Support Groups in 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 intervene, how to keep appropriate boundaries and when you need to provide assistance for your child. It's helpful to have a weekly structure to help address your concerns and anxiety so your child does not need to be burdened by this during their own time of academic stress and emotional challenge.
Photo of Alison Trules, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Alison Trules
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
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 intervene, how to keep appropriate boundaries and when you need to provide assistance for your child. It's helpful to have a weekly structure to help address your concerns and anxiety so your child does not need to be burdened by this during their own time of academic stress and emotional challenge.
(510) 417-3442 View (510) 417-3442
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.
Photo of Theresa M Fleury, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Theresa M Fleury
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
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.
(510) 404-8625 View (510) 404-8625
You will be sharing a dream, walking through it as you tell it like a story. With a focused inquiry and and reflection on the symbols in your dream you will experience the guidance and support your dreams can offer. Connect to your dreams yourself, your wisdom, and others.
Photo of Dana Locke, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Dana Locke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
You will be sharing a dream, walking through it as you tell it like a story. With a focused inquiry and and reflection on the symbols in your dream you will experience the guidance and support your dreams can offer. Connect to your dreams yourself, your wisdom, and others.
(510) 655-2823 View (510) 655-2823
This group is designed specifically for people who are in recovery from drug or alcohol use issues.
Photo of Peter V. Curtin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, LCSW
Hosted by Peter V. Curtin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, LCSW
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group is designed specifically for people who are in recovery from drug or alcohol use issues.
(510) 588-5869 View (510) 588-5869
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 conversation about racism and misogyny and learn how to speak out when you see it play out in your communities. The group is designed to build INSIGHT and SKILLS as well as SUPPORT through interactions and feedback with other group as we learn (and unlearn) the profound affects white supremacy and misogyny has on our lives.
Photo of Aaron Wilson, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Aaron Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
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 conversation about racism and misogyny and learn how to speak out when you see it play out in your communities. The group is designed to build INSIGHT and SKILLS as well as SUPPORT through interactions and feedback with other group as we learn (and unlearn) the profound affects white supremacy and misogyny has on our lives.
(415) 592-6652 View (415) 592-6652
NOTE: AT THIS TIME, I'M NOT OFFERING A GROUP BUT MAY BE OFFERING IT IN THE FUTURE. Recognize how and why your anger gets triggered and out of control. Identify feelings and underlying emotions. Interrupt the cycle before it causes damage. Learn and apply skills and tools and learn to express important feelings more effectively and safely. Find the motivation to choose healthy outlets.
Photo of Gloria Namkung, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Gloria Namkung
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
NOTE: AT THIS TIME, I'M NOT OFFERING A GROUP BUT MAY BE OFFERING IT IN THE FUTURE. Recognize how and why your anger gets triggered and out of control. Identify feelings and underlying emotions. Interrupt the cycle before it causes damage. Learn and apply skills and tools and learn to express important feelings more effectively and safely. Find the motivation to choose healthy outlets.
(510) 564-7199 View (510) 564-7199
Come connect more authentically with your deeper being, the cycles of nature and other women. Align with the seasons and share in poetry, music, movement and ritual to experience the rhythms of the natures seasons and your own inner seasons Be part of a Women’s community devoted to remembering and embodying our Sacred Connection to Nature, the Sacred Feminine and the cycles of the year. Bi-monthly online meetings with optional in-person eco-therapy sessions in nature.
Photo of Shae Stafanson, Psychologist, PsyD, RYT 200
Hosted by Shae Stafanson
Psychologist, PsyD, RYT 200
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Come connect more authentically with your deeper being, the cycles of nature and other women. Align with the seasons and share in poetry, music, movement and ritual to experience the rhythms of the natures seasons and your own inner seasons Be part of a Women’s community devoted to remembering and embodying our Sacred Connection to Nature, the Sacred Feminine and the cycles of the year. Bi-monthly online meetings with optional in-person eco-therapy sessions in nature.
(510) 822-8809 View (510) 822-8809
A virtual 75 min. weekly support group (12 sessions duration) for those who identify as artists and mothers. Each member will have space to voice their unique experiences about what it is like to be an artist and a mother in today’s ecological and political climate. Together, we will share and learn. This group is for ALL kinds of creatives. I am currently recruiting for the fall group, which will begin in September.
Photo of Mia Pixley, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Mia Pixley
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
A virtual 75 min. weekly support group (12 sessions duration) for those who identify as artists and mothers. Each member will have space to voice their unique experiences about what it is like to be an artist and a mother in today’s ecological and political climate. Together, we will share and learn. This group is for ALL kinds of creatives. I am currently recruiting for the fall group, which will begin in September.
(510) 560-7412 View (510) 560-7412
Conscious self- development begins in adolescence. Teenagers experience a huge amount of pressure from school, friends, and society. Most kids in high school become overwhelmed by this at some point- they often struggle with balancing their academic load with social and personal needs. This group focuses on high school social dynamics, academic pressure, and the transitions between grade levels, including moving out of the childhood home. Members have a space to vent and connect with other kids experiencing similar challenges. The group process facilitates social skills practice like deescalating, listening and reflecting, and conflict resolution.
Photo of Holly Frances, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Holly Frances
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Conscious self- development begins in adolescence. Teenagers experience a huge amount of pressure from school, friends, and society. Most kids in high school become overwhelmed by this at some point- they often struggle with balancing their academic load with social and personal needs. This group focuses on high school social dynamics, academic pressure, and the transitions between grade levels, including moving out of the childhood home. Members have a space to vent and connect with other kids experiencing similar challenges. The group process facilitates social skills practice like deescalating, listening and reflecting, and conflict resolution.
(628) 877-8483 View (628) 877-8483
This ongoing group consists of mental health professionals or graduate students who wish to enhance their personal growth and development. It is a very stable group whose participants are interested in expanding their ability to trust, support and gently challenge one another. Emphasis is placed on creating and maintaining a safe context in which individuals develop greater self-awareness and self-esteem while also addressing interpersonal and relationship challenges. This leads to the deveopment of transferrable skills which enrich their outside relationships. The group seeks to integrate humor, compassion, assertiveness and empathy. Meets virtually.
Photo of Jeff Sharp, Psychologist
Hosted by Jeff Sharp
Psychologist
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This ongoing group consists of mental health professionals or graduate students who wish to enhance their personal growth and development. It is a very stable group whose participants are interested in expanding their ability to trust, support and gently challenge one another. Emphasis is placed on creating and maintaining a safe context in which individuals develop greater self-awareness and self-esteem while also addressing interpersonal and relationship challenges. This leads to the deveopment of transferrable skills which enrich their outside relationships. The group seeks to integrate humor, compassion, assertiveness and empathy. Meets virtually.
(510) 730-3805 View (510) 730-3805
Girls Group is for 7th and 8th grade girls who want to build supportive friendships and feel more confident in themselves. Group runs from March 6th through April 24th. The cost is $500 for 8 sessions.
Photo of Andrea Weicker, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Andrea Weicker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Girls Group is for 7th and 8th grade girls who want to build supportive friendships and feel more confident in themselves. Group runs from March 6th through April 24th. The cost is $500 for 8 sessions.
(510) 694-1783 View (510) 694-1783
It can be hard to be trans, even after transition. Life After Transition is a group for trans people who consider their transition complete. We support one another with subjects including community, safety, bodies, and identities. This group is for those who: *Have finished their transition but still want support around being trans; *Feel challenged by navigating coming out and building relationships; *Can sometimes be haunted their past; *Feel unsettled by anti-trans rhetoric and legislative attacks; *Want a safe space to talk and build connections. Reach out for a free consultation!
Photo of Veronica Esposito, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Veronica Esposito
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
It can be hard to be trans, even after transition. Life After Transition is a group for trans people who consider their transition complete. We support one another with subjects including community, safety, bodies, and identities. This group is for those who: *Have finished their transition but still want support around being trans; *Feel challenged by navigating coming out and building relationships; *Can sometimes be haunted their past; *Feel unsettled by anti-trans rhetoric and legislative attacks; *Want a safe space to talk and build connections. Reach out for a free consultation!
(510) 849-6746 View (510) 849-6746
A virtual 75 min. weekly support group (12 sessions duration) for those who identify as artists and parents. This is an all gender group where each member will have space to voice their unique experiences about what it is like to be an artist and a parent in today’s ecological and political climate. Together, we will share and learn. This group is for ALL kinds of creatives. I am currently recruiting for the fall group, which will begin in September. Start time is flexible depending on group members availability.
Photo of Mia Pixley, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Mia Pixley
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
A virtual 75 min. weekly support group (12 sessions duration) for those who identify as artists and parents. This is an all gender group where each member will have space to voice their unique experiences about what it is like to be an artist and a parent in today’s ecological and political climate. Together, we will share and learn. This group is for ALL kinds of creatives. I am currently recruiting for the fall group, which will begin in September. Start time is flexible depending on group members availability.
(510) 560-7412 View (510) 560-7412
Adolescence is a tough period in a child's life as it's marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and interest in usual activities. Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses. In adolescence, depressed mood is common element of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, the influence of hormones, and independence conflicts with parents. This is an active, funny, lively, supportive and well established group, with all teens attending it, every week. This group meets over Skype as members are located all over the SF Bay Area and California
Photo of Jayn Rajandran - Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org, Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Hosted by Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Adolescence is a tough period in a child's life as it's marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and interest in usual activities. Depression can be a transient response to many situations and stresses. In adolescence, depressed mood is common element of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, the influence of hormones, and independence conflicts with parents. This is an active, funny, lively, supportive and well established group, with all teens attending it, every week. This group meets over Skype as members are located all over the SF Bay Area and California
(650) 727-1761 View (650) 727-1761
Small group forming to meet this very lonely place and facilitate healing. I aim to create an environment where you can feel safe to share your pain, be understood and start to experience change. It is with others that we can be seen, met, learn to take risks and begin to shed the restrictive hold of depression. Together in this dark place there is opportunity for transformation. We can learn to meet some of the scary parts of ourselves with bravery, curiosity and with the newfound support of the group.
Photo of Andy Sussman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Andy Sussman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Small group forming to meet this very lonely place and facilitate healing. I aim to create an environment where you can feel safe to share your pain, be understood and start to experience change. It is with others that we can be seen, met, learn to take risks and begin to shed the restrictive hold of depression. Together in this dark place there is opportunity for transformation. We can learn to meet some of the scary parts of ourselves with bravery, curiosity and with the newfound support of the group.
(415) 969-2593 View (415) 969-2593
This group is currently closed. A new group may be begin in spring 2024.
Photo of Theresa M Fleury, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Theresa M Fleury
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This group is currently closed. A new group may be begin in spring 2024.
(510) 404-8625 View (510) 404-8625
Weekly group for adults in treatment or post-treatment for OCD. Thursday evenings. Led by Joan Davidson and Lynne Henderson. Contact Joan Davidson at 510-652-4455 x 2.
Photo of Joan Davidson, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Joan Davidson
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Weekly group for adults in treatment or post-treatment for OCD. Thursday evenings. Led by Joan Davidson and Lynne Henderson. Contact Joan Davidson at 510-652-4455 x 2.
(510) 876-9104 View (510) 876-9104
This is a small group that meets weekly to explore the range of issues that are frequently themes in women's lives. These themes include: friendship,intimacy, caring for oneself while caring for others, creativity, parenting, partnership and living a full and vital life. The group milieu is used to explore and examine how you relate to others in the group and how to identify feelings that emerge in the here and now of the group experience.
Photo of Alison Trules, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Alison Trules
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
This is a small group that meets weekly to explore the range of issues that are frequently themes in women's lives. These themes include: friendship,intimacy, caring for oneself while caring for others, creativity, parenting, partnership and living a full and vital life. The group milieu is used to explore and examine how you relate to others in the group and how to identify feelings that emerge in the here and now of the group experience.
(510) 417-3442 View (510) 417-3442
CURRENT OPENINGS This group is for folks with marginalized genders, i.e. women, trans, and non-binary folks. Groups function as a microcosm of the real world and are a powerful place to build better skills and confidence in navigating relationship with ourselves and others. Are you craving connection and feedback? Would you like to have a supportive place to take risks in relating in new ways? Hearing from others who have dealt with similar issues can help us understand our own predicaments; and having an opportunity to tell our own stories can empower us to find our voice.
Photo of Ali Kimmell - Bay Area Group Therapy Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Bay Area Group Therapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
CURRENT OPENINGS This group is for folks with marginalized genders, i.e. women, trans, and non-binary folks. Groups function as a microcosm of the real world and are a powerful place to build better skills and confidence in navigating relationship with ourselves and others. Are you craving connection and feedback? Would you like to have a supportive place to take risks in relating in new ways? Hearing from others who have dealt with similar issues can help us understand our own predicaments; and having an opportunity to tell our own stories can empower us to find our voice.
(510) 947-8446 View (510) 947-8446
Are you seeking support and connection with other parents who are parenting babies and children with special needs? Whether your child was born prematurely, with medical needs or developmental or genetic challenges, you are welcome here. If you are interested, please contact me to find out when the next group will be starting. We need a minimum of five parents to hold the group. Location is the Rockridge area of Oakland. 8 sessions. Fees per session- $50.
Photo of Kelly Ransom - Bay Area Psychotherapy / Kelly Ransom, PhD, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Bay Area Psychotherapy / Kelly Ransom, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94618
Are you seeking support and connection with other parents who are parenting babies and children with special needs? Whether your child was born prematurely, with medical needs or developmental or genetic challenges, you are welcome here. If you are interested, please contact me to find out when the next group will be starting. We need a minimum of five parents to hold the group. Location is the Rockridge area of Oakland. 8 sessions. Fees per session- $50.
(510) 617-1912 View (510) 617-1912

See more therapy options for 94618

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in 94618?

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.