Support Groups in Santa Clara County, CA
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!

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!
One big area of need for school aged children and adolescents is to understand and be able to engage in the social community around them. Whether that be making friends or interacting with adults these skills are foundational. I seek to pair groups of children and adolescents and go through a ten week series working to build their social skills in a community context with their peers

Hosted by Jeremy Joseph Strametz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, MA
Group meets in Morgan Hill, CA 95037
One big area of need for school aged children and adolescents is to understand and be able to engage in the social community around them. Whether that be making friends or interacting with adults these skills are foundational. I seek to pair groups of children and adolescents and go through a ten week series working to build their social skills in a community context with their peers
1) Practice social, communication, and coping skills in a virtual and gaming setting. 2) Learn to open up, build connections, and create memories with your peers. 3) Cultivate awareness of healthy technology use.

Hosted by Video Game Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Clara, CA 95050
1) Practice social, communication, and coping skills in a virtual and gaming setting. 2) Learn to open up, build connections, and create memories with your peers. 3) Cultivate awareness of healthy technology use.
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 formerly ran this group at Stanford for Stanford students.

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 formerly ran this group at Stanford for Stanford students.
Are you navigating the complexities of relationships with emotionally immature parents? You are not alone. Join me for this 8-week therapy group designed to explore feelings, share experiences, and develop healthier boundaries. What to Expect: Safe, judgment-free space, Guided discussions and therapeutic activities, Tools for emotional healing and growth, and Connection with others who have similar experiences. When: Sundays at 5 p.m. (75-minute group sessions), Where: Online, Cost: $65 per group session. E-mail staceyangeles.psychotherapy@gmail.com to register.

Are you navigating the complexities of relationships with emotionally immature parents? You are not alone. Join me for this 8-week therapy group designed to explore feelings, share experiences, and develop healthier boundaries. What to Expect: Safe, judgment-free space, Guided discussions and therapeutic activities, Tools for emotional healing and growth, and Connection with others who have similar experiences. When: Sundays at 5 p.m. (75-minute group sessions), Where: Online, Cost: $65 per group session. E-mail staceyangeles.psychotherapy@gmail.com to register.
Beneficial for those who have at least one sibling with a disability. Members will have opportunities to talk about the challenges they face, learn strategies to manage these challenges, and how to set healthy boundaries. Six week program from July 10th-August 14th. $400 for therapy session 1x per week for six weeks. Time will be 10:00-10:50 or 1:00-1:50 depending on applicants' preference.

Hosted by Positive Approaches, INC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95118
Beneficial for those who have at least one sibling with a disability. Members will have opportunities to talk about the challenges they face, learn strategies to manage these challenges, and how to set healthy boundaries. Six week program from July 10th-August 14th. $400 for therapy session 1x per week for six weeks. Time will be 10:00-10:50 or 1:00-1:50 depending on applicants' preference.
This group is designed to target the specific needs of the 'sandwich generation’: those who are simultaneously nurturing the growth of children and attending to physical or mental decline in their parents. Caregivers are often pulled by competing forces that leave them little time for self-care, reflection and nurturing support. If this description resonates for you, consider carving out special time just for yourself on Friday afternoons to be part of this group. This will be held online or via Zoom to accommodate caregiver schedules.

This group is designed to target the specific needs of the 'sandwich generation’: those who are simultaneously nurturing the growth of children and attending to physical or mental decline in their parents. Caregivers are often pulled by competing forces that leave them little time for self-care, reflection and nurturing support. If this description resonates for you, consider carving out special time just for yourself on Friday afternoons to be part of this group. This will be held online or via Zoom to accommodate caregiver schedules.
Dating in the Bay Area… it’s a bit more than a chore. The apps, the fits and starts, the disappointment, the excitement, effort, time commitment… is it even worth it? This is a process group for women, ages 21-35, who are feeling the pressure, especially following COVID, of being single, dating, unsatisfied in their relationship or simply unsure about their own instincts. This group provides a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, and hear one-another’s perspectives. Dating is a process, and learning how to appropriately frame and engage in it makes all the difference!

Hosted by Unfold Psychology, A Heafey Practice
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95126
Dating in the Bay Area… it’s a bit more than a chore. The apps, the fits and starts, the disappointment, the excitement, effort, time commitment… is it even worth it? This is a process group for women, ages 21-35, who are feeling the pressure, especially following COVID, of being single, dating, unsatisfied in their relationship or simply unsure about their own instincts. This group provides a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, and hear one-another’s perspectives. Dating is a process, and learning how to appropriately frame and engage in it makes all the difference!
Gold Crown is a DBT/process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety. All genders welcome. Groups are held in-person and virtually. Please email if you are interested.

Gold Crown is a DBT/process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety. All genders welcome. Groups are held in-person and virtually. Please email if you are interested.
Gold Crown is a DBT/process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety. All genders welcome. Groups are held in-person and virtually. Please email if you are interested.

Gold Crown is a DBT/process group for high school teens 14-17 struggling with isolation, depression and anxiety. All genders welcome. Groups are held in-person and virtually. Please email if you are interested.
Are you a woman whose heart has been wounded after a lifetime of putting other peoples' needs & wants above your own? Do you find it hard to honor yourself & do what you really want? Have you been hurt by emotionally abusive familial, romantic, or professional relationships & are finally ready to heal? If so, our Women's Self-Compassion + Happiness group may be an important step in your healing journey. Our group teaches assertiveness, self-compassion, & self-esteem skills in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment. You will learn how to value your voice, how to lessen codependent behaviors, & how to build a strong, loving relationship with yourself.

Hosted by The Happiness Psychiatrist | Sheenie Ambardar MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Group meets in Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Are you a woman whose heart has been wounded after a lifetime of putting other peoples' needs & wants above your own? Do you find it hard to honor yourself & do what you really want? Have you been hurt by emotionally abusive familial, romantic, or professional relationships & are finally ready to heal? If so, our Women's Self-Compassion + Happiness group may be an important step in your healing journey. Our group teaches assertiveness, self-compassion, & self-esteem skills in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment. You will learn how to value your voice, how to lessen codependent behaviors, & how to build a strong, loving relationship with yourself.
This group uses education, mindfulness, and meditation practices to aid women in better understanding the relationship between their minds and bodies. Specifically the group teaches participants how to better manage stress and incorporate greater self-care and compassion into their daily routines in order to achieve enhanced health and well-being.

This group uses education, mindfulness, and meditation practices to aid women in better understanding the relationship between their minds and bodies. Specifically the group teaches participants how to better manage stress and incorporate greater self-care and compassion into their daily routines in order to achieve enhanced health and well-being.
Marriage and raising a family can be tiring and frustrating. It takes lots of work to balance and prioritize life. Sharing stories and life experiences with other couples of similar challenges can be helpful. Each series contains of 4 sessions. We'll cover the following topics for Part 1 "FORGET ME NOT": the passion of love, the roadmap of love, the language of love, & the challenge of love. For Part 2 "POWER OF TWO": how to dance well, how to fight well, how to dream together, & how to stay in love. Welcome couples of any stages.

Hosted by Bassy Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in San Jose, CA 95124
Marriage and raising a family can be tiring and frustrating. It takes lots of work to balance and prioritize life. Sharing stories and life experiences with other couples of similar challenges can be helpful. Each series contains of 4 sessions. We'll cover the following topics for Part 1 "FORGET ME NOT": the passion of love, the roadmap of love, the language of love, & the challenge of love. For Part 2 "POWER OF TWO": how to dance well, how to fight well, how to dream together, & how to stay in love. Welcome couples of any stages.
Your past doesn’t define you. This 6-week trauma-processing group provides a safe space for adult survivors of childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Through guided discussions, coping strategies, and inner child healing, you’ll gain tools to manage triggers, set boundaries, and build resilience. Connect with others who understand your journey and reclaim control over your life. You are stronger than you think. Reach out for a free diagnostic tool and a 20-minute consultation to see if this group is right for you. Healing is possible—you don’t have to do it alone.

Hosted by Laurel Salmon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Group meets in Palo Alto, CA 94301
Your past doesn’t define you. This 6-week trauma-processing group provides a safe space for adult survivors of childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Through guided discussions, coping strategies, and inner child healing, you’ll gain tools to manage triggers, set boundaries, and build resilience. Connect with others who understand your journey and reclaim control over your life. You are stronger than you think. Reach out for a free diagnostic tool and a 20-minute consultation to see if this group is right for you. Healing is possible—you don’t have to do it alone.
Radical changes in our social relationships have produced a new family system that no longer can function under the past autocratic rules. In this new context Children demand more rights. However, have difficulty understanding that more rights mean more responsibilities. In response, some frustrated parents rely heavily on a punishment-reward approach while others overprotect their children from consequences of their irresponsibility.
In the parenting trainings, parents expand their understanding of their children's needs, as well as factors contributing to their negative behaviors. Parents also learn effective strategies to motivate children to cooperate and be accountable and self-disciplined.

Radical changes in our social relationships have produced a new family system that no longer can function under the past autocratic rules. In this new context Children demand more rights. However, have difficulty understanding that more rights mean more responsibilities. In response, some frustrated parents rely heavily on a punishment-reward approach while others overprotect their children from consequences of their irresponsibility.
In the parenting trainings, parents expand their understanding of their children's needs, as well as factors contributing to their negative behaviors. Parents also learn effective strategies to motivate children to cooperate and be accountable and self-disciplined.
In group therapy, you’ll join others who are navigating similar anxiety challenges. This supportive environment allows for shared experiences, empathy, and collective problem-solving. As you learn from others and practice techniques together, you’ll gain valuable insights and coping strategies, all while feeling less isolated in your journey toward healing. Join us to manage your anxiety and connect with others who have struggled just like you.

In group therapy, you’ll join others who are navigating similar anxiety challenges. This supportive environment allows for shared experiences, empathy, and collective problem-solving. As you learn from others and practice techniques together, you’ll gain valuable insights and coping strategies, all while feeling less isolated in your journey toward healing. Join us to manage your anxiety and connect with others who have struggled just like you.
It's important to talk about your loved one, honor your emotions and recognize the various stages of mourning. With loss also comes changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. This group is a safe space where you can share your story without judgment, and find comfort and understanding among others who are going through a similar experience. This group will assist you in exploring your thoughts on identity changes and also have a safe space to explore your unresolved feelings.

Hosted by Cathy Trenary
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, IFS
Group meets in Palo Alto, CA 94301
It's important to talk about your loved one, honor your emotions and recognize the various stages of mourning. With loss also comes changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. This group is a safe space where you can share your story without judgment, and find comfort and understanding among others who are going through a similar experience. This group will assist you in exploring your thoughts on identity changes and also have a safe space to explore your unresolved feelings.
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.

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.
Comprehensive Mental Health Practice comprised of Psychiatrists, Psychiatric nurse practitioners, Psychiatric Physician Assistants and Psychotherapists. Members of our team from various disciplines collaborate and coordinate interventions in order to provide the most effective and current treatment options. Mood disorder specialists -- TMS and Ketamine treatments available.

Comprehensive Mental Health Practice comprised of Psychiatrists, Psychiatric nurse practitioners, Psychiatric Physician Assistants and Psychotherapists. Members of our team from various disciplines collaborate and coordinate interventions in order to provide the most effective and current treatment options. Mood disorder specialists -- TMS and Ketamine treatments available.
This is a process oriented group.
The two most common issues that get in the way of connection with others are communication and defensiveness. One of the biggest obstacles people have in relationships is the ability to communicate their feelings and reactions that relate to any of their issues. People also often have difficulty giving feedback to others. This is because we feel we must justify our behavior. It is very hard to just listen to others, and then decide whether or not to incorporate their requests or feedback about our behavior. Group is a direct way to focus interpersonally.

This is a process oriented group.
The two most common issues that get in the way of connection with others are communication and defensiveness. One of the biggest obstacles people have in relationships is the ability to communicate their feelings and reactions that relate to any of their issues. People also often have difficulty giving feedback to others. This is because we feel we must justify our behavior. It is very hard to just listen to others, and then decide whether or not to incorporate their requests or feedback about our behavior. Group is a direct way to focus interpersonally.
See more therapy options for Santa Clara County
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Santa Clara County?
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.