Support Groups in San Diego, CA
One of the best ways to destress, connect to yourself and build better relationships with others is to slow down and set some time for to create. This group is set in a gallery and sacred indegenous space in the creative and dynamic neighborhood of Logan Heights and uses art therapy and multidiciplinary materials to facilitated the exploration and processing of overwhelming feelings by finding coping skills within the art process. No art experience necessary.

Hosted by Berenice Vazquez Badillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92113
Sometimes it becomes challenging managing the ebb and flow of life and we become isolated, stressed and overwhelmed. Our past wounds always seem to sneak up on us when we least expect. Life transitions can be difficult in that they take much adjustment and effort. There is such a pressing need to invest in yourself and in the building of healthy relationships. You need to spark the parts of yourself that harnests vitality and make life worth living. Investing in your mental health can reveal solutions as well as provide you skills that will last a lifetime. Whatever your need we can work together to find solutions.
Blended Family Specialization,

Hosted by Center for Family Unity
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92123
PARTNER on your back or far away emotionally? Are you a christian battling fear, anger or sadness? Are you military who is struggling? Has your family been challenged by trauma, infidelity, or finances? Theresa, Kellye and Lisa can help. Is your CHILD struggling with grief, impulsivity, anxiety, or aggression? Theresa is our go to for kids. Lisa for teens and young adults Has your blended family left you feeling hopeless? Kellye is the specialist for Blended Families

Hosted by Dr. Rebecca Gill
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
At Sunward Psychiatry, we provide affirming, culturally sensitive, and compassionate telepsychiatry care for adults, children, and adolescents in California. We take a holistic approach integrating different aspects of wellness to provide an individualized plan for each client. Beyond the comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we also have extensive experience in climate emotion mental health, Asian Pacific American mental health, and LGBTQIA+ mental health.

Do you feel something is holding you or your loved one back? Many of us can feel stuck or overwhelmed when adjusting to change. When struggling with old and new challenges in our lives, it takes courage to reach out for help. You do not have to venture forth alone. Together, we can work through the issues at hand and rediscover your full potential. I am a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I am here to help you optimize different aspects of your life and reconnect with the sense of purpose deep within you. It is time to prioritize your wellness and mental health.
Best California drug rehabs San Diego for substance abuse rehabilitation services. We provide drug and alcohol detox centers San Diego. When seeking drug rehabs near me in San Diego, Encinitas, Escondido, or La Jolla we are the best choice. Our California drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers are Joint commission accredited. Harmony Grove Recovery accepts most health insurances. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers provide inpatient drug rehab, outpatient addiction treatment centers San Diego, alcohol detox centers in San Diego.

Hosted by HGR Inpatient Alcohol Detox San Diego CA
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC ll
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92101
Best California Inpatient alcohol detox centers and drug rehabs San Diego near Riverside and La Jolla, Our California addiction treatment centers helps individuals suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. Our Inpatient, outpatient, IOP drug and addiction treatment centers in San Diego accepts most health insurances. Finding the best California drug rehabs in San Diego is difficult. We service many of the surrounding areas in California. Most addiction comes with co-occurring disorders. Left untreated drastically increases the chances for relapse. We provide relapse prevention techniques. Call our drug and alcohol addiction centers.
We are an outpatient practice specializing in the treatment of anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and related conditions. We utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Biofeedback Therapy to help children, adolescents, and adults reach peak mental health performance. We currently treat stress, anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety, selective mutism, OCD, PTSD, depression, chronic pain, life transitions, and other associated conditions. In addition to counseling, we provide a variety of psychological testing services including neuropsychological, academic, vocational, and pre-employment evaluations, and developmental evaluations including Autism Assessments.

Hosted by Pinnacle Counseling and Testing Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92129
Does your anxiety seem too big to conquer? We’ll climb that mountain with you. We help people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and stress by giving them tools and strategies to overcome their problems and live a better, happier life. In addition to counseling, we provide a variety of psychological testing services including neuropsychological, academic, vocational, and pre-employment evaluations, and developmental evaluations, including Autism Assessments.
GrowthWell Counseling Services (GCS) was established in 2017 by Juan Calderon-Aguirre, MSSA, LCSW. GrowthWell's primary goal is improving the quality of life of those experiencing hardships in their life by providing empathetic, supportive, evidenced-based counseling with proven outcomes. The growing mental health group practice six clinicians who make up a comprehensive program, offering a multiple treatment modalities, including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (certified), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focus Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Structural and Psychodynamic. The GrowthWell team is currently providing only Telehealth appointments thru a secure HIPPA compliant technology to secure confidentiality.

Hosted by GrowthWell Counseling Consortium
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
Do you ever feel like life is too difficult, too painful, or unfair? Negative experiences can often overshadow everything, shaping how we see the world and interact with those around us. Life's challenges can impact us in many ways, causing mood fluctuations, and difficulties in adjusting to new situations, and straining personal, school, and work relationships. As a therapist, we tailor our approach to each individual's needs and circumstances, using techniques such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and the Gottman Method for couples.
This is a video-conference group for participants in the west coast. The aim of the group is to support high-functioning individuals towards unconditional happiness. We do this through a combination of western and eastern psycho-therapeutic interventions grounded in a solid awareness of our existence as consciousness that is located in a body as well as other realms.

Hosted by Somatic Science Nervous System Regulation
SEP, CQM, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92110
The essence of this approach Somatic Science (R) is highly effective at supporting your nervous system to become regulated, relaxed and harmonized with itself & the external environment. This approach helps you to develop a basic capacity for self-attunement and self-regulation, which are essential for satisfying relationships with yourself and others. Ultimately, this approach can result in a depth and breadth of self-discovery, presence, joy and peace that most spiritual traditions claim to be extremely rare. The aim of our approach is to enjoy life with happiness; no more and no less. Our physiology is at the core of happiness.

Hosted by Rafael Cortina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA, MMAC, CCCPT-I
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92122

Hosted by Robyn Reddell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
Every other week SoNA Groups hosted by Brenda Stephens. Everyone is welcome!! Please visit www.narctrauma.com to see schedule.

Hosted by Brenda Stephens
Counselor, MS, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92123
Narcissistic abuse can leave you feeling confused, depleted, and questioning your own reality. Whether it happens in a romantic relationship, within your family, or at work, the emotional damage often accumulates before you even recognize the patterns. You may have spent years seeking approval from a boss who keeps shifting expectations, a parent who withholds love, or a partner who painted a perfect picture—only to later reveal toxic and manipulative behaviors.
Welcome to Blue Sage Counseling (a Jr's Trauma Care Initiative enterprise). We strive to provide a safe space for all. It is our hope that working with us you will find a place where you can find peace and fulfillment in your life. Our clinicians are here to help you on things from life transitions, to anxiety, depression, and even everyday life. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us in your journey to finding a better life.

Hosted by Jessica Moreno-Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92173
Taking the first step towards getting mental health support can be a difficult task. My hope is that together we can openly discuss treatment options. I hope to join you to help with navigating dual cultures, handling situations with your children, navigating being an adolescent, or handling life transitions individually and/or with family therapy. I work with people struggling with anxiety, relational issues, women’s health, Latinx, life transitions, trauma, survivors of crimes, immigration evaluations. I use an adaptive approach to treatment by tailoring interventions to the unique needs of the client.
The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is an evidence-based social skills intervention originally developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and Dr. Fred Frankel in 2005 and is now used in locations across the US and internationally. PEERS® is an evidenced based program, showing benefit for individuals on the Autism spectrum, but is also appropriate for individuals with ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. We offer PEERS® for 12 weeks. It is a 90 min group and has both parent and teen involvement. Next group will be starting January 2025!

Hosted by Sara Walpole - Tesserae Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92127
What I love about my work is encouraging and empowering children, teens and families. This is why Francesca Riddell and I started Tesserae Family Therapy. Families come to us for support with depression, anxiety, difficult behaviors as well as learning how to make and keep friends through the PEERS program. Our goal is to help families, adolescents, children and young adults learn concrete skills to help better manage emotions, behaviors and have more positive social interactions. We will provide the support and guidance to assist you in meeting your goals.
Bloom is composed of highly skilled therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional well-being. With a warm and empathetic approach, our Bloom Therapists create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. We can't wait to meet you and help you reach your fullest potential!

Hosted by Morgan Brown, CADC-I | Bloom Family Therapy
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC-I
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
With a warm and empathetic approach, my hopes are to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore underlying causes of addiction. Together we will create personalized coping strategies for a healthy tomorrow. My passion lies with teens and young adults who struggle with substance use as I relate to this population on a deep level.
Fatherhood is challenging. Frequently, fathers find it challenging to figure out their placement within their family. Focusing on building, planning, and developing our family can leave us feeling “misplaced,” “lost,” or stuck in our family system. As fathers, we are also nurturers and have our own emotional experiences that we may feel don’t get the attention we deserve. Feeling misplaced or lost can result in resentment and over-functioning. In the group, we will find clarity and understanding through the guidance and experiences of other fathers and leave feeling empowered with the clarity of who we are as fathers.

Hosted by Kasey Lewandowski
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
Fear and anxiety frequently result in feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy, leading to a desire to retreat. We may find it easy to disconnect from the inner voice that reassures us of our strength and resilience. In times of anxiety or depression, self-doubt can take hold, causing us to feel trapped in a cycle of negative emotions. Nevertheless, healing and freedom become attainable as we delve into and accept our self-awareness, core values, and cultural identities. This journey demands intention and vulnerability, allowing us to better understand ourselves.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) provides DBT skills training groups that provide skills to decrease anxiety, depression, and feeling out of control. DBT also helps to increase communication skills and decrease relationship issues. Call or email PEP today for more information - 619.787.6676 - www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. If you're having a hard time communicating effectively with other people, controlling high intensity emotions, or just existing comfortably, DBT can help. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps to decrease depression, anxiety, addictions, mood disorders, emotional eating, impulse control disorders, personality disorders, self harm & suicidal behaviors. Call or email PEP today for more information!

Hosted by Hannah Corder Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. Visit Us at www.PersonalEvolutionPsychotherapy.com. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly. Call us today to schedule an appt.
This group is for anyone in CA, age 18 and older that is seeking a safe space to eat a meal and build community. In this group, we will encourage and model neutral eating patterns, normalize eating with and around others, and help you to strengthen your support network. All bodies and all genders are welcomed! We are committed to creating a diet-free, weight inclusive space that aims to be safe for all bodies.

Hosted by Sarah Fraser DeWyse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92127
I am part of a group practice that's primary focus is on supporting client's with eating disorders, mood issues, trauma, women's health, and identity exploration. I practice from a client-centered treatment approach, one that is both deeply rooted in compassion, autonomy, and social justice. My goal for clients is to help clients to feel more connected with their emotions, their bodies, and themselves - in turning, allowing them to live more presently in their lives.
Weight 2 Eat will teach you about the important behaviors associated with long-term weight control. It focuses on BEHAVIORAL strategies for weight control and HEALTHY NUTRITION. Groups contain 6-12 people. It includes 16 weekly (1 hour) sessions over 4 months. Each week includes a new daily topic related to successful weight control. Find out when the next enrollment begins. Topics include: Balanced and Healthy Diet Lifestyle Activity and Exercise Mood and Food Emotional Eating Binge Eating Restaurant Eating Meal Planning Managing Cravings Mindful Eating Triggers and Cues to Eating Overcoming Obstacles Goal Setting Time Management Weight Maintenance for Long Term Success .....and more

Hosted by everyBody Behavioral Health
Psychologist, PhD, CEDS
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92121
everyBody Behavioral Health is exclusively devoted to treating Eating Disorders AND Obesity. We provide individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults. Dr. Shapiro, the director, was previously faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, Eating Disorders Program, and worked with patients across all levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization (day patient), and outpatient programs. She has developed scientifically based group programs for Weight Management, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and have trained graduate students and medical residents in the treatment of eating disorders and Obesity.
The Intimate Marriage Intensive is a week-long couples group therapy focused on enhancing marriage and sexuality as well as helping marriages in crisis dealing with addiction, infidelity, or high conflict. The Intensive is Located in Alaska. Please see konzenintensive.com.
Topics Include:
Validation: Working Through Conflict and the promotion of Empathy and Understanding
The importance of Touch and Affection
The Importance of Friendship in Marriage
Improving Verbal Sexual Communication
Difference in Arousal Styles: How to be both Assertive and Respectful
Dealing with the Past: Coping with affairs, pornography, rape, molestation and shame
Dealing with Sexual Pain and Dysfunction
Embracing Playfulness

Hosted by Jennifer Konzen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CST, CCDC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
I work with couples to renew the fire in their love life and sexual relationship, couples affected by addiction, as well as couples who are no longer communicating or are on the brink of divorce. I counsel men and women who have experienced depression, anxiety, and OCD. I work from a trauma-informed lens and I see individuals dealing with grief, sexual abuse, and childhood or partner violence. I also work with parents and adolescents. I am a Certified Sex Therapist and a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Hosted by Anna Barbara Dowd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92116
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Searches for San Diego
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in San Diego?
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.