Support Groups in Santa Monica, CA
Have you ever wondered what your dreams say about you and your life experiences? While dreams provide insight and greater self awareness, the dream tending process connects us to our intuition and creative intelligence. Join us for an introductory dream tending workshop to learn practical tools to understand their hidden meaning. Through guided experiential exercises, we provide you a theoretical background and basic steps to utilize dreams so they enrich your life and deepen self understanding. Cost: $250 (sliding scale spots available). For more information and upcoming dates // E-mail: dreamtendingcollective@gmail.com

Hosted by Allison Duplechain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90405
Have you ever wondered what your dreams say about you and your life experiences? While dreams provide insight and greater self awareness, the dream tending process connects us to our intuition and creative intelligence. Join us for an introductory dream tending workshop to learn practical tools to understand their hidden meaning. Through guided experiential exercises, we provide you a theoretical background and basic steps to utilize dreams so they enrich your life and deepen self understanding. Cost: $250 (sliding scale spots available). For more information and upcoming dates // E-mail: dreamtendingcollective@gmail.com
Group therapy is a very powerful venue for self exploration and provides speedy results. In a safe, confidential and supportive setting every individual's uniqueness emerges as the social interpersonal and emotional issues are explored.
By participating,(max. 8 men and women), the members will have a structured and safe environment where they can examine their individuality within a group setting. Through interactions with others, each member will gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses, and develop increased courage to face their vulnerabilities. One opening for a new member.

Hosted by Monica Farassat, Psy.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CGP
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90403
Group therapy is a very powerful venue for self exploration and provides speedy results. In a safe, confidential and supportive setting every individual's uniqueness emerges as the social interpersonal and emotional issues are explored.
By participating,(max. 8 men and women), the members will have a structured and safe environment where they can examine their individuality within a group setting. Through interactions with others, each member will gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses, and develop increased courage to face their vulnerabilities. One opening for a new member.
Join us for a supportive and empowering group designed for people going through a divorce, considering a divorce or recovering from a divorce. Our focus is to support our group members through their divorce journey. We find that it's incredibly validating and healing to connect with others going through similar circumstances. We assist group members in gaining a deeper understanding of their respective situations and provide psychoeducation and skills to help them cope better. We will share helpful information on the divorce process, co-parenting, blended family issues, and more. Each group will have discussion, sharing, and feedback.

Join us for a supportive and empowering group designed for people going through a divorce, considering a divorce or recovering from a divorce. Our focus is to support our group members through their divorce journey. We find that it's incredibly validating and healing to connect with others going through similar circumstances. We assist group members in gaining a deeper understanding of their respective situations and provide psychoeducation and skills to help them cope better. We will share helpful information on the divorce process, co-parenting, blended family issues, and more. Each group will have discussion, sharing, and feedback.
Join our virtual 10-week ADHD skills group and learn practical strategies to better navigate life with ADHD. This group is designed to help you develop essential skills, boost confidence, and connect with others who truly understand.

Hosted by Sophie Halavy: Teen/Adult Anxiety & Depression
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90403
Join our virtual 10-week ADHD skills group and learn practical strategies to better navigate life with ADHD. This group is designed to help you develop essential skills, boost confidence, and connect with others who truly understand.
In the group you will get in touch with different aspects some of which are listed below: Create awareness of the specific thoughts you carry throughout the day. Is your mood where you would like it to be? Is your life where you want it to be? Welcome new opportunities beyond your imagination. Every meeting will consist of an open guided meditation following by a group process.

In the group you will get in touch with different aspects some of which are listed below: Create awareness of the specific thoughts you carry throughout the day. Is your mood where you would like it to be? Is your life where you want it to be? Welcome new opportunities beyond your imagination. Every meeting will consist of an open guided meditation following by a group process.
This group provides a safe and comforting environment to deal with grief and loss. It allows for individuals to fully process their losses and to feel connected to others going thru similar states of emotions. A very warm and supportive ambience.

Hosted by Emily Caroline Pernoll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90402
This group provides a safe and comforting environment to deal with grief and loss. It allows for individuals to fully process their losses and to feel connected to others going thru similar states of emotions. A very warm and supportive ambience.
Have you ever wondered what your dreams say about you and your life experiences? Come join me for a day long workshop to learn basic tools and a theoretical orientation to better understand your dreams and develop a dream practice. Learn how to use your dreams to enrich your life and deepen your self understanding. *Cost is $250. Limited sliding scale spaces available*. For more detailed information please call or email!

Hosted by Annie Armstrong Miyao
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90405
Have you ever wondered what your dreams say about you and your life experiences? Come join me for a day long workshop to learn basic tools and a theoretical orientation to better understand your dreams and develop a dream practice. Learn how to use your dreams to enrich your life and deepen your self understanding. *Cost is $250. Limited sliding scale spaces available*. For more detailed information please call or email!
The Daring Way (tm) is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was designed for work with individuals, couples, families and others. It has been utilized in clinical educational, and professional settings. During the process we explore topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness. We examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding us back and we identify the new choices and practices that will move us toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing daily practices that transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead.

Hosted by Angela M. Aiello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PhD
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90403
The Daring Way (tm) is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was designed for work with individuals, couples, families and others. It has been utilized in clinical educational, and professional settings. During the process we explore topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness. We examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding us back and we identify the new choices and practices that will move us toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing daily practices that transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead.
Relationships can play a huge role in our well-being, and they can also be one of our biggest sources of stress. This group is for you if you are feeling alone, confused, isolated, and mourning a breakup, experiencing stress with relationships, platonic or romantic, you keep repeating painful patterns in relationships, wanting to heal old wounds, you are navigating dating and wanting to build healthier connections, struggling with letting go or setting boundaries.

Hosted by Sara Lichstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90401
Relationships can play a huge role in our well-being, and they can also be one of our biggest sources of stress. This group is for you if you are feeling alone, confused, isolated, and mourning a breakup, experiencing stress with relationships, platonic or romantic, you keep repeating painful patterns in relationships, wanting to heal old wounds, you are navigating dating and wanting to build healthier connections, struggling with letting go or setting boundaries.
Adults with ADHD have a variety of challenges to productivity and interpersonal relationships. Past failures may have lead to low self esteem and shame. In this group you will learn more about ADHD, learn to accept your neurodiverse brain and all its wonder, and learn how small steps toward changing certain patterns can make a big difference. I have ADHD myself and have worked with ADHD clients for over 30 years, and trained with Ned Hallowell, MD. This group may answer some questions, provide support and give you some helpful tools.

Adults with ADHD have a variety of challenges to productivity and interpersonal relationships. Past failures may have lead to low self esteem and shame. In this group you will learn more about ADHD, learn to accept your neurodiverse brain and all its wonder, and learn how small steps toward changing certain patterns can make a big difference. I have ADHD myself and have worked with ADHD clients for over 30 years, and trained with Ned Hallowell, MD. This group may answer some questions, provide support and give you some helpful tools.
Are you ready to step into your healing journey within a powerful circle of BIPOC women? This group is designed for those craving change, inner peace, and meaningful support. Together, we’ll explore reclaiming your power, deepening self-awareness, and breaking cycles that no longer serve you. You will reconnect with your body as a source of wisdom, safety, and power. You will set boundaries rooted in self-love. You will clarify a bold, soul-centered vision for your life—and take action to live it. You will be seen, supported, and celebrated by women who share your lived experience.

Hosted by Elana M Clark-Faler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT, CST, SEP, CGP
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90404
Are you ready to step into your healing journey within a powerful circle of BIPOC women? This group is designed for those craving change, inner peace, and meaningful support. Together, we’ll explore reclaiming your power, deepening self-awareness, and breaking cycles that no longer serve you. You will reconnect with your body as a source of wisdom, safety, and power. You will set boundaries rooted in self-love. You will clarify a bold, soul-centered vision for your life—and take action to live it. You will be seen, supported, and celebrated by women who share your lived experience.
Does your teen need more support during these uncertain times? Please have your teen join us in this 6 week virtual support group. Support groups provide a forum to address issues with peers and to know they are not alone. The benefits of a support group for your teen is positive peer influence, relief from stress, better communication skills, improved relationships and social confidence. It will provide a safe place to voice opinions and work through social obstacles. Please refer to my website for more details.

Hosted by Brittany Couture
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PsyD, AMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90403
Does your teen need more support during these uncertain times? Please have your teen join us in this 6 week virtual support group. Support groups provide a forum to address issues with peers and to know they are not alone. The benefits of a support group for your teen is positive peer influence, relief from stress, better communication skills, improved relationships and social confidence. It will provide a safe place to voice opinions and work through social obstacles. Please refer to my website for more details.
"Parenting Skills Education Series" is a 4-week, virtual, 6-member group led by Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Mary L. Williams. that helps group members identify family strengths and challenges; learn effective communication skills; develop tools that can help parents and children better relate; and identify hopes for their family. Utilizing Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Mindfulness practices and tools, members can become more aware of practices that have challenged parenting in their families and learn tools that help change the course of the way they parent and the accompanying results. July 5, 12, 19, 26.

Hosted by Mary Linda Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90401
"Parenting Skills Education Series" is a 4-week, virtual, 6-member group led by Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Mary L. Williams. that helps group members identify family strengths and challenges; learn effective communication skills; develop tools that can help parents and children better relate; and identify hopes for their family. Utilizing Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Mindfulness practices and tools, members can become more aware of practices that have challenged parenting in their families and learn tools that help change the course of the way they parent and the accompanying results. July 5, 12, 19, 26.
Group therapy is for those who are feeling lonely, have a communication problem, have social phobia, depression, anger, and anxiety. People who want to feel respected, be listened to, give & receive support from others, someone who wants to feel like they belong. In other words, I treat most problems in group therapy: depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief and loss, personality disorders, communication problems, mental-emotional-social-behavior issue..Based on the work of Dr. Irvin Yalom, the group is open-minded, accepting, insightful, relational, and emotionally supportive.

Group therapy is for those who are feeling lonely, have a communication problem, have social phobia, depression, anger, and anxiety. People who want to feel respected, be listened to, give & receive support from others, someone who wants to feel like they belong. In other words, I treat most problems in group therapy: depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief and loss, personality disorders, communication problems, mental-emotional-social-behavior issue..Based on the work of Dr. Irvin Yalom, the group is open-minded, accepting, insightful, relational, and emotionally supportive.
Group therapy is for those who are feeling lonely, have a communication problem, have social phobia, depression, anger, and anxiety. People who want to feel respected, be listened to, give & receive support from others, someone who wants to feel like they belong. In other words, I treat most problems in group therapy: depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief and loss, personality disorders, communication problems, mental-emotional-social-behavior issue..Based on the work of Dr. Irvin Yalom, the group is open-minded, accepting, insightful, relational, and emotionally supportive.

Group therapy is for those who are feeling lonely, have a communication problem, have social phobia, depression, anger, and anxiety. People who want to feel respected, be listened to, give & receive support from others, someone who wants to feel like they belong. In other words, I treat most problems in group therapy: depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief and loss, personality disorders, communication problems, mental-emotional-social-behavior issue..Based on the work of Dr. Irvin Yalom, the group is open-minded, accepting, insightful, relational, and emotionally supportive.
These PHP-type groups are for doctoral level licensed healthcare professionals, residents, and medical students. Support and professional monitoring services may be included.

These PHP-type groups are for doctoral level licensed healthcare professionals, residents, and medical students. Support and professional monitoring services may be included.
A weekly virtual gathering for new moms to connect and process their initiation into motherhood.

Hosted by Molly Nourmand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90404
A weekly virtual gathering for new moms to connect and process their initiation into motherhood.
A safe, confidential space for men exploring or practicing non-monogamy, open, and polyamorous relationships. Connect with like-minded men, build community, and share openly without judgment. Build Confidence, Develop Communication Skills, Explore Challenges, Navigate Insecurities, Explore the Rewards! $60/Meeting, May be Covered by Insurance, 6 Week Closed Group, Virtual, Limited Space Available, Facilitated by Valeriya Pesrtikova AMFT 141497, Supervised by Tracy Bevington LMFT 53455

Hosted by Pacific MFT Network OC - ADHD, Couples, Teens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90405
A safe, confidential space for men exploring or practicing non-monogamy, open, and polyamorous relationships. Connect with like-minded men, build community, and share openly without judgment. Build Confidence, Develop Communication Skills, Explore Challenges, Navigate Insecurities, Explore the Rewards! $60/Meeting, May be Covered by Insurance, 6 Week Closed Group, Virtual, Limited Space Available, Facilitated by Valeriya Pesrtikova AMFT 141497, Supervised by Tracy Bevington LMFT 53455
Welcome to Womb of Support, a compassionate and empowering online support group designed exclusively for women navigating the challenges of IVF and infertility. Weekly sessions provide a safe and supportive space where you can connect with others who understand the unique emotional journey you're on. Embarking on the path of fertility treatments can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Our online support group aims to foster a sense of community, understanding, and shared strength among women facing similar experiences. Led by a facilitator with expertise in infertility, each session is crafted to provide a space for healing and sharing.

Hosted by Kathryn Diaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90404
Welcome to Womb of Support, a compassionate and empowering online support group designed exclusively for women navigating the challenges of IVF and infertility. Weekly sessions provide a safe and supportive space where you can connect with others who understand the unique emotional journey you're on. Embarking on the path of fertility treatments can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Our online support group aims to foster a sense of community, understanding, and shared strength among women facing similar experiences. Led by a facilitator with expertise in infertility, each session is crafted to provide a space for healing and sharing.
If you're stable in recovery from addictive behaviors, committed to living with your new-found freedom, and want solid relapse prevention skills, this 8-week group could be fantastic for you. Through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, you'll learn how to effectively work with triggers, manage cravings/urges, increase your inner strength, not get derailed by all the thoughts in your head, and make skillful decisions instead of knee-jerk reactions. Relapse can be prevented at numerous points along the way. Let's discuss how you can be a part of this dynamic group.

Hosted by Mary Ann Abosch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, TMF
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90403
If you're stable in recovery from addictive behaviors, committed to living with your new-found freedom, and want solid relapse prevention skills, this 8-week group could be fantastic for you. Through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, you'll learn how to effectively work with triggers, manage cravings/urges, increase your inner strength, not get derailed by all the thoughts in your head, and make skillful decisions instead of knee-jerk reactions. Relapse can be prevented at numerous points along the way. Let's discuss how you can be a part of this dynamic group.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Santa Monica?
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.