Support Groups in Palo Alto, CA

Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CT
Verified
Verified
"This group is open to anyone supporting a loved one with Alzheimer's or related dementias. The focus includes sharing and understnading common feelings, grief, and practical information and resources. Group members help one another to reduce their isolation and share ..."

Anxiety to Wellness for Teens and Adults
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW
Verified
Verified

Couples Group, Divorce Group, Singles Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CDC
Verified
Verified
"Each group is of up to 5 members or 3 couples only. Groups are choesive and run for 10 sessions. We meet once a week for one and a half hour per session. "

Breaking Free from Anxiety and Depression
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
"An ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) group for anxiety and depression. ACT is an empirically based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies (such as meditation), together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. Dr. Redzic ..."

CalPsychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified
Verified
"CalPsychiatry is a group of informed, empathetic and team-oriented psychiatrists. We have specialties in treatment of mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (including OCD), ADHD, addiction and women's mental health. We have practices in Palo Alto, Santa Monica, Downtown ..."

Palo Alto Psychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
"Located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, The Palo Alto Psychology Group is a partnership of Stanford-trained clinicians dedicated to evidenced-based treatment. We specialize in a range of clinical approaches to the treatment of various mood, anxiety, and related ..."

DBT for Bipolar Disorder
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
"This group teaches DBT skills tailored for individuals with bipolar disorder who are interested in learning skills for managing moods and emotions in a structured group environment. I have conducted this group for 13 years (at Stanford and now in ..."

Women Survivors of Sexual Assault
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
"This is a small (up to 10 participants), confidential virtual (zoom) group that is aimed to support and empower women who are healing from sexual trauma. You will be able to connect with other survivors, share your story, learn coping ..."

Teen DBT Skills Group (Virtual)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
"DBT is an evidence-based treatment that teaches teens concrete skills to manage emotions effectively, without turning towards harmful coping behaviors such as self-harm or substance use. Adolescents who may benefit from the group include those who are having trouble tolerating ..."

Motherhood Stories - A Women's Circle
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, PMH-C
Verified
Verified
"We will begin each evening with a calming and centering ritual, listen to the inspiring words of Jessie Klein's audiobook: “I'll Show Myself Out, Essays on Midlife & Motherhood”, followed by conversation and connection. The group will meet on a ..."

Anxiety To Wellness for Adults and Teens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified
Verified
"This is a 8 week cognitive behavioral therapy group for adults ages 18 and up and one for teens 13-18 who are struggling with anxiety. Using proven tools, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, and group support, we can help you overcome ..."
Not accepting new clients

Writing for healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
"In this group, we create a safe space to write and share. No critiquing of the writing occurs, rather, there is support, discussion about meaning, and appreciation of each other. Writing is a powerful healing tool. In the group environment ..."

The Friends Program
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified
Verified
"A therapeutic program for high functioning children and middle school students on the Autism Spectrum and their parents. The program focuses on the child's social communication, play with peers, emotions, pragmatic language and sensory issues. The themes vary on the ..."

RISE Comprehensive DBT IOP
Treatment Center
Verified
Verified
"RISE Intensive Outpatient Program for high school teens features comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), including: individual and group therapy, multi-family skills groups to help foster positive family relationships, and 24/7 phone coaching for teens. Staffed by seasoned, licensed clinicians who ..."
Group meets in:
Palo Alto, CA 94304 
CalPsychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified
Verified
"CalPsychiatry is a group of informed, empathetic and team-oriented psychiatrists. We have specialties in treatment of mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (including OCD), ADHD, addiction and women's mental health. We have practices in Palo Alto, Santa Monica, Downtown ..."

Autistic & Neurodiverse Working Professional Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
"Are you a working professional with autistic traits, and you struggle with social interactions? Are you wanting to improve communication skills at work, make friends, reduce stress, and learn about yourself? Then this is the group for you. The group ..."

Weekly Women's Self-Compassion Group (Online)
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified
Verified
"Our weekly Women’s Self-Compassion group teaches assertiveness, self-compassion, & self-esteem skills in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment. You will learn how to value your voice, how to lessen codependent behaviors, and how to build a loving relationship with yourself. Participants who ..."

Mindful Moms Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
"In this ongoing mindfulness-based group for moms, mothers (who have kids of all ages from infancy to young adulthood) come together to practice mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga and authentic sharing to support each other on the all-important journey of motherhood. "

The Friends Program
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified
Verified
"The Friend's Program is a therapeutic group program designed to address the developing needs of children and their families who are challenged by: Social communication, social interactions, joint symbolic play with peers, Emotional Regulation, Communication, and Sensory Integration. Coping with ..."
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What is the difference between Group Therapy and a Support Group?
Palo Alto Support Groups and Group Therapy both offer a safe place to explore important issues. It is important, however, to understand the difference between the two.
Group therapy in Palo Alto is led by a therapist, group psychotherapist, or group counselor, and is generally structured around an issue. The therapist guides the group through a program as the group works together to better understand thoughts and feelings. Experienced therapists lead psychotherapy groups for various ages, such as adults, and specific issues including anger management, anxiety, and coping skills.
Support groups in Palo Alto are usually facilitated by a therapist or counselor, but can also be led by members with lived experiences. Generally, a support group is less structured than a therapy group. Support groups bring together members to provide support and strength to each other, often around a common challenge such as addiction or grief.
Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Group therapy in Palo Alto is led by a therapist, group psychotherapist, or group counselor, and is generally structured around an issue. The therapist guides the group through a program as the group works together to better understand thoughts and feelings. Experienced therapists lead psychotherapy groups for various ages, such as adults, and specific issues including anger management, anxiety, and coping skills.
Support groups in Palo Alto are usually facilitated by a therapist or counselor, but can also be led by members with lived experiences. Generally, a support group is less structured than a therapy group. Support groups bring together members to provide support and strength to each other, often around a common challenge such as addiction or grief.
Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Is Group Therapy Right For You?
Group therapy in Palo Alto allows you to benefit from the experiences and sharing of others. Listening to others, and recognizing what you have in common, allows you to learn about yourself. In the group environment, where therapy types such as Mindfulness Based group therapy are used, you can recognize aspects of yourself that you may choose to modify or change.
As other members share about their lives, you might see your own experiences or see patterns you hadn’t noticed previously. The group allows you to better understand issues you might not have noticed before.
Hearing the stories of group members gets you outside of yourself and helps you see your life differently. As you do that, a process of self-acceptance and empathy for others occurs as you learn to relate with others in the group.
Group therapy and support groups in Palo Alto can also be a less expensive alternative to individual therapy. While you should check with your insurance company, you’ll often find that therapist led group psychotherapy is covered, while peer-led support groups are not. Either way, group session costs are generally less expensive than individual therapy.
As other members share about their lives, you might see your own experiences or see patterns you hadn’t noticed previously. The group allows you to better understand issues you might not have noticed before.
Hearing the stories of group members gets you outside of yourself and helps you see your life differently. As you do that, a process of self-acceptance and empathy for others occurs as you learn to relate with others in the group.
Group therapy and support groups in Palo Alto can also be a less expensive alternative to individual therapy. While you should check with your insurance company, you’ll often find that therapist led group psychotherapy is covered, while peer-led support groups are not. Either way, group session costs are generally less expensive than individual therapy.