Support Groups in Del Mar, CA
This high functioning men's group is aimed at men in mid-life trying to cope with multiple life transitions or stressors: career changes, marriage/separation/divorce, health, finances, aging parents, parenting children, family changes, etc.. The group is designed to be a good adjunct to individual therapy or maintenance following individual therapy.

This high functioning men's group is aimed at men in mid-life trying to cope with multiple life transitions or stressors: career changes, marriage/separation/divorce, health, finances, aging parents, parenting children, family changes, etc.. The group is designed to be a good adjunct to individual therapy or maintenance following individual therapy.
At San Diego Health Psychology and Wellness we strive to help individuals identify and overcome challenges they are encountering with their psychological and/or physical health. We work with each individual client to identify treatment goals and strive to create an atmosphere where clients feel safe and supported in addressing and moving towards reaching these goals. While our approach is tailored to fit the needs of each individual client, we use treatment methods that are shown to be effective by the latest scientific research. We coordinate care with your primary care and/or other speciality physicians. We accept most insurances.

At San Diego Health Psychology and Wellness we strive to help individuals identify and overcome challenges they are encountering with their psychological and/or physical health. We work with each individual client to identify treatment goals and strive to create an atmosphere where clients feel safe and supported in addressing and moving towards reaching these goals. While our approach is tailored to fit the needs of each individual client, we use treatment methods that are shown to be effective by the latest scientific research. We coordinate care with your primary care and/or other speciality physicians. We accept most insurances.
Right HerStory is a unique, ongoing 6-month online program designed to help women reclaim their voice, overcome shame, and step into their power. In this intimate group (max 8 participants), you’ll be guided through journaling, sharing, movement, and crafting a personal narrative. Together, we create a sacred, supportive space to explore your truth and build confidence. The journey culminates in presenting your story on an online “stage,” a transformative experience amplifying healing and self-discovery. Women who once felt intimidated to step into the spotlight often embrace their role as the leading lady of their lives—on stage, both literally and metaphorically.

Right HerStory is a unique, ongoing 6-month online program designed to help women reclaim their voice, overcome shame, and step into their power. In this intimate group (max 8 participants), you’ll be guided through journaling, sharing, movement, and crafting a personal narrative. Together, we create a sacred, supportive space to explore your truth and build confidence. The journey culminates in presenting your story on an online “stage,” a transformative experience amplifying healing and self-discovery. Women who once felt intimidated to step into the spotlight often embrace their role as the leading lady of their lives—on stage, both literally and metaphorically.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach designed to reduce emotion dysregulation, impulsive behavior, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and treat other mental health or behavioral issues. The goal of DBT is to help teens change ineffective behavior patterns by learning skills that will help them reach their goals. Our programs include four DBT skills groups a week that cover core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Teens learn a new DBT skill in each group. Our staff help teens practice these skills so that they know how to use them in their daily lives.

Hosted by Evolve Teen Mental Health Outpatient Programs
Treatment Center
Group meets in Del Mar, CA 92014
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach designed to reduce emotion dysregulation, impulsive behavior, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and treat other mental health or behavioral issues. The goal of DBT is to help teens change ineffective behavior patterns by learning skills that will help them reach their goals. Our programs include four DBT skills groups a week that cover core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Teens learn a new DBT skill in each group. Our staff help teens practice these skills so that they know how to use them in their daily lives.
Are you navigating the realities of caring for an aging parent? When our loved ones begin to lose their independence, there are difficult choices that need to be made. Whether you're in the early stages of taking a more active role in your parent's care, or presently engaged in hand-on caregiving, you can benefit from a supportive group.

Are you navigating the realities of caring for an aging parent? When our loved ones begin to lose their independence, there are difficult choices that need to be made. Whether you're in the early stages of taking a more active role in your parent's care, or presently engaged in hand-on caregiving, you can benefit from a supportive group.
This long-term, closed group provides an emotionally safe, culturally sensitive environment to help members learn more about themselves in relations to others, understand how people perceive and experience each other, handle confrontation and conflicts, identify and regulate emotions within self and with others, develop healthy relational boundaries, and address visible and invisible self-identity. Group is open to take new members. $65 per group session. Contact me to schedule a free pre-screen appointment.

This long-term, closed group provides an emotionally safe, culturally sensitive environment to help members learn more about themselves in relations to others, understand how people perceive and experience each other, handle confrontation and conflicts, identify and regulate emotions within self and with others, develop healthy relational boundaries, and address visible and invisible self-identity. Group is open to take new members. $65 per group session. Contact me to schedule a free pre-screen appointment.
This is a weekly interpersonal process group for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professional (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, etc.) who want to sharpen their interpersonal skills, address barriers to creating intimacy in relationships, learn how to successfully manage conflict, and obtain feedback and support from others committed to personal and professional development. Current group membership is highly diverse in terms of racial, cultural, ethnic, and sexual identity.

This is a weekly interpersonal process group for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professional (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, etc.) who want to sharpen their interpersonal skills, address barriers to creating intimacy in relationships, learn how to successfully manage conflict, and obtain feedback and support from others committed to personal and professional development. Current group membership is highly diverse in terms of racial, cultural, ethnic, and sexual identity.
The eating disorder recovery group is a safe place to find a place of belonging and community among those with similar struggles. Eating disorders thrive on isolation and shame. Many people who attend group therapy find that it’s extremely therapeutic to develop common bonds in the group process. This group is open for adolescents age 10 and up to help process all feelings in relation to recovery from an Eating Disorder.

Hosted by Book Concierge Psychiatric Services, Nursing Corp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Group meets in Del Mar, CA 92014
The eating disorder recovery group is a safe place to find a place of belonging and community among those with similar struggles. Eating disorders thrive on isolation and shame. Many people who attend group therapy find that it’s extremely therapeutic to develop common bonds in the group process. This group is open for adolescents age 10 and up to help process all feelings in relation to recovery from an Eating Disorder.
Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) offers an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals struggling with addiction and provides practical skills to help teens manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Although SMART Recovery is an abstinence-oriented program, it allows flexible goal setting, whether that means reducing certain behaviors with a harm reduction approach or working towards complete sobriety. Unlike the 12-Step model, SMART Recovery offers a more achievable recovery path, giving teens the tools to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives without the pressure of a lifelong commitment.

Hosted by Evolve Teen Mental Health Outpatient Programs
Treatment Center
Group meets in Del Mar, CA 92014
Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) offers an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals struggling with addiction and provides practical skills to help teens manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Although SMART Recovery is an abstinence-oriented program, it allows flexible goal setting, whether that means reducing certain behaviors with a harm reduction approach or working towards complete sobriety. Unlike the 12-Step model, SMART Recovery offers a more achievable recovery path, giving teens the tools to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives without the pressure of a lifelong commitment.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens includes a weekly multi-family group, key to our family-centered teen treatment approach. These sessions unite families, teens, and therapists in a supportive setting for shared learning. The group focuses on psychoeducation, giving families vital knowledge about mental health, addiction, and effective coping skills. Participants find comfort in peer support, realizing they're not alone. Families learn from others facing similar challenges, building a sense of community. This approach boosts treatment engagement, enhances communication skills, and strengthens family dynamics. These elements are crucial in supporting teens through recovery.

Hosted by Evolve Teen Mental Health Outpatient Programs
Treatment Center
Group meets in Del Mar, CA 92014
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens includes a weekly multi-family group, key to our family-centered teen treatment approach. These sessions unite families, teens, and therapists in a supportive setting for shared learning. The group focuses on psychoeducation, giving families vital knowledge about mental health, addiction, and effective coping skills. Participants find comfort in peer support, realizing they're not alone. Families learn from others facing similar challenges, building a sense of community. This approach boosts treatment engagement, enhances communication skills, and strengthens family dynamics. These elements are crucial in supporting teens through recovery.

More Groups Nearby
(Group Meetings: March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th – 12:00-1:15 PST (ONLINE)) Have you ever had trouble holding your space? Do you feel like…. -You are affected by other people’s emotions? -Other people’s emotions become your own? -You are overwhelmed by news about the people, animals, plants, or places that are impacted by tragedies or natural disasters? -You are easily overwhelmed by other people, places, crowds, news and the collective? -You take on the worries and burdens of others? -You begin to feel fearful about absorbing other people’s “stuff” & go into defense. Then this Group will support you!

Hosted by Susan Stennis Layton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92130
(Group Meetings: March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th – 12:00-1:15 PST (ONLINE)) Have you ever had trouble holding your space? Do you feel like…. -You are affected by other people’s emotions? -Other people’s emotions become your own? -You are overwhelmed by news about the people, animals, plants, or places that are impacted by tragedies or natural disasters? -You are easily overwhelmed by other people, places, crowds, news and the collective? -You take on the worries and burdens of others? -You begin to feel fearful about absorbing other people’s “stuff” & go into defense. Then this Group will support you!
A workshop designed for individuals seeking to enhance their relationships, even if their partners are not interested in couples counseling When: Four 90 min sessions, dates TBD Where: In-person and zoom options Cost: $160 for workshop ($40 per session) Learn about your attachment style, how to create a secure bond with your partner, and practical tools to resolve conflict Group Facilitator: Meghan Semler, LMFT (#146508) Join the Waitlist

Hosted by The Heart of the Matter Relationship Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92110
A workshop designed for individuals seeking to enhance their relationships, even if their partners are not interested in couples counseling When: Four 90 min sessions, dates TBD Where: In-person and zoom options Cost: $160 for workshop ($40 per session) Learn about your attachment style, how to create a secure bond with your partner, and practical tools to resolve conflict Group Facilitator: Meghan Semler, LMFT (#146508) Join the Waitlist
Treatment of Depression in patients who have tried several depression medications and still unable to get rid of depression.

Treatment of Depression in patients who have tried several depression medications and still unable to get rid of depression.
Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) offers an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals struggling with addiction and provides practical skills to help teens manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Although SMART Recovery is an abstinence-oriented program, it allows flexible goal setting, whether that means reducing certain behaviors with a harm reduction approach or working towards complete sobriety. Unlike the 12-Step model, SMART Recovery offers a more achievable recovery path, giving teens the tools to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives without the pressure of a lifelong commitment.

Hosted by Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens
Treatment Center
Group meets in Encinitas, CA 92024
Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) offers an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals struggling with addiction and provides practical skills to help teens manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Although SMART Recovery is an abstinence-oriented program, it allows flexible goal setting, whether that means reducing certain behaviors with a harm reduction approach or working towards complete sobriety. Unlike the 12-Step model, SMART Recovery offers a more achievable recovery path, giving teens the tools to make positive and sustainable changes in their lives without the pressure of a lifelong commitment.
This support group is designed for individuals who have a close relationship with someone suffering from binge eating disorder. Our goal is to create an environment that is both compassionate and informative. In this group, we will focus on providing in-depth education about binge eating disorder, exploring specific strategies for effectively supporting your loved ones, and addressing questions you may have about the treatment. In our effort to make these services accessible, flexible payment plans are available at checkout

Hosted by Monica Montoya
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Group meets in Bonita, CA 91908
This support group is designed for individuals who have a close relationship with someone suffering from binge eating disorder. Our goal is to create an environment that is both compassionate and informative. In this group, we will focus on providing in-depth education about binge eating disorder, exploring specific strategies for effectively supporting your loved ones, and addressing questions you may have about the treatment. In our effort to make these services accessible, flexible payment plans are available at checkout
This group is an online process group for individuals interested in exploring the -isms (e.g., racism, classism, sexism, ageism, ableism) in our society, our personal experiences with it, our roles in it, and the ways they shape us, and us them. This group is open to all adults. Participation will require 1-2 individual intake sessions. Participation will be limited to 8 members.

This group is an online process group for individuals interested in exploring the -isms (e.g., racism, classism, sexism, ageism, ableism) in our society, our personal experiences with it, our roles in it, and the ways they shape us, and us them. This group is open to all adults. Participation will require 1-2 individual intake sessions. Participation will be limited to 8 members.
Start date is July 13, 2017 and the target population is women who want support as they maneuver the next phase of their journey. Perhaps someone new to the area or community looking for healthier ways of coping and or self-development. This group would suit women whose resources are limited and cannot afford traditional therapy or have no insurance. The cost is $35 per session and this includes all handouts and materials. The space is limit to six opening (small and intimate).

Start date is July 13, 2017 and the target population is women who want support as they maneuver the next phase of their journey. Perhaps someone new to the area or community looking for healthier ways of coping and or self-development. This group would suit women whose resources are limited and cannot afford traditional therapy or have no insurance. The cost is $35 per session and this includes all handouts and materials. The space is limit to six opening (small and intimate).
We are a person centered group focused on providing therapy and psychological evaluations to patients residing in California. We offer both in-person and telehealth services based on the patient's needs. Psychological Testing is available for ages 6 and older and we focus on diagnostic clarification including ADHD, general evaluations, and learning disabilities. Our providers have training in a variety of specialties and degrees range from LCSW, LMFT, to Clinical Psychologists. Feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have regarding scheduling, fees, and services offered.

We are a person centered group focused on providing therapy and psychological evaluations to patients residing in California. We offer both in-person and telehealth services based on the patient's needs. Psychological Testing is available for ages 6 and older and we focus on diagnostic clarification including ADHD, general evaluations, and learning disabilities. Our providers have training in a variety of specialties and degrees range from LCSW, LMFT, to Clinical Psychologists. Feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have regarding scheduling, fees, and services offered.
This is more than a typical support group. This structured group will help participants to let go, move on, and how to imagine a future which is fulfilling and hopeful. The structured 8-week therapy group is for individuals who are currently going through, or recovering from, separation & divorce. The group will assist participants in processing the ambiguous loss associated with dissolving a marriage, gain insight into how we progress through the stages of grief, and utilize Narrative Therapy to move from our past views of ourselves into a future-oriented and hopeful mindset. Contact to sign up.

Hosted by Jessica Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Carlsbad, CA 92008
This is more than a typical support group. This structured group will help participants to let go, move on, and how to imagine a future which is fulfilling and hopeful. The structured 8-week therapy group is for individuals who are currently going through, or recovering from, separation & divorce. The group will assist participants in processing the ambiguous loss associated with dissolving a marriage, gain insight into how we progress through the stages of grief, and utilize Narrative Therapy to move from our past views of ourselves into a future-oriented and hopeful mindset. Contact to sign up.
See more therapy options for Del Mar
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Del Mar?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.