Support Groups in California
This is a 6 week group that focuses on sharing and connecting with others to help heal from the loss of our beloved companion animals.

This is a 6 week group that focuses on sharing and connecting with others to help heal from the loss of our beloved companion animals.
CURRENTLY ON HIATUS: A weekly ONLINE group for those who have been wounded by loss of a relationship, last week, last month, or long ago but still hurting. Also for those on the verge, trying to decide to stay or go, or currently going through break-up or divorce, and those trying to get back in the dating world. Helping you heal your pain, get through it, get over it, and get on with it! Individual intake, monthly commitment, and monthly prepayment required. Limit 8 per group. Day/time TBD by availability of participants.

Hosted by Jaelline Jaffe
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Group meets in Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
CURRENTLY ON HIATUS: A weekly ONLINE group for those who have been wounded by loss of a relationship, last week, last month, or long ago but still hurting. Also for those on the verge, trying to decide to stay or go, or currently going through break-up or divorce, and those trying to get back in the dating world. Helping you heal your pain, get through it, get over it, and get on with it! Individual intake, monthly commitment, and monthly prepayment required. Limit 8 per group. Day/time TBD by availability of participants.
As the group title insinuates, I believe DBT skills are helpful for everyone (not at all exclusive to high risk clients or those with BPD). In fact, I am not looking for very high risk clients for this group, as it will be run as a DBT-based skills group and not a traditional formal DBT group that includes regular access and phone calls to the group therapist. The skill group will focus on the four main DBT modules: Mindfulness Skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills, Emotion Regulation Skills, and Distress Tolerance Skills.

As the group title insinuates, I believe DBT skills are helpful for everyone (not at all exclusive to high risk clients or those with BPD). In fact, I am not looking for very high risk clients for this group, as it will be run as a DBT-based skills group and not a traditional formal DBT group that includes regular access and phone calls to the group therapist. The skill group will focus on the four main DBT modules: Mindfulness Skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills, Emotion Regulation Skills, and Distress Tolerance Skills.
This is a closed group of four clients, plus Jessica. When this group is full, Jessica will create a waiting list until there are four more clients to create another group. During the Boundaries group clients simultatiously learn what healthy boundaries are, examine their own relationships and boundaries, and learn to communicate and hold to boundaries through the vulnerable work within the relationships in the group. All genders welcome.

This is a closed group of four clients, plus Jessica. When this group is full, Jessica will create a waiting list until there are four more clients to create another group. During the Boundaries group clients simultatiously learn what healthy boundaries are, examine their own relationships and boundaries, and learn to communicate and hold to boundaries through the vulnerable work within the relationships in the group. All genders welcome.
Psychoeducational groups for caregivers to learn coping mechanisms/ support .

Hosted by Aracely Rodriguez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Group meets in Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Psychoeducational groups for caregivers to learn coping mechanisms/ support .
I run Women's Experiential Process Groups in my practice. These are closed groups, capped at 6 participants, who seek to do long-term process work together. My style is supportive, compassionate and warm, and I focus on fostering community and connection between members. Please contact me to inquire about openings or to be added to the waitlist.

Hosted by Danielle Amara Norlinger, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #96158
Group meets in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I run Women's Experiential Process Groups in my practice. These are closed groups, capped at 6 participants, who seek to do long-term process work together. My style is supportive, compassionate and warm, and I focus on fostering community and connection between members. Please contact me to inquire about openings or to be added to the waitlist.
This virtual weekly group is for new moms who can benefit from a supportive space that will help them connect with other women who are trying to "find themselves again." This group will help new moms feel less isolated, relate with other women, and provide support to others experiencing similar life changes.

This virtual weekly group is for new moms who can benefit from a supportive space that will help them connect with other women who are trying to "find themselves again." This group will help new moms feel less isolated, relate with other women, and provide support to others experiencing similar life changes.
Meditating in the morning can bring about a more positive day when you are able to focus on your personal priorities.

Meditating in the morning can bring about a more positive day when you are able to focus on your personal priorities.
Online group to discuss, process, and receive support in navigating the challenges of polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and open relationships. After working for many years with people in both individual therapy & relationship therapy, I came to realize how important it is to have a space for people to share their fears, pain, and challenges with ENM. I have seen people struggle in isolation. It is so helpful to normalize the challenges that come up with ENM and to have a place to process without judgement, ask questions, and even sometimes simply to vent with folks who get it.

Hosted by Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94122
Online group to discuss, process, and receive support in navigating the challenges of polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and open relationships. After working for many years with people in both individual therapy & relationship therapy, I came to realize how important it is to have a space for people to share their fears, pain, and challenges with ENM. I have seen people struggle in isolation. It is so helpful to normalize the challenges that come up with ENM and to have a place to process without judgement, ask questions, and even sometimes simply to vent with folks who get it.
This inclusive group welcomes individuals of all genders, aged 18-35, who are interested in fostering healthier relationships and deepening their self-awareness. Through a comprehensive series of six sessions, participants will engage in meaningful discussions on various subjects, such as attachment, relationships, trust restoration, developing self-identity, social connections, and cultivation of self-acceptance.

This inclusive group welcomes individuals of all genders, aged 18-35, who are interested in fostering healthier relationships and deepening their self-awareness. Through a comprehensive series of six sessions, participants will engage in meaningful discussions on various subjects, such as attachment, relationships, trust restoration, developing self-identity, social connections, and cultivation of self-acceptance.
Helping young women rise! Free group for teens age range from middle school to high school.

Hosted by Brittany Beth Johns
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Group meets in Yorba Linda, CA 92887
Helping young women rise! Free group for teens age range from middle school to high school.
Trainings for agencies, communities, churches and schools: PTSD in Children; Tolerance training re children with difficult behaviors; Alternatives to Violence; Service to the Poor, Cultural Diversity.

Trainings for agencies, communities, churches and schools: PTSD in Children; Tolerance training re children with difficult behaviors; Alternatives to Violence; Service to the Poor, Cultural Diversity.
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with babies under one year of age. In these small, judgement-free groups, I introduce a new topic related to motherhood each time we all meet. Please contact me to be pre-screened for the group and to reserve a spot. (Feel free to bring your baby.)

Hosted by Victoria Rutsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94588
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with babies under one year of age. In these small, judgement-free groups, I introduce a new topic related to motherhood each time we all meet. Please contact me to be pre-screened for the group and to reserve a spot. (Feel free to bring your baby.)
Are you a new mom experiencing heightened anxiety during your pregnancy or postpartum journey? Do you find it challenging to navigate the day-to-day tasks, manage the demands of motherhood, and carve out time for yourself? Our group aims to create a safe and compassionate space where you can find validation, normalize your experiences, and gain the support you need. We'll explore a range of strategies that can help you better manage your anxiety and regain a sense of control in your daily life. We invite you to join us and embark on this journey alongside a community.

Hosted by Mike Arteaga
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Group meets in Newbury Park, CA 91320
Are you a new mom experiencing heightened anxiety during your pregnancy or postpartum journey? Do you find it challenging to navigate the day-to-day tasks, manage the demands of motherhood, and carve out time for yourself? Our group aims to create a safe and compassionate space where you can find validation, normalize your experiences, and gain the support you need. We'll explore a range of strategies that can help you better manage your anxiety and regain a sense of control in your daily life. We invite you to join us and embark on this journey alongside a community.
A group for men struggling with sex addiction, compulsive sexual thoughts, impulses, or behaviors. This is a process-oriented, group that addresses the emotional needs, wounds or traumas that have enabled the addiction to continue. We give tools to achieve "sobriety" and emphasize living from the "authentic self," experiencing intimacy through learning to share from the deeper places of our hearts, and give empathy to one another without judgement or problem-solving. Note: To ensure a positive experience, new members must be screened prior to joining. This group is NOT designed for men who have physically or sexually assaulted others.

Hosted by Bob Parkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Group meets in El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
A group for men struggling with sex addiction, compulsive sexual thoughts, impulses, or behaviors. This is a process-oriented, group that addresses the emotional needs, wounds or traumas that have enabled the addiction to continue. We give tools to achieve "sobriety" and emphasize living from the "authentic self," experiencing intimacy through learning to share from the deeper places of our hearts, and give empathy to one another without judgement or problem-solving. Note: To ensure a positive experience, new members must be screened prior to joining. This group is NOT designed for men who have physically or sexually assaulted others.
This group takes place at Bollinger Ranch in San Ramon. Clients interact with horses to help reduce anxiety, depression, grief, and build self-esteem, social skills, positive communication and feedback. The growth clients experience is unbelievable.

Hosted by Juli M. Caruso
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , MS, PPSC
Group meets in San Ramon, CA 94583
This group takes place at Bollinger Ranch in San Ramon. Clients interact with horses to help reduce anxiety, depression, grief, and build self-esteem, social skills, positive communication and feedback. The growth clients experience is unbelievable.
You don't have to walk this path alone. Connect with others who understand grief. Experience a safe and compassionate space to feel, express, and connect. Our certified facilitators and herd provides a therapy environment unlike any other. With a covered arena and beautiful pastures, we invite you to join our intimate group setting. Any grief counts. We see you, and we care! www.startgroundwork.com

You don't have to walk this path alone. Connect with others who understand grief. Experience a safe and compassionate space to feel, express, and connect. Our certified facilitators and herd provides a therapy environment unlike any other. With a covered arena and beautiful pastures, we invite you to join our intimate group setting. Any grief counts. We see you, and we care! www.startgroundwork.com
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.

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.
Group therapy for adults with childhood trauma caused by toxic parents offers a supportive environment to process painful experiences. It helps individuals understand how toxic parenting shaped their self-esteem, relationships, and emotional well-being. Through shared experiences, therapy fosters connection and validation, while therapeutic techniques like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and healthier coping skills. Participants work on establishing boundaries, improving relationships, and reframing their trauma narrative. Group therapy offers a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging healing, personal growth, and the development of positive coping mechanisms, ultimately leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Group therapy for adults with childhood trauma caused by toxic parents offers a supportive environment to process painful experiences. It helps individuals understand how toxic parenting shaped their self-esteem, relationships, and emotional well-being. Through shared experiences, therapy fosters connection and validation, while therapeutic techniques like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and healthier coping skills. Participants work on establishing boundaries, improving relationships, and reframing their trauma narrative. Group therapy offers a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging healing, personal growth, and the development of positive coping mechanisms, ultimately leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
This group is a support group for those dealing with the unwanted estrangement from their teen or adult children. This group uses the techniques and format from Dr. Joshua Coleman in the Berkeley area. Estrangement from children can be devastating and understood only by those experiencing similar pain. Please call me as I interview members before they can attend. The cost will be kept low.

This group is a support group for those dealing with the unwanted estrangement from their teen or adult children. This group uses the techniques and format from Dr. Joshua Coleman in the Berkeley area. Estrangement from children can be devastating and understood only by those experiencing similar pain. Please call me as I interview members before they can attend. The cost will be kept low.
See more therapy options for California
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in California?
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.