hosted by Rose F Sneed
Psychologist, PsyD
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94104
Are you distressed by the challenges of work? Frustrations with co-workers, conflicts with leaders, or just burned out by the grind of working so hard? Our Well At Work group will give you an opportunity to learn coping skills that will lower your stress level, reduce anxiety, and increase your sense of well-being. Groups will meet weekly for one hour. When you realize that you are not alone in your struggle, that is the first step to feeling better. Meetings will be held online.
(510) 953-5726 View (510) 953-5726
Foresight helps you find your path to mental wellness. We’re a community of mental health experts who offer a dynamic range of care that flexes with your particular needs and goals. Our team includes licensed therapists, psychiatric providers, researchers, a dedicated care team and more who bring you a thoughtful experience that blends traditional therapy with a technology-backed approach. Our providers build meaningful relationships with you, and our digital member experience helps enhance your care in between sessions. We help you go deeper inward, getting to know you well, and heal and grow on the path that feels right for you.
Photo of Susan Gardner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Susan Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Foresight helps you find your path to mental wellness. We’re a community of mental health experts who offer a dynamic range of care that flexes with your particular needs and goals. Our team includes licensed therapists, psychiatric providers, researchers, a dedicated care team and more who bring you a thoughtful experience that blends traditional therapy with a technology-backed approach. Our providers build meaningful relationships with you, and our digital member experience helps enhance your care in between sessions. We help you go deeper inward, getting to know you well, and heal and grow on the path that feels right for you.
(341) 217-6803 View (341) 217-6803
Develop a better understanding of yourself, your thoughts, your emotions, and how you relate to others. Learn to understand the influence of past and present behavior. Develop a “toolbox” of strategies to improve coping skills. Explore and learn in a safe and supportive group setting. SLIDING SCALE FEE
Hosted by Community Institute for Psychotherapy
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Rafael, CA 94901
Develop a better understanding of yourself, your thoughts, your emotions, and how you relate to others. Learn to understand the influence of past and present behavior. Develop a “toolbox” of strategies to improve coping skills. Explore and learn in a safe and supportive group setting. SLIDING SCALE FEE
(415) 870-2294 View (415) 870-2294
This group is for women who have issues with their relationships that can be described as love addiction and or/sexual compulsivity. We will use workbooks, readings and meditations along with other modalities to connect members to their feelings, thoughts and behavior and then process with the group.
Photo of Pamela Susan Kohll, Counselor, MS, LPCC, LMHC, CST, CSAT-S
Hosted by Pamela Susan Kohll
Counselor, MS, LPCC, LMHC, CST, CSAT-S
Group meets in Mill Valley, CA 94941
This group is for women who have issues with their relationships that can be described as love addiction and or/sexual compulsivity. We will use workbooks, readings and meditations along with other modalities to connect members to their feelings, thoughts and behavior and then process with the group.
(415) 384-9758 View (415) 384-9758
This group is an opportunity for men to cultivate more fulfilling relationships with themselves, loved ones, and other men. Through self-exploration and the support of others, men have the opportunity to find a deeper strength within which can be used to overcome the fear of change and become more engaged with life. Topics include relationships, masculinity, self-confidence, sex and intimacy, anger, and emotional awareness. The environment is confidential and non-judgmental so men feel free to share their authentic selves.
Photo of Nick Wightman, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Nick Wightman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
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 the support of others, men have the opportunity to find a deeper strength within which can be used to overcome the fear of change and become more engaged with life. Topics include relationships, masculinity, self-confidence, sex and intimacy, anger, and emotional awareness. The environment is confidential and non-judgmental so men feel free to share their authentic selves.
(510) 403-8480 View (510) 403-8480
1) Living with Cancer-a support group for individuals living with cancer from Diagnosis to Post-Treatment 2)Infertility- a support group for surviving Infertility emotionally and practically
Photo of Jackie Fine Dahan, Psychologist, PsyD
Hosted by Jackie Fine Dahan
Psychologist, PsyD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
1) Living with Cancer-a support group for individuals living with cancer from Diagnosis to Post-Treatment 2)Infertility- a support group for surviving Infertility emotionally and practically
(917) 809-6954 View (917) 809-6954
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers structured support for emotional regulation, stress coping, and improved relationships in individuals struggling with various issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and personality disorders. This group can assist you in learning effective mindfulness practices, distress tolerance, and communication skills. Group sessions focus on sharing experiences, validating each other, and learning DBT techniques. The group setting encourages connection, empowerment, and consistent practice of therapeutic tools. The eight-session program covers various DBT skills, ultimately aiming to promote healing and reclaiming a sense of self-control.
Photo of Alexa Enyart, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Hosted by Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Group meets in Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers structured support for emotional regulation, stress coping, and improved relationships in individuals struggling with various issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and personality disorders. This group can assist you in learning effective mindfulness practices, distress tolerance, and communication skills. Group sessions focus on sharing experiences, validating each other, and learning DBT techniques. The group setting encourages connection, empowerment, and consistent practice of therapeutic tools. The eight-session program covers various DBT skills, ultimately aiming to promote healing and reclaiming a sense of self-control.
(650) 910-4282 View (650) 910-4282
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 confidence in approaching significant conversations, navigating differences and defusing conflict ?~ Cultivate reflective listening, empathy and attunement skills to deepen mutual understanding ?~ Decrease defensiveness and strengthen mutual respect ?~ Increase skills for clearing grievances and managing repair conversations ?~ Nurture affection, appreciation, admiration and positive sentiment cycles ?~ Clarify shared values and develop more shared meaning ?~ Reviving and enhancing romantic, intimate and sexual connectedness
Photo of Michael S Gelbart, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Hosted by Michael S Gelbart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
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 confidence in approaching significant conversations, navigating differences and defusing conflict ?~ Cultivate reflective listening, empathy and attunement skills to deepen mutual understanding ?~ Decrease defensiveness and strengthen mutual respect ?~ Increase skills for clearing grievances and managing repair conversations ?~ Nurture affection, appreciation, admiration and positive sentiment cycles ?~ Clarify shared values and develop more shared meaning ?~ Reviving and enhancing romantic, intimate and sexual connectedness
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See more therapy options for 94122

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in 94122?

To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.

Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.

How does group therapy work?

Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.

Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioral exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.

Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between $50 and $75 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organizations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or nonprofit organizations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.

Does insurance cover group therapy?

As with individual therapy, insurance coverage for group therapy varies based on factors such as your specific insurance plan, the purpose of the group, your diagnosis, and whether the group provider is in-network. Many insurance plans cover group therapy sessions that address diagnosable mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, or depression.

However, groups that focus on topics not directly tied to a mental health diagnosis—such as parenting support or divorce recovery—are less likely to be covered. Because coverage can vary widely, it’s important to check with your insurance provider before joining a group to confirm whether the sessions will be covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.

How long does group therapy last?

The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.

The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalized and specialized care.

The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.