Support Groups in San Jose, CA

CSC is a process group for female-identified survivors whose lives have been impacted by sexual assault. This space strives to bring together survivors who seek community, empowerment, and a long-term healing process. CSC opens dialogue about loss and rebuilding of life involved with any act of sexual violence. We are currently recruiting 4-6 members (Start date TBD: Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30PM). A phone intake and in-person assessment is needed to register. Any questions or interest feel free to contact Liz Ojeda (Email: eojeda@era-center.org | Phone: 408-673-8463).
Photo of Liz Ojeda, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Hosted by Liz Ojeda
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95126
CSC is a process group for female-identified survivors whose lives have been impacted by sexual assault. This space strives to bring together survivors who seek community, empowerment, and a long-term healing process. CSC opens dialogue about loss and rebuilding of life involved with any act of sexual violence. We are currently recruiting 4-6 members (Start date TBD: Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30PM). A phone intake and in-person assessment is needed to register. Any questions or interest feel free to contact Liz Ojeda (Email: eojeda@era-center.org | Phone: 408-673-8463).
(408) 676-1506 View (408) 676-1506
The Que is a weekly processing group for Queer Folks of Color, to provide support, validation and a safe space to navigate the nuances of life. We discuss ALL topics, relevant and applicable to our community. Join Us, and allow yourself to experience true liberation for 90 minutes, once a week, you can make the time. You Deserve it.
Photo of Tia L Barnes, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT,
Hosted by Tia L Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT,
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95119
The Que is a weekly processing group for Queer Folks of Color, to provide support, validation and a safe space to navigate the nuances of life. We discuss ALL topics, relevant and applicable to our community. Join Us, and allow yourself to experience true liberation for 90 minutes, once a week, you can make the time. You Deserve it.
(510) 983-7019 View (510) 983-7019
We provide Group Therapy around Codependency, Sexual Abuse Recovery, Addiction Recovery, Marriage Groups, Women Leaders, etc.
Photo of Tina Engel - Christian Counseling Center San Jose, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hosted by Christian Counseling Center San Jose
Marriage & Family Therapist
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
We provide Group Therapy around Codependency, Sexual Abuse Recovery, Addiction Recovery, Marriage Groups, Women Leaders, etc.
(408) 413-4529 View (408) 413-4529
Gold crown is an in-person DBT/process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety. All genders welcome. Please email if you are interested.
Photo of Emmylou Chua Cancino, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Emmylou Chua Cancino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95128
Gold crown is an in-person DBT/process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety. All genders welcome. Please email if you are interested.
(408) 648-2505 View (408) 648-2505
San Jose Location : 4100 Moorpark Ave 95117 and Morgan Hill Location : 60 West Main Ave, Morgan Hill CA 95037
Photo of Andrea Ferriera, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Hosted by Andrea Ferriera
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95117
San Jose Location : 4100 Moorpark Ave 95117 and Morgan Hill Location : 60 West Main Ave, Morgan Hill CA 95037
(408) 317-1652 View (408) 317-1652
Gold crown is an in-person DBT/Process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety in San Jose area. All genders welcome. Please email if you are interested.
Photo of Michele Brister, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, PPSC
Hosted by Michele Brister
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, PPSC
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95128
Gold crown is an in-person DBT/Process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety in San Jose area. All genders welcome. Please email if you are interested.
(669) 219-8097 View (669) 219-8097
Support group for anxiety. You don't have to feel isolated and alone. Get support from others and learn to overcome generalized anxiety, social anxiety,PTSD, panic disorder, phobias and related issues. Pre-screening required. Contact Dr. Dufford at Anxiety Treatment Services phone number above.
Photo of Donald B Dufford - Anxiety Treatment Services, Psychologist, PhD
Hosted by Anxiety Treatment Services
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Support group for anxiety. You don't have to feel isolated and alone. Get support from others and learn to overcome generalized anxiety, social anxiety,PTSD, panic disorder, phobias and related issues. Pre-screening required. Contact Dr. Dufford at Anxiety Treatment Services phone number above.
(408) 384-9838 View (408) 384-9838
This is a group for sex addicts new and experienced in recovery. Learn skills to continue navigate the challenges of sobriety, relapse prevention and recovery. Find group support to help you achieve your goals. This is an invitation-only group, and a first individual session is required to ascertain if the group would be a good fit for you. Another requirement is that you are in individual therapy, with a member of the practice or outside of the practice.
Photo of Brendan T Ellis, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, CMAT
Hosted by Brendan T Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, CMAT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95130
This is a group for sex addicts new and experienced in recovery. Learn skills to continue navigate the challenges of sobriety, relapse prevention and recovery. Find group support to help you achieve your goals. This is an invitation-only group, and a first individual session is required to ascertain if the group would be a good fit for you. Another requirement is that you are in individual therapy, with a member of the practice or outside of the practice.
(408) 359-4979 View (408) 359-4979
A Path to Wellness: A Movement and Expressive Arts Workshop. Reconnect with yourself and your needs. Engage in movement inspired by the energy of the elements to ground yourself in your body. Reenvision your path to wellness. Create an art piece to keep you motivated and inspired. Connect with others in community.
Photo of Mariana Chavez, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Mariana Chavez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95123
A Path to Wellness: A Movement and Expressive Arts Workshop. Reconnect with yourself and your needs. Engage in movement inspired by the energy of the elements to ground yourself in your body. Reenvision your path to wellness. Create an art piece to keep you motivated and inspired. Connect with others in community.
(510) 681-0477 View (510) 681-0477
Having a baby should be a positive experience, so our main focus is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you to process and get support from an experienced, licensed therapist and other moms in group therapy exploring the ups and downs of being a mom with a baby. Groups are ongoing in 6 week sessions. Babies in arms are welcome to attend with mom. for more information see website: www.FullHeartFullHands.com We get it! Everything Mom!
Photo of Debra Gionet, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Hosted by Debra Gionet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Having a baby should be a positive experience, so our main focus is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you to process and get support from an experienced, licensed therapist and other moms in group therapy exploring the ups and downs of being a mom with a baby. Groups are ongoing in 6 week sessions. Babies in arms are welcome to attend with mom. for more information see website: www.FullHeartFullHands.com We get it! Everything Mom!
(408) 676-9997 View (408) 676-9997
A couples workshop led by Claudio and Tricia on Saturday, January 22 and Sunday, January 23 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. By attending this online Hold Me Tight workshop, you will discover and experience a new way of connection with your partner.
Photo of Claudio Vargas Silva, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Hosted by Claudio Vargas Silva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
A couples workshop led by Claudio and Tricia on Saturday, January 22 and Sunday, January 23 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. By attending this online Hold Me Tight workshop, you will discover and experience a new way of connection with your partner.
(408) 837-7936 View (408) 837-7936
Invitation to join a women's psychotherapy group leaning on poetry, myth, meditation, breath and connection. AEDP and somatic approaches are the framework. A six week women 's group exploring the liminal threshold between one phase of life and another. For women in transitions from one identity to another including life stage, relationship status, career, motherhood and any of the developmental endings and beginnings. LImited to five participants, we will explore together how it is "to be in the in between".
Photo of Mae Conroy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Mae Conroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Invitation to join a women's psychotherapy group leaning on poetry, myth, meditation, breath and connection. AEDP and somatic approaches are the framework. A six week women 's group exploring the liminal threshold between one phase of life and another. For women in transitions from one identity to another including life stage, relationship status, career, motherhood and any of the developmental endings and beginnings. LImited to five participants, we will explore together how it is "to be in the in between".
(669) 280-7905 View (669) 280-7905
CSC is a process group for female-identified survivors whose lives have been impacted by sexual assault. This space strives to bring together survivors who seek community, empowerment, and a long-term healing process. CSC opens dialogue about loss and rebuilding of life involved with any act of sexual violence. We are currently recruiting 5-6 members (Start date 2/5: Mondays, 530-730PM). A phone intake and in-person assessment is needed to register. Any questions or interest feel free to contact Theresa Samuel Boko (Email: tsamuelboko@era-center.org | Phone: 650 - 420 - 5274).
Photo of Kim Panelo Xue, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Hosted by Kim Panelo Xue
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95126
CSC is a process group for female-identified survivors whose lives have been impacted by sexual assault. This space strives to bring together survivors who seek community, empowerment, and a long-term healing process. CSC opens dialogue about loss and rebuilding of life involved with any act of sexual violence. We are currently recruiting 5-6 members (Start date 2/5: Mondays, 530-730PM). A phone intake and in-person assessment is needed to register. Any questions or interest feel free to contact Theresa Samuel Boko (Email: tsamuelboko@era-center.org | Phone: 650 - 420 - 5274).
(408) 837-7881 View (408) 837-7881
How to balance life and manage stress and anxiety in College. If students arrive in college already overwhelmed and lower reserves of emotional health, faculty, deans and administrators should expect to see more consequences of stress, poor judgement around time management, alcohol consumption and academic motivation.
Photo of Natasha Najmi-Kazmi - Natasha Kazmi, Trust Mental Health, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Hosted by Natasha Kazmi, Trust Mental Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
How to balance life and manage stress and anxiety in College. If students arrive in college already overwhelmed and lower reserves of emotional health, faculty, deans and administrators should expect to see more consequences of stress, poor judgement around time management, alcohol consumption and academic motivation.
(408) 583-5692 View (408) 583-5692
Lisa Anzuldua is Group Facilitator. See https://www.believing-cassandra.com. You may be feeling emotionally abandoned, conflicted, experiencing depression or anxiety, regretting the past, resenting the present, and fearing the future. This group process is here for you. Our 8-week group coaching and therapeutic community will help with these challenges. Group is on ZOOM.
Photo of Harry Motro - Autism + Couples, Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, PC
Hosted by Harry Motro - Autism + Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, PC
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Lisa Anzuldua is Group Facilitator. See https://www.believing-cassandra.com. You may be feeling emotionally abandoned, conflicted, experiencing depression or anxiety, regretting the past, resenting the present, and fearing the future. This group process is here for you. Our 8-week group coaching and therapeutic community will help with these challenges. Group is on ZOOM.
(408) 824-7367 View (408) 824-7367
At Nugent Family Counseling Center we use innovative therapy approaches so you can focus on what you love about being a family. Our team is available for any combination of individual, family, and couples therapy. We realize your needs may change as you grow and learn. That's why we are always open to modifying who comes to sessions and techniques used. Couples, marriage and family therapy works and is worth the investment. We want your family to leave feeling closer and ready to live your best lives together.
Photo of Geoff Nugent, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFC, LPC, BCPC
Hosted by Geoff Nugent
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFC, LPC, BCPC
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95128
At Nugent Family Counseling Center we use innovative therapy approaches so you can focus on what you love about being a family. Our team is available for any combination of individual, family, and couples therapy. We realize your needs may change as you grow and learn. That's why we are always open to modifying who comes to sessions and techniques used. Couples, marriage and family therapy works and is worth the investment. We want your family to leave feeling closer and ready to live your best lives together.
(408) 837-7599 View (408) 837-7599
We support people impacted by relationship trauma, separation and family stress who are looking for new ways to live their lives. Our clients are looking to heal from family stress, trauma or separation such as divorce, experience in the foster care and adoption systems, immigration, post- incarceration reunification, or are caring for children with emotional needs which make parenting challenging (such as neurosensitivities, developmental delays and mental illness). Whether you have been struggling for a while or have a recent change that's causing stress, we can work together to rebuild the best version of yourself & your family!
Photo of Carey Gil, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Hosted by Carey Gil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95119
We support people impacted by relationship trauma, separation and family stress who are looking for new ways to live their lives. Our clients are looking to heal from family stress, trauma or separation such as divorce, experience in the foster care and adoption systems, immigration, post- incarceration reunification, or are caring for children with emotional needs which make parenting challenging (such as neurosensitivities, developmental delays and mental illness). Whether you have been struggling for a while or have a recent change that's causing stress, we can work together to rebuild the best version of yourself & your family!
(669) 758-2193 View (669) 758-2193
Group Sessions: 10 video sessions (min: 2 people, max: 5 people per group); A) $70/session for 10 sessions at $650 for 10 sessions OR B) $60/session paid at the time of each group session. Groups Offered: Setting Boundaries With Others, Mindfulness For Those Who Are Skeptical About Meditation, Identifying & Expressing Emotions.
Photo of Margaret Caroline Wang, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Margaret Caroline Wang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Group Sessions: 10 video sessions (min: 2 people, max: 5 people per group); A) $70/session for 10 sessions at $650 for 10 sessions OR B) $60/session paid at the time of each group session. Groups Offered: Setting Boundaries With Others, Mindfulness For Those Who Are Skeptical About Meditation, Identifying & Expressing Emotions.
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Perhaps you have heard of dungeons and dragons or pathfinder - TTRPGs use similar adapted gameplay to meet therapy goals. These games focus on collaborative gameplay. Group members collaborate with each other with role-playing characters they create to explore fictional worlds and real-life relationships. TTRPGs take place in the physical world, where players gather around a table to interact. Groups are typically structured with a 5-minute check-in, 60 minutes of gameplay and 25 minutes for group processing.
Photo of Garima Lupas, Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-CN
Hosted by Garima Lupas
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-CN
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95134
Perhaps you have heard of dungeons and dragons or pathfinder - TTRPGs use similar adapted gameplay to meet therapy goals. These games focus on collaborative gameplay. Group members collaborate with each other with role-playing characters they create to explore fictional worlds and real-life relationships. TTRPGs take place in the physical world, where players gather around a table to interact. Groups are typically structured with a 5-minute check-in, 60 minutes of gameplay and 25 minutes for group processing.
(408) 528-2371 View (408) 528-2371
VIRTUAL Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Group for California. Learn Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional regulation and Distress Tolerance. Virtual groups for individuals in California as part of our full Fidelity DBT program. Learn to manage emotions and reach your goals. Change complex behaviors including anger, emotional crisis, anxiety, and depression, and any other condition where emotions get in the way of getting the life you want. Please call (408) 893-4032 for more information.
Photo of Melinda Carlisle Brackett, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hosted by Melinda Carlisle Brackett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95126
VIRTUAL Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Group for California. Learn Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional regulation and Distress Tolerance. Virtual groups for individuals in California as part of our full Fidelity DBT program. Learn to manage emotions and reach your goals. Change complex behaviors including anger, emotional crisis, anxiety, and depression, and any other condition where emotions get in the way of getting the life you want. Please call (408) 893-4032 for more information.
(408) 641-6424 View (408) 641-6424

See more therapy options for San Jose

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in San Jose?

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.