Support Groups in Lafayette, CA

This group is Online. The group runs for 8 weeks starting April 15h and Ends June 7th. This is a psycho-educational group. You will learn about the core components of Self-Compassion, and how they can help stop emotional eating. The class will include journaling, meditation, Mindfulness skills, and other tools to help you stop compulsive food behaviors.
Photo of Erica Fawn Thomas, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Erica Fawn Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
This group is Online. The group runs for 8 weeks starting April 15h and Ends June 7th. This is a psycho-educational group. You will learn about the core components of Self-Compassion, and how they can help stop emotional eating. The class will include journaling, meditation, Mindfulness skills, and other tools to help you stop compulsive food behaviors.
(925) 281-3551 View (925) 281-3551
Get support, make new friends, and build community by joining a parent group. Share and discuss the unique challenges faced by parents of gifted, highly sensitive, and exceptional children. Parent groups are based on the SENG model, which is the most widely used system for parenting gifted children. I offer small groups that are both informational and practical, where you will learn specific skills and strategies designed to help with the needs of intense, gifted children. For details, see the Parent Groups page at: www.therathrive.com
Photo of Grace Malonai - TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment , Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Hosted by TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Get support, make new friends, and build community by joining a parent group. Share and discuss the unique challenges faced by parents of gifted, highly sensitive, and exceptional children. Parent groups are based on the SENG model, which is the most widely used system for parenting gifted children. I offer small groups that are both informational and practical, where you will learn specific skills and strategies designed to help with the needs of intense, gifted children. For details, see the Parent Groups page at: www.therathrive.com
(925) 350-8130 View (925) 350-8130
A group for the aging woman. Group topics focus on life transitions, aging, relationships with adult children, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, empowerment, health psychology issues, sexuality
Photo of Morenike F Oshi-Ojuri - Ojuri Psychology Practices, Psychologist, PsyD
Hosted by Ojuri Psychology Practices
Psychologist, PsyD
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
A group for the aging woman. Group topics focus on life transitions, aging, relationships with adult children, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, empowerment, health psychology issues, sexuality
(925) 275-5746 View (925) 275-5746
DBT incorporates a combination of group therapy sessions that seek to teach individuals valuable self-management skills The skills help individuals who are dealing with the suffering that is caused by negative thought processes and helps them to create mindfulness practices and emotional regulation. These skills help to create awareness, calmness and change in how people handle difficult situations.
Photo of Judi Warehouse, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Judi Warehouse
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
DBT incorporates a combination of group therapy sessions that seek to teach individuals valuable self-management skills The skills help individuals who are dealing with the suffering that is caused by negative thought processes and helps them to create mindfulness practices and emotional regulation. These skills help to create awareness, calmness and change in how people handle difficult situations.
(925) 403-4181 View (925) 403-4181
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.
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens, Treatment Center
Hosted by Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens
Treatment Center
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
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.
(925) 962-5118 View (925) 962-5118
A Recovery Group led by a clean and sober therapist with 24 years clean and sober. This relational group covers all related addiction issues. Early recovery, ongoing recovery and relapse prevention with cross talk encouraged. This group has been ongoing for over 13 years and provides a safe, nurturing environment within which to discuss your feelings, fears, and experiences. Intake required. Come and join us.
Photo of Andrea (Andy) Cecile Bohn, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MPH, MS
Hosted by Andrea (Andy) Cecile Bohn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MPH, MS
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
A Recovery Group led by a clean and sober therapist with 24 years clean and sober. This relational group covers all related addiction issues. Early recovery, ongoing recovery and relapse prevention with cross talk encouraged. This group has been ongoing for over 13 years and provides a safe, nurturing environment within which to discuss your feelings, fears, and experiences. Intake required. Come and join us.
(510) 497-0848 View (510) 497-0848
Being a new mom is always hard, and feelings of anxiety, depression or panic can make it even more difficult. If you’re a new mom trying to figure out who you are and how to thrive, you are not alone! This 6-week therapeutic support group welcomes mothers to a safe, non-judgmental space to learn and process together. We will cover topics including coping skills, self-care, connecting with your partner and how to navigate this life-changing time. Open to new moms 0-12 months postpartum. Babies welcome! In-person and virtual groups available.
Photo of Samantha Schaefer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Hosted by Samantha Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Being a new mom is always hard, and feelings of anxiety, depression or panic can make it even more difficult. If you’re a new mom trying to figure out who you are and how to thrive, you are not alone! This 6-week therapeutic support group welcomes mothers to a safe, non-judgmental space to learn and process together. We will cover topics including coping skills, self-care, connecting with your partner and how to navigate this life-changing time. Open to new moms 0-12 months postpartum. Babies welcome! In-person and virtual groups available.
(925) 633-4084 View (925) 633-4084
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.
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Evolve East Bay Teen Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
Hosted by Evolve East Bay Teen Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
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.
(925) 297-6848 View (925) 297-6848
This is a skills group for middle and high schoolers. We select each 6 week group by age. Students learn the DBT principles of: emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Group participants will learn coping strategies in a supportive environment for personal growth. 6 week series. See our website to inquire: loyalbluecounseling.com
Photo of Lindsey Antin, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Hosted by Lindsey Antin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
This is a skills group for middle and high schoolers. We select each 6 week group by age. Students learn the DBT principles of: emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Group participants will learn coping strategies in a supportive environment for personal growth. 6 week series. See our website to inquire: loyalbluecounseling.com
(925) 252-5994 View (925) 252-5994
This group is for men 40 and over. It addresses any and all issues that the members wish to bring up. Sometimes these are general issues that affect many members, and sometimes they are specific issues that one member wishes to talk about and get feedback on from the group. This is a process group led by a therapist with life experience and trained in group leadership. Members can use this safe and confidential environment to support, encourage, and inspire each other during the challenging process of changing their lives.
Photo of Benjamin Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Benjamin Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
This group is for men 40 and over. It addresses any and all issues that the members wish to bring up. Sometimes these are general issues that affect many members, and sometimes they are specific issues that one member wishes to talk about and get feedback on from the group. This is a process group led by a therapist with life experience and trained in group leadership. Members can use this safe and confidential environment to support, encourage, and inspire each other during the challenging process of changing their lives.
(925) 238-3961 View (925) 238-3961
This group is for female identified teens addressing the topics of self esteem/body image, social skils, anxiety, depression, female empowerment and more.
Photo of Maria Viviana (Guerrero) Higbee, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Maria Viviana (Guerrero) Higbee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
This group is for female identified teens addressing the topics of self esteem/body image, social skils, anxiety, depression, female empowerment and more.
(925) 515-2675 View (925) 515-2675
Intern support group that meets every Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Lafayette and in Burlingame. The objective of the group is to support Interns through the process of their Internship; emotionally and practically, using tools, resources and shared experiences. Special consideration given to challenges faced by International students, International MFT Trainees/Interns. Please call 925-365-6968 or visit my website at dellafernandes.com. Email me at: dellamft@gmail.com
Photo of Della Fernandes, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPM, PMP
Hosted by Della Fernandes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPM, PMP
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Intern support group that meets every Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Lafayette and in Burlingame. The objective of the group is to support Interns through the process of their Internship; emotionally and practically, using tools, resources and shared experiences. Special consideration given to challenges faced by International students, International MFT Trainees/Interns. Please call 925-365-6968 or visit my website at dellafernandes.com. Email me at: dellamft@gmail.com
(925) 392-3842 View (925) 392-3842
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.
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Evolve Teen Depression Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
Hosted by Evolve Teen Depression Residential Treatment
Treatment Center
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
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.
(925) 962-5504 View (925) 962-5504
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.
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Evolve Teen Depression Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
Hosted by Evolve Teen Depression Residential Treatment
Treatment Center
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
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.
(925) 962-5504 View (925) 962-5504
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.
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Evolve East Bay Teen Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
Hosted by Evolve East Bay Teen Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
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.
(925) 297-6848 View (925) 297-6848
Our weekly meetings provide a safe space to share your story, connect with others, and discover healthy ways to honor your loved ones while moving forward. Whether your loss is recent or lingering, you don't have to walk this path alone. Time and start date is TBD once we have enough people to begin meeting. Please reach out to express interest.
Photo of Annelise Miller - Annelise Miller, Anxiety Specialist, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Hosted by Annelise Miller, Anxiety Specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Our weekly meetings provide a safe space to share your story, connect with others, and discover healthy ways to honor your loved ones while moving forward. Whether your loss is recent or lingering, you don't have to walk this path alone. Time and start date is TBD once we have enough people to begin meeting. Please reach out to express interest.
(925) 281-3362 View (925) 281-3362
This Advanced Parent Discussion Group is geared towards parents who want to discuss the trials and triumphs of parenting gifted kids on a deeper level. Focus will be on support, building connections, and exploring important and unique challenges faced while parenting gifted, intense and highly sensitive children and teens. Grace Malonai, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH will facilitate. This group meets monthly, and welcomes parents who are familiar with gifted matters or have completed a SENG Model Parent Group. More information can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/hmgc7cl
Photo of Grace Malonai - TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment , Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Hosted by TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
This Advanced Parent Discussion Group is geared towards parents who want to discuss the trials and triumphs of parenting gifted kids on a deeper level. Focus will be on support, building connections, and exploring important and unique challenges faced while parenting gifted, intense and highly sensitive children and teens. Grace Malonai, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH will facilitate. This group meets monthly, and welcomes parents who are familiar with gifted matters or have completed a SENG Model Parent Group. More information can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/hmgc7cl
(925) 350-8130 View (925) 350-8130
Being a new mom is always hard, and feelings of anxiety, depression or panic can make it even more difficult. If you’re a new mom trying to figure out who you are and how to thrive, you are not alone! This 6-week therapeutic support group welcomes mothers to a safe, non-judgmental space to learn and process together. We will cover topics including coping skills, self-care, connecting with your partner and how to navigate this life-changing time. Open to new moms 0-12 months postpartum. Babies welcome! In-person and virtual groups available.
Photo of Samantha Schaefer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Hosted by Samantha Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Being a new mom is always hard, and feelings of anxiety, depression or panic can make it even more difficult. If you’re a new mom trying to figure out who you are and how to thrive, you are not alone! This 6-week therapeutic support group welcomes mothers to a safe, non-judgmental space to learn and process together. We will cover topics including coping skills, self-care, connecting with your partner and how to navigate this life-changing time. Open to new moms 0-12 months postpartum. Babies welcome! In-person and virtual groups available.
(925) 633-4084 View (925) 633-4084
Often we act in ways that do not reflect the way we feel inside because of our fears, upbringing, low self-worth, painful experiences, or other obstacles. An example is being angry about how someone treats us but never doing anything to change that. Authenticity involves knowing how we feel, setting boundaries around how we let others treat us, and having the the inner freedom and confidence to be able to choose how to act. A therapy group can be a great place to practice new ways of being your authentic self, among people who are learning the same thing.
Photo of Benjamin Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Benjamin Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Often we act in ways that do not reflect the way we feel inside because of our fears, upbringing, low self-worth, painful experiences, or other obstacles. An example is being angry about how someone treats us but never doing anything to change that. Authenticity involves knowing how we feel, setting boundaries around how we let others treat us, and having the the inner freedom and confidence to be able to choose how to act. A therapy group can be a great place to practice new ways of being your authentic self, among people who are learning the same thing.
(925) 238-3961 View (925) 238-3961
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.
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens, Treatment Center
Hosted by Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens
Treatment Center
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
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.
(925) 962-5118 View (925) 962-5118

See more therapy options for Lafayette

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Lafayette?

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.