Support Groups in Richmond, CA
This group will focus on: individuals learning to track and regulate their nervous systems and the creation of and participation in a coherent group/social nervous system. These elements aim to support group participants in: increasing emotional and physiological regulation; decreasing stress; and increasing capacity to feel connected, alive, and steady with life’s challenges. Each group member will have an opportunity to work with their own material and be witnessed by the group. The group will take place in Wildcat Canyon in Richmond, connecting the coherence of the natural environment with human healing work.

This group will focus on: individuals learning to track and regulate their nervous systems and the creation of and participation in a coherent group/social nervous system. These elements aim to support group participants in: increasing emotional and physiological regulation; decreasing stress; and increasing capacity to feel connected, alive, and steady with life’s challenges. Each group member will have an opportunity to work with their own material and be witnessed by the group. The group will take place in Wildcat Canyon in Richmond, connecting the coherence of the natural environment with human healing work.
MBM Groups help people to transform the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of their lives. This is a powerful, effective combination of research-based techniques presented in an intimate and supportive group setting. The groups offer benefit for those who have health conditions or simply want to learn stress management skills. Participants review mind-body techniques including: Breathing, Mindful movement, Guided Imagery Meditation, Drawing, Mindful Eating. Participants have gained: Increased self-confidence and improved self-perception; increased self-awareness , enhanced immune system function, physical and mental health , improved ability to recognize and handle stress, reduced anxiety and depression.

MBM Groups help people to transform the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of their lives. This is a powerful, effective combination of research-based techniques presented in an intimate and supportive group setting. The groups offer benefit for those who have health conditions or simply want to learn stress management skills. Participants review mind-body techniques including: Breathing, Mindful movement, Guided Imagery Meditation, Drawing, Mindful Eating. Participants have gained: Increased self-confidence and improved self-perception; increased self-awareness , enhanced immune system function, physical and mental health , improved ability to recognize and handle stress, reduced anxiety and depression.
The L.I.F.E. group will focus on processing thoughts and feelings, exploration in positive thinking, and self-regulation skills. Group work will begin with an initial assessment (depression/anxiety scales, group members' demographics, current circumstances, and any existing symptoms physiological or psychological presented during the intake process) to analyze the effectiveness of the group curriculum and the alleviation of symptoms. After the initial assessment, the group will utilize several modalities such as strength-based facilitative exploration, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Freedom Techniques/Tapping (EFT), psychoeducation about body and brain development, emotional regulation, and holistic nutrition education.

Hosted by Jamaa Healing Collective Wellness Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CIMHP
Group meets in Richmond, CA 94801
The L.I.F.E. group will focus on processing thoughts and feelings, exploration in positive thinking, and self-regulation skills. Group work will begin with an initial assessment (depression/anxiety scales, group members' demographics, current circumstances, and any existing symptoms physiological or psychological presented during the intake process) to analyze the effectiveness of the group curriculum and the alleviation of symptoms. After the initial assessment, the group will utilize several modalities such as strength-based facilitative exploration, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Freedom Techniques/Tapping (EFT), psychoeducation about body and brain development, emotional regulation, and holistic nutrition education.
This group covers issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Addiction Recovery & PTSD issues. Therapy: We will be using CBT, Solution Focused and Expressive Arts Therapy in-group. Topics: Check in and supportive feedback, Expression through Art, Parenting, Anger Management, Greif/Loss, Child abuse, DV issues, Anxiety, PTSD issues Light snacks and drinks will be served during the meeting. There is NO childcare available during the meeting.

This group covers issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Addiction Recovery & PTSD issues. Therapy: We will be using CBT, Solution Focused and Expressive Arts Therapy in-group. Topics: Check in and supportive feedback, Expression through Art, Parenting, Anger Management, Greif/Loss, Child abuse, DV issues, Anxiety, PTSD issues Light snacks and drinks will be served during the meeting. There is NO childcare available during the meeting.
Learn Anger Management & Stress Management techniques to help reduce angry outburts that hurt the important relationships in your life.
www.SecondNatureBHS.com for more information on Anger Management Classes
Hosted by Maria A Garay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMF
Group meets in Richmond, CA 94805
Learn Anger Management & Stress Management techniques to help reduce angry outburts that hurt the important relationships in your life.
www.SecondNatureBHS.com for more information on Anger Management Classes
Explore the power of Emotional Freedom Technique, also know as tapping. The self administered technique is intended to assist you in regulating anxious feeling and other feels such as lack of motivation and inspiration. For more information please contact Kanika Shelly, LMFT at jamaahealingcollective@gmail.com

Hosted by Jamaa Healing Collective Wellness Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CIMHP
Group meets in Richmond, CA 94801
Explore the power of Emotional Freedom Technique, also know as tapping. The self administered technique is intended to assist you in regulating anxious feeling and other feels such as lack of motivation and inspiration. For more information please contact Kanika Shelly, LMFT at jamaahealingcollective@gmail.com
Aprenda a manejar el ira/enojo y el estres en su vida. Aqui aprendera como reducir el enojo que afectan a las relaciones importantes de su vida.
Porfavor visite nuestra pagina para mas informacion. www.SecondNatureBHS.Com
Hosted by Maria A Garay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMF
Group meets in Richmond, CA 94801
Aprenda a manejar el ira/enojo y el estres en su vida. Aqui aprendera como reducir el enojo que afectan a las relaciones importantes de su vida.
Porfavor visite nuestra pagina para mas informacion. www.SecondNatureBHS.Com
'Walk and Talk' sessions, set against the scenic backdrop of Point Richmond's Miller/Knox walking trail, will be a perfect blend of physical activity and mental rejuvenation. Each 2-hour session will include a 90-minute walk, followed by 30 minutes of self-care practices, stretching, meditation, and discussions on healthcare strategies and stress-reduction techniques.

Hosted by Jamaa Healing Collective Wellness Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CIMHP
Group meets in Richmond, CA 94801
'Walk and Talk' sessions, set against the scenic backdrop of Point Richmond's Miller/Knox walking trail, will be a perfect blend of physical activity and mental rejuvenation. Each 2-hour session will include a 90-minute walk, followed by 30 minutes of self-care practices, stretching, meditation, and discussions on healthcare strategies and stress-reduction techniques.
Nurturing Parenting Program/Crianza con Carino is a parenting program that is approved by the court. Please call us for more information for dates and times. Individual classes can be offered if preferred.
Hosted by Maria A Garay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMF
Group meets in Richmond, CA 94805
Nurturing Parenting Program/Crianza con Carino is a parenting program that is approved by the court. Please call us for more information for dates and times. Individual classes can be offered if preferred.
More Groups Nearby
Groups for Mental Health Professionals and Trainees. Groups meet weekly, online: Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, and Thursday afternoon These groups are intended to promote a richer understanding of oneself through the perceptions of other members; greater awareness of one's impact on others in both personal and professional relationships; deeper insight into one's own psychological needs and defenses; increased ability to utilize countertransference reactions for therapeutic purposes; exploration and working through of longstanding emotional conflicts; and professional growth and identity.

Groups for Mental Health Professionals and Trainees. Groups meet weekly, online: Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, and Thursday afternoon These groups are intended to promote a richer understanding of oneself through the perceptions of other members; greater awareness of one's impact on others in both personal and professional relationships; deeper insight into one's own psychological needs and defenses; increased ability to utilize countertransference reactions for therapeutic purposes; exploration and working through of longstanding emotional conflicts; and professional growth and identity.
Join us to explore your dreams and discover the wisdom within. The dreamwork is based on Jungian psychology and the work of Jeremy Taylor. The main premise is that all dreams, including nightmares, come in the health and wholeness of the dreamer. Every dream is layered with multidimensional meanings. Group dreamwork is an opportunity to explore different possible meanings of a dream. Ultimately, only the dreamer can know the true meaning of a dream. The goal is for the dreamer to recall with the conscious mind what the unconscious mind already knows. Group runs for 10 weeks, online. Group participants limited to eight (8).

Hosted by Daley Wellness Group | Dr. Luzia Daley
Psychologist, PsyD
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94133
Join us to explore your dreams and discover the wisdom within. The dreamwork is based on Jungian psychology and the work of Jeremy Taylor. The main premise is that all dreams, including nightmares, come in the health and wholeness of the dreamer. Every dream is layered with multidimensional meanings. Group dreamwork is an opportunity to explore different possible meanings of a dream. Ultimately, only the dreamer can know the true meaning of a dream. The goal is for the dreamer to recall with the conscious mind what the unconscious mind already knows. Group runs for 10 weeks, online. Group participants limited to eight (8).
Building strong, meaningful friendships is essential for a fulfilling life, yet many men struggle to find and maintain deep connections. This group is a space to explore and strengthen friendships that support not just social connection, but also overall mental, emotional, and relational well-being. Together, we’ll focus on creating healthy, authentic relationships that help us show up more fully in all areas of life. Through open conversations and shared experiences, we’ll support each other in fostering lasting connections. Join us in building the kind of friendships that truly matter.

Building strong, meaningful friendships is essential for a fulfilling life, yet many men struggle to find and maintain deep connections. This group is a space to explore and strengthen friendships that support not just social connection, but also overall mental, emotional, and relational well-being. Together, we’ll focus on creating healthy, authentic relationships that help us show up more fully in all areas of life. Through open conversations and shared experiences, we’ll support each other in fostering lasting connections. Join us in building the kind of friendships that truly matter.
Fight Drug & Alcohol Addiction From Home ​No expensive and inconvenient outpatient treatment required. A revolutionary approach to save you money and time.

Hosted by Dr. Monica Watts Franciosa
Pre-Licensed Professional, NCC AP , DSc, MAMF, CBGT, NLP
Group meets in Napa, CA 94558
Fight Drug & Alcohol Addiction From Home ​No expensive and inconvenient outpatient treatment required. A revolutionary approach to save you money and time.
This ongoing group is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in taking their process outdoors-into the beautiful oak, bay, and redwood forests of the Oakland hills. This group is for those who would like a respite from the bustle and hustle of the city, in need of time and space to slow down and reconnect with your self, strengthen your mindfulness practice, and process the challenges in your life with the guidance of nature and a licensed ecotherapist.

This ongoing group is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in taking their process outdoors-into the beautiful oak, bay, and redwood forests of the Oakland hills. This group is for those who would like a respite from the bustle and hustle of the city, in need of time and space to slow down and reconnect with your self, strengthen your mindfulness practice, and process the challenges in your life with the guidance of nature and a licensed ecotherapist.
Highly Sensitive Women who are seeking community and ready to grow. Mindfulness, spirituality, expressive arts, writing, group process. Guiding principles: When it's hard, it's hard, & we work hard to move through. Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult. Sensitivity is a superpower--our task: Harness it. Everything is easier with some faith. Nature is home/healing/spirituality. Boundaries are key with leadership over ourselves we'll find/express them. Registration link: https://www.alanefreund.com/events/

Hosted by Alane Freund
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, ICHS
Group meets in Woodacre, CA 94973
Highly Sensitive Women who are seeking community and ready to grow. Mindfulness, spirituality, expressive arts, writing, group process. Guiding principles: When it's hard, it's hard, & we work hard to move through. Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult. Sensitivity is a superpower--our task: Harness it. Everything is easier with some faith. Nature is home/healing/spirituality. Boundaries are key with leadership over ourselves we'll find/express them. Registration link: https://www.alanefreund.com/events/
Have you lost someone important in your life? You don’t have to navigate grief alone. This virtual group connects adults across California who understand what you're going through and are also processing loss. Grief is a natural part of life, but it can feel isolating without support. In this 8-week group, you’ll find a compassionate, judgment-free space to share, connect, and begin to heal. Together, we’ll build a supportive community where you can explore your feelings and feel less alone. Starting August 6, 2025. Limited sliding scale spots available. Reach out to learn more!

Have you lost someone important in your life? You don’t have to navigate grief alone. This virtual group connects adults across California who understand what you're going through and are also processing loss. Grief is a natural part of life, but it can feel isolating without support. In this 8-week group, you’ll find a compassionate, judgment-free space to share, connect, and begin to heal. Together, we’ll build a supportive community where you can explore your feelings and feel less alone. Starting August 6, 2025. Limited sliding scale spots available. Reach out to learn more!
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 & more who bring you a thoughtful experience that blends traditional therapy with a technology-backed approach. Our providers build meaningful relationships with you, & our digital member experience helps enhance your care in between sessions. We help you go deeper inward, getting to know you well, & heal and grow on the path that feels right for you.

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 & more who bring you a thoughtful experience that blends traditional therapy with a technology-backed approach. Our providers build meaningful relationships with you, & our digital member experience helps enhance your care in between sessions. We help you go deeper inward, getting to know you well, & heal and grow on the path that feels right for you.
This will be an ongoing study group consisting of four members interested in the non-dual teachings of eastern spiritual traditions. We will meet once a week for an hour and a half in my home office. Day and hours to be arranged.

This will be an ongoing study group consisting of four members interested in the non-dual teachings of eastern spiritual traditions. We will meet once a week for an hour and a half in my home office. Day and hours to be arranged.
We meet on the 1st Fri of the month by Zoom video meeting for consultation about transgender, non binary and questioning clients age 10+. Consult with a Gender Therapist with 25 of experience in the field as well as with other talented therapists from around the nation. WPATH Mentor Hours can be obtained through this group. Time Zone PST. 3 other groups offered.

We meet on the 1st Fri of the month by Zoom video meeting for consultation about transgender, non binary and questioning clients age 10+. Consult with a Gender Therapist with 25 of experience in the field as well as with other talented therapists from around the nation. WPATH Mentor Hours can be obtained through this group. Time Zone PST. 3 other groups offered.
This series focuses on helping clinicians develop skills and confidence in group leadership using action methods as well as training in how to use drama therapy with individuals and couples. Participants develop a deeper understanding of how to develop a drama therapy session and series. Clinical and practical issues in drama therapy are explored.

Hosted by Armand Volkas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFA, MFT, RDT, BCT
Group meets in Emeryville, CA 94608
This series focuses on helping clinicians develop skills and confidence in group leadership using action methods as well as training in how to use drama therapy with individuals and couples. Participants develop a deeper understanding of how to develop a drama therapy session and series. Clinical and practical issues in drama therapy are explored.
See more therapy options for Richmond
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Richmond?
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.