Support Groups in Bakersfield, CA

I offer a co-parenting class for separated or divorced parents, or parents who are in co-parenting situations (e.g. mother and grandparents). The 4-6 hour class is currently offered online and the cost is $125. Classes are approved by the Kern County Family Court. To get more information or to register, please contact my associate clinician, Kendall Wood, at 661-858-6348.
Photo of Charree Kashwer, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Hosted by Charree Kashwer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
I offer a co-parenting class for separated or divorced parents, or parents who are in co-parenting situations (e.g. mother and grandparents). The 4-6 hour class is currently offered online and the cost is $125. Classes are approved by the Kern County Family Court. To get more information or to register, please contact my associate clinician, Kendall Wood, at 661-858-6348.
(661) 426-8354 View (661) 426-8354
Changing your negative thoughts into positive thoughts to promote healthier living. This is an open group that you can stop and participate in. This group runs Saturdays at 10:00am, please call to reserve your spot.
Photo of Mesha Muwanga, Marriage & Family Therapist, LFMT
Hosted by Mesha Muwanga
Marriage & Family Therapist, LFMT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
Changing your negative thoughts into positive thoughts to promote healthier living. This is an open group that you can stop and participate in. This group runs Saturdays at 10:00am, please call to reserve your spot.
(661) 374-4921 View (661) 374-4921
Welcome to Mindful You Psychotherapy! We are a group of like-minded psychotherapists who's sole purpose is to help individuals, children, couples and families along their journey towards healing. Call us to set up an appointment!
Photo of Yessica Avancena, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, CMT
Hosted by Yessica Avancena
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, CMT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
Welcome to Mindful You Psychotherapy! We are a group of like-minded psychotherapists who's sole purpose is to help individuals, children, couples and families along their journey towards healing. Call us to set up an appointment!
(661) 218-1760 View (661) 218-1760
One in four females in the U.S. will suffer the staggering effects of sexual abuse before they reach the age of eighteen; a majority of which will be at the hands of someone they know and trust. KCM wants you to know that you are not alone, and that you do not need to continue suffering the crippling effects that result from sexual abuse. The Bold Love program is bringing about God's healing and transformation in the lives of our Counselees.
Photo of Jennifer J Anderson - Kingdom Community Ministries, Pastoral Counselor, DMin
Hosted by Kingdom Community Ministries
Pastoral Counselor, DMin
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
One in four females in the U.S. will suffer the staggering effects of sexual abuse before they reach the age of eighteen; a majority of which will be at the hands of someone they know and trust. KCM wants you to know that you are not alone, and that you do not need to continue suffering the crippling effects that result from sexual abuse. The Bold Love program is bringing about God's healing and transformation in the lives of our Counselees.
(661) 441-3263 View (661) 441-3263
Pure Love is a group for women who struggle in relationships.
Photo of Cece Rubalcava - Dr. CeCe Rubalcava, Pastoral Counselor, ThD
Hosted by Dr. CeCe Rubalcava
Pastoral Counselor, ThD
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
Pure Love is a group for women who struggle in relationships.
(661) 443-5367 View (661) 443-5367
Rewriting the stories you have aligned with that are negatively affecting your views of yourself, others, and the world in which you live. This Group is created to help people who are dealing with life challenges including but not limited to: Grief, Breakups, Life Changes, Anxiety, Depression, Physical Illness, New Diagnosis, Loss, Work-Related Stress, Parents, Spouse, Children, & Pets.
Photo of Shannon Kaye Fanucchi, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SH, CHT
Hosted by Shannon Kaye Fanucchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SH, CHT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
Rewriting the stories you have aligned with that are negatively affecting your views of yourself, others, and the world in which you live. This Group is created to help people who are dealing with life challenges including but not limited to: Grief, Breakups, Life Changes, Anxiety, Depression, Physical Illness, New Diagnosis, Loss, Work-Related Stress, Parents, Spouse, Children, & Pets.
(661) 410-7769 View (661) 410-7769
Groups coming fall 2021
Photo of Vicki Underwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Hosted by Vicki Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
Groups coming fall 2021
(661) 215-6319 View (661) 215-6319
(DISCLAIMER: Not psychotherapy) Mental skills consulting for athletes, performers, and entrepreneurs who are looking to strengthen the skills needed to maintain peak performance in high-stake sports and life situations. Using techniques and interventions collected from my experiences as a clinical psychotherapist, doctorate level Sport and Performance Psychology education, and my associations with both the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Photo of Dr. Fernando Garcia III - STONE Mental Health Services, Marriage & Family Therapist, Ed D, LMFT
Hosted by STONE Mental Health Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, Ed D, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93306
(DISCLAIMER: Not psychotherapy) Mental skills consulting for athletes, performers, and entrepreneurs who are looking to strengthen the skills needed to maintain peak performance in high-stake sports and life situations. Using techniques and interventions collected from my experiences as a clinical psychotherapist, doctorate level Sport and Performance Psychology education, and my associations with both the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
(661) 459-5209 View (661) 459-5209
A court approved, online parenting course that you can complete at your convenience. The fee is $205 and includes a therapist consult after completion. Please contact my associate clinician, Kendall Wood, for more information or to register…661-858-6348.
Photo of Charree Kashwer, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Hosted by Charree Kashwer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
A court approved, online parenting course that you can complete at your convenience. The fee is $205 and includes a therapist consult after completion. Please contact my associate clinician, Kendall Wood, for more information or to register…661-858-6348.
(661) 426-8354 View (661) 426-8354
Statistics show that some 40 million adult Americans are affected by anxiety. Empower is a Christ-centered, Scripturally-rooted group program specifically geared to address generalized anxiety. This type of anxiety involves excessive worry about a variety of topics, events or activities, occurring more often than not, for at least six months.
Photo of Jennifer J Anderson - Kingdom Community Ministries, Pastoral Counselor, DMin
Hosted by Kingdom Community Ministries
Pastoral Counselor, DMin
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
Statistics show that some 40 million adult Americans are affected by anxiety. Empower is a Christ-centered, Scripturally-rooted group program specifically geared to address generalized anxiety. This type of anxiety involves excessive worry about a variety of topics, events or activities, occurring more often than not, for at least six months.
(661) 441-3263 View (661) 441-3263
CBT group that emphasizes ones need to have a healthy thought pattern to have a healthy life. This group brings fun and excitement to mental health and is filled with education, laughter, deep questions, and personal challenges all aimed at helping you gain healthier thought patterns. This group is facilitated and by nature is peer engaging. You will hear different views and perspectives and our facilitator ensures the healthy and respectful exchange of ideas. As with all of our groups and treatment, the information presented in this group is founded on truth and logic.
Photo of Mesha Muwanga, Marriage & Family Therapist, LFMT
Hosted by Mesha Muwanga
Marriage & Family Therapist, LFMT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
CBT group that emphasizes ones need to have a healthy thought pattern to have a healthy life. This group brings fun and excitement to mental health and is filled with education, laughter, deep questions, and personal challenges all aimed at helping you gain healthier thought patterns. This group is facilitated and by nature is peer engaging. You will hear different views and perspectives and our facilitator ensures the healthy and respectful exchange of ideas. As with all of our groups and treatment, the information presented in this group is founded on truth and logic.
(661) 374-4921 View (661) 374-4921
This group is designed to education, training, and support for those looking to learn more about how to improve their overall mental health. In this group we will explore how to identify and overcome the obstacles that are standing in the way of progress and growth. Each member will have their own individual assessments completed within the group but will have the opportunity to brain storm solutions in a safe and supportive environment. The group is lead by licensed practitioners and follow evidence-based approaches. The goal is to have each member feel confident in their own skills after their complete their group.
Photo of Dr. Fernando Garcia III - STONE Mental Health Services, Marriage & Family Therapist, Ed D, LMFT
Hosted by STONE Mental Health Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, Ed D, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93306
This group is designed to education, training, and support for those looking to learn more about how to improve their overall mental health. In this group we will explore how to identify and overcome the obstacles that are standing in the way of progress and growth. Each member will have their own individual assessments completed within the group but will have the opportunity to brain storm solutions in a safe and supportive environment. The group is lead by licensed practitioners and follow evidence-based approaches. The goal is to have each member feel confident in their own skills after their complete their group.
(661) 459-5209 View (661) 459-5209
Photo of Mark Dominguez, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Mark Dominguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 465-3501 View (661) 465-3501
Photo of Mary Valenti, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Mary Valenti
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 430-6142 View (661) 430-6142
Photo of Krissy Bynum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Hosted by Krissy Bynum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 215-8728 View (661) 215-8728
Photo of Cassandra Rivera, Psychologist, MS, PPS, LEP4344
Hosted by Cassandra Rivera
Psychologist, MS, PPS, LEP4344
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93312
(661) 368-9880 View (661) 368-9880
Photo of Karen Stark-Garrett, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Hosted by Karen Stark-Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 424-2738 View (661) 424-2738
Photo of Karen Stark-Garrett, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Hosted by Karen Stark-Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 424-2738 View (661) 424-2738
Photo of J. Lancaster, Psychologist, PsyD, MFT
Hosted by J. Lancaster
Psychologist, PsyD, MFT
Group meets in Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 349-9328 View (661) 349-9328

See more therapy options for Bakersfield

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Bakersfield?

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.