Support Groups in Long Beach, CA

This 8-week virtual group therapy is for adults who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, and interested in a supportive and therapeutic space to share about their process, hear about others' journeys and explore ways to cope with the loss. Starting February 2025 on Tuesdays from 10:30-12pm. Each 90 minute session is $70 ($560 for 8 weeks). No insurance accepted.
Photo of Constanza Patricia Whitwood - Love Listen And Play, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Constanza Patricia Whitwood - Love Listen And Play
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90815
Life can be overwhelming. Compassionate support and gentle guidance in times of stress, difficulty, and transition is a game-changer. Whether you're grappling with the adjustments of motherhood, the demands of parenting, the aftermath of a profound loss, or navigating symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma, it's okay to seek help. You long to reclaim a sense of yourself, regain control, and move forward with confidence. Recognizing that you need assistance is the first step toward finding relief and rediscovering resilience.
(562) 655-8528 View (562) 655-8528
Zoom group; client’s may remain anonymous if desired. An excellent group for everyone to sharpen skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal relationships, and core mindfulness. DBT Skills will change your life! Sign up at www.PacificMindSpa.com
Photo of Veronica Calkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90802
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
(833) 918-2676 View (833) 918-2676
Foresight helps you find your path to mental wellness. We’re a community of mental health experts who offer a dynamic range of care that flexes with your particular needs and goals. Our team includes licensed therapists, psychiatric providers, researchers, a dedicated care team and more who bring you a thoughtful experience that blends traditional therapy with a technology-backed approach. Our providers build meaningful relationships with you, and our digital member experience helps enhance your care in between sessions. We help you go deeper inward, getting to know you well, and heal and grow on the path that feels right for you.
Photo of Lydia Robles, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Lydia Robles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90802
I love being a Mental health Therapist, I have been licensed as a Marriage, family child therapist, since January, 5 1985. I have worked in private practice, and with Medical groups to provide the best mental health care available to each individual and to our community. I enjoy working with individuals, families and with adolescents to improve daily functioning and improved mental health.
(424) 496-5473 View (424) 496-5473
Group therapy can be a supplemental therapeutic resource than can help you truly move forward in your healing journey and show you that you are not alone in your struggles. I facilitate a safe and supportive men's sex addiction process group where you can join in with other men in sharing the truthful stories of your struggles with troublesome compulsive behaviors. The members of this group work to share honestly and without judgement while working to help themselves heal and support one another. This is a remote group accessible on Google Meet.
Photo of Mateo Leonardo, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT
Hosted by Mateo Leonardo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
Have you hit rock bottom and feel like your life is spiraling out of control due to sex or pornography addiction? Regret, shame, and the damage to your relationships might feel unbearable—but you don’t have to face this alone. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who feel broken, trapped, or stuck because of addiction. Whether it’s the fear of losing the people you love or the struggle to rebuild trust and self-worth, there is a path forward. At Novus Mindful Life Institute, we understand how devastating these struggles can be. If you’re ready to take the first step, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
(562) 414-6069 View (562) 414-6069
This is a support group for women dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety. It is a five week closed group where we will discuss the birth of a mother, the difference between the baby blues and post partum mood disorders, relationships, coping techniques and more. Please call for a brief conversation as pre-registration is required! Hope to see you soon!
Photo of Robin Pritchard Giesen, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Hosted by Robin Pritchard Giesen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90807
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Is the journey to motherhood not what you expected? Becoming a mom can be overwhelming, exhausting and leave you feeling anxious, depressed, isolated and even disconnected from your partner. When the rest of the world expects us to be basking in the glow of motherhood and reminds us to cherish every moment it can be especially hard to admit we're having a difficult time staying afloat. You are not alone. Twenty percent of new moms experience significant mood disturbance and 67% of couples report a significant decrease is martial satisfaction after the birth of a child.
(562) 221-7544 View (562) 221-7544
This therapy group is an opportunity to process grief in a warm and supportive environment. The group is open to anyone who needs a safe space, community and tools to facilitate the grief process. This group is for people dealing with a variety of losses, including the death of a loved one but also grief related to past or present circumstances such as the losses related to diminished health, painful relationship losses, unfulfilled dreams and difficult life transitions.
Photo of Marcia Pecora, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPTT
Hosted by Marcia Pecora
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPTT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
Have you experienced a loss that is keeping you stuck and unable to enjoy a fulfilling life? Are you desiring more peace? Taking the first step towards counseling can feel difficult and takes courage. I'll be here with you. I will provide a safe space to grieve your loss or life transitions. Together we will explore the areas that are keeping you stuck and begin to move past those hard places. Without judgment, I combine compassion and insight in a safe and warm environment where you will feel accepted for who you are. I am passionate about bringing hope to areas in your life where you may have lost your direction.
(562) 444-1721 View (562) 444-1721
This group is for women who have had therapy before or are on a inner-journey of awareness. The goal of the group is to facilitate group member's understanding of the fears, defenses, and other blocks which get in the way of having authentic relationships--with themselves, their families, and their partners.
Photo of Joni L. Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Hosted by Joni L. Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
I've been fascinated with how people change and don't change over the last 30 years. There is some stickiness in ourselves and others I think we'd all like to feel the power to transform. I've realized that fears about the sense of self not being good enough, lovable, or valuable knock us out of our connection to our internal core values, right in the moment where our core values would transform the situation. Contemplate when you let yourself down and don't follow through with what you know you want to do. Reflect on the times you've needed compassion and only received an evaluation. How would you change all this stickiness?
(562) 543-3358 View (562) 543-3358
LA Fire Relief – A free support group to help you navigate the shock and trauma of loss. This group isn’t counseling, it offers practical tools to ease overwhelm. You'll learn proven polyvagal and Somatic Experiencing techniques to better understand your mind and body, helping you regain clarity and find relief from stress-related symptoms, just as others in similar situations have. (To note - I can't put $0 which is why cost says $20)
Photo of Kimber Del Valle, Psychologist, PsyD
Hosted by Kimber Del Valle
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90807
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? My mental health support community, Fierce Gentle, offers a unique approach to improving your mental health—without diving into sharing all the specifics of your past. This isn’t therapy; it’s a somatic regulation practice designed to help you feel more grounded and resilient in the present moment. Rather than focusing on why you're struggling, Fierce Gentle equips you with practical tools to regulate your nervous system and navigate life with greater ease. Using Somatic Experiencing techniques, you'll learn how to work with your body to find relief from stress, grief, and overwhelm.
(562) 368-8961 View (562) 368-8961
Led by my colleagues, Novus Clinical Director Duane Osterlind, LMFT, and Mateo Leonardo, AMFT, this therapist-guided men’s group provides invaluable support for clients navigating challenges related to sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviors. The group focuses on healing relationships affected by infidelity and betrayal, offering a safe space to process and grow. Conducted remotely via Google Meet, the group is capped at 8 participants to ensure personalized attention. Weekly attendance is required, with a minimum commitment of six months.
Photo of Krystal Faust, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Hosted by Krystal Faust
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
I know how overwhelming compulsive sexual behavior and partner betrayal trauma can feel—I’ve had the privilege of supporting many individuals and couples as they work through this difficult and deeply personal journey. As a therapist trained in the Carnes and Minwalla approaches, I provide compassionate, partner-sensitive support to those working to heal from trauma and abuse caused by betrayal. I know the weight of these struggles, but I also know recovery is possible. Together, we can work toward rebuilding trust, finding clarity, and creating a future grounded in healing and hope. You don’t have to face this alone.
(714) 475-7412 View (714) 475-7412
Depth in Process is a group for those who want to go deeper, for individuals who find traditional therapy gone stale. With Depth Psychological Ideas in process, we find deeper meaning and open up to a greater sense of self. Join us Sunday nights @6:30 p.m. on Zoom for a small group of like individuals seeking riches. Our group meets year-round and spaces are limited. For addition information please contact me.
Photo of Kevin J Woolums, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PhD Can
Hosted by Kevin J Woolums
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PhD Can
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90814
When deciding to see a therapist, it is important to find a fit that is right for you. This is why my practice aims to provide deep and safe sessions that ignite real insight, exploration, hope and change. You need a safe space, knowledgeable support and a collaborative effort. With over a decade of working in counseling psychology and extensive postgraduate work in depth psychology, dreams, and more, I am confident that our time together can help you discover the infections beneath difficult symptoms, the hidden treasure within our greatest obstacles and desired support at a pace that is right for you.
(916) 571-0197 View (916) 571-0197
An ongoing dialectical behavior therapy group that meets weekly for approximately 90 minutes and takes 24 weeks to complete the four skills modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness. The listed price is per group. The function of the DBT Skills is to help enhance a client’s capabilities. Focus is on problematic behaviors that might provide temporary relief and often are not effective in the long-term. Clients are asked to make a one-month financial commitment in order to join the group. An initial assessment is required.
Photo of Tiana Rogachevsky, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Tiana Rogachevsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90814
I value building a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship and working collaboratively to build a life that is worth living. In our sessions I focus on finding a balance of communicating acceptance, so your struggles can be heard, while looking at ways to improve your life for the future. I help you connect to your values and define behaviors that will get you on a path that increases your sense of self-worth. I am highly committed to the evidence-based practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), practicing clinically for 10 years and applying it in my own life concurrently.
(949) 763-3910 View (949) 763-3910
The hardest part of recovery is reaching out to other people for help. There are people that can understand, relate and help start you on the process of healing. Begin working with others in a safe and trusting therapeutic environment and begin the process of healing from sexual abuse. This is a process therapy group utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and the task centered model to assist in the recovery from sexual abuse. Fees for this group are assessed on a per month basis.
Photo of Christy Cosper - Sano Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S
Hosted by Sano Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you are ready for a change but don’t know where to start? Have you been struggling to take control of an addiction or compulsive behavior and have had no luck on you own? Are you overwhelmed with negative thoughts that leave you paralyzed to take action? Are you struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships with partners, family, friends, or co-workers? Perhaps you're just finally ready to work on yourself, level-up, and enrich your life by establishing a deeper relationship with YOU.
(562) 268-4191 View (562) 268-4191
The L.E.A.D. Women's Power Circle is a sacred supportive space for you to: (1) connect with fellow kind-hearted go-getter women, (2) feel inspired to liberate, elevate and activate your heart, mind, body and spirit, (3) gain clarity and make decisions in the 8 key dimensions of your life (relationships/intimacy, career/life purpose, friendships/family, finances, fun/leisure, health, spirituality & environment). Relax, recharge and reconnect with yourself and other women who desire to step more fully into the self-assured, courageous and authentic truth of who they are both personally and professionally.
Photo of Andrea Cairella, Counselor, LPCC
Hosted by Andrea Cairella
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90803
Do you desire inner harmony, life satisfaction & greater joy in your life? Are you ready to heal from your emotional pain & enhance the quality of your life and relationships? As a compassionate therapist, I can guide you along your healing journey. I am dedicated to helping my clients succeed, experience inner peace, self-acceptance, joy, hope and love. I am intuitive, empathetic, multicultural & multilingual with over 10 years of experience. My specialty areas include: anxiety, PTSD/trauma, attachment issues, depression, addiction, relationship issues (couples and families), grief & loss and self-esteem issue for adults, children & adolescents.
(562) 732-4936 View (562) 732-4936
The hardest part of recovery is reaching out to other people for help. There are people that can understand, relate and help start you on the process of healing. Begin working with others in a safe and trusting therapeutic environment and begin the process of healing from Betrayal partner trauma . This is a process therapy group utilizing mindfulness and the task centered model to assist in the recovery from Betrayal Partner Trauma Fees for this group are assessed on a per month basis.
Photo of Josie E Myles, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Hosted by Josie E Myles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90822
I offer online and in person therapy, working with issues related to sexual addiction, intimacy, anxiety and trauma. I also have a background and passion for working with adolescents with histories of involvement in the criminal justice system.
(562) 262-8695 View (562) 262-8695
This is a time-limited psychotherapy group aimed at providing you with skills to cope with depressive symptoms. Group runs for 12 weeks with the option to do refresher courses in the future.
Photo of Lilia Sheynman, Psychologist, PhD, CAMC II
Hosted by Lilia Sheynman
Psychologist, PhD, CAMC II
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90807
The decision to seek therapy services is often a difficult one. Whether you are struggling with transitional life issues, addiction, anxiety, or depressed mood, you have come to the right place. Together, we can work to improve your quality of life and to maximize your potential. You should not have to live with the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing. Allow me to help you to work through the issues that are interfering in your daily life, so that you can grow and succeed. If you are questioning a previous diagnosis, or would like more clarity and direction in your treatment, we can help with Psychological Testing!
(562) 276-2133 View (562) 276-2133
Are you looking for a support group that is about transformation and positive change? Guided Imagery and Music may be your answer. Based on the pioneering work of Helen Lindquist Bonny, GIM can propel you forward to finding your inner wisdom and strength. As the facilitator, I will guide you and the group, using specific experiential exercises. GIM can have profound changes on group participants and, as a result of you can make choices that lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Call Today! 714-390-7680.
Photo of Laurel Lass, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Laurel Lass
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90807
I am excited about working with individuals & couples who want to enrich their inner & outer lives. You may find yourself confused, angry, depressed, grieving, anxious or impacted by trauma, when what you want is peace of mind & clarity. Some clients want to explore more deeply their sense of self. In relationship, you may find the distance between you & your partner hopeless at times, having the same arguments repeatedly & longing for close connection. There is hope. I employ a mix of strategies in my work, most notably Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Guided Imagery & Music, & DBT & CBT.
(949) 556-9846 View (949) 556-9846
This group runs on Mondays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and is currently held online via Zoom due to COVID-19. Facilitated by master therapist Darrin Ford, LMFT who has over 20 years of experience in this field. He is founder of Mindful Centers and is author of Awakening to the Sexually Addicted Mind; co-Author of Transforming the Addictive Mind; and co-author of The Recovery Coaching Client Handbook. Darrin is certified as a Mindfulness-Based Addiction and Trauma Therapist Supervisor (MBAT-S) and certified by IITAP as a Sexual Addiction Therapist Supervisor (CSAT-S).
Photo of Darrin Ford - Mindful Centers for Addiction and Trauma Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, MBAT-CS
Hosted by Mindful Centers for Addiction and Trauma Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, MBAT-CS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90806
Addiction cannot be overcome simply by knowing what it is or acknowledging its presence in your life. Nor can it be squashed by sheer will power. Many of our clients say they have felt that they could "just handle this by themselves," but once they reached out to us and got the help they needed, they realized that even if you can "just handle this alone," no one, including you, should ever have to. By reaching out to us, you are stating you are ready to bring balance back to your life.
(562) 735-3633 View (562) 735-3633
Do you have big emotions? Do you feel impulsive? Do you struggle communicating with the ones you love? Or have a poor self-image? The goal of a DBT group is to help you change actions, emotions, thoughts, and communication styles that cause problems in your life. In 15 weeks, we cover four modules: Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness. I follow a format, developed from clinical research trials, that has evidence demonstrating its ability to help clients have a higher quality of life.
Photo of Tiana Rogachevsky - DBT Center of Long Beach, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hosted by DBT Center of Long Beach
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90814
Located in Long Beach, CA, DBT Center of Long Beach was founded to provide a compassionate, welcoming and supportive environment for individuals seeking treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse and suicidal ideation through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
(949) 649-4965 View (949) 649-4965
Join our 8-week Brainspotting Group to heal from trauma and reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, avoidance, nightmares, and flashbacks. Using Brainspotting, a somatic therapy that targets where trauma is stored in the brain, you’ll process deep emotional pain that talk therapy often can’t reach. Each session blends psychoeducation, group discussions, and Brainspotting exercises to help alleviate trauma symptoms and activate the brain’s natural healing abilities. Connect with others on a similar journey, share experiences, and work through challenges in a safe, supportive environment. Experience the transformative power of trauma healing and recovery.
Photo of Elizabeth Huck, Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, DBT
Hosted by Elizabeth Huck
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, DBT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90814
The toll of trauma, stress, anxiety, & depression builds over time, things that once seemed manageable turn into a life that's not our own, because we're stuck in survival mode. It's exhausting. As a therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you to safely navigate your inner landscape and put pieces together so you can uncover your unique abilities and create a mental health toolkit that will carry you through a lifetime. I am here to support you in working through unresolved feelings and conflicts and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
(562) 526-1122 View (562) 526-1122
Photo of Dawn Therese Dominguez - Windows of Hope Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Windows of Hope Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Long Beach, CA 90802
(310) 928-2319 View (310) 928-2319
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Long Beach?

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.