Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated adolescents in middle school or high school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session adolescents are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities (e.g. playing sports, board games, etc.). Parents are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.
Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated adolescents in middle school or high school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session adolescents are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities (e.g. playing sports, board games, etc.). Parents are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.
One Neuro is a multidisciplinary clinic that is dedicated to providing premiere psychological and medical services to children and adults in the Los Angeles Area and surrounding communities. We provide neuropsychological assessment, neurofeedback, pain management, rehabilitation assessments, psychotherapy, and neurology services.
One Neuro is a multidisciplinary clinic that is dedicated to providing premiere psychological and medical services to children and adults in the Los Angeles Area and surrounding communities. We provide neuropsychological assessment, neurofeedback, pain management, rehabilitation assessments, psychotherapy, and neurology services.
Will make it available upon request.
Will make it available upon request.
A space for young adults 18-21 who identify as neurodivergent and want extra support navigating the transition into adulthood. In this group, we’ll focus on exploring ways to manage stress and neurodivergent burnout, learn real-world coping skills, maximize your personal autonomy, and build confidence and genuine connection.
A space for young adults 18-21 who identify as neurodivergent and want extra support navigating the transition into adulthood. In this group, we’ll focus on exploring ways to manage stress and neurodivergent burnout, learn real-world coping skills, maximize your personal autonomy, and build confidence and genuine connection.
This is an in-person weekly group to process life challenges, have self discovery, and to make connections with other neurodivergent people. Cost $35 weekly
This is an in-person weekly group to process life challenges, have self discovery, and to make connections with other neurodivergent people. Cost $35 weekly
In-person support group therapy in Corte Madera for middle schoolers navigating social discomfort, peer pressure, teasing, and rejection sensitivity. Across eight weeks, students strengthen self-expression, boundaries, impulse control, peer conflict skills, and confidence in how they respond to others. Groups meet Mondays at 4pm, Tuesdays at 4:30pm, and Saturdays (time TBD). The new cohort starts Monday 12/15 & Tuesday 12/16, then takes a holiday break. Drop-ins welcome! Supported by Tucker, our Cavalier therapy puppy. Parents — please reach out! Call 650-993-9321 to inquire or reserve a spot.
Hosted by Rachel Budnick
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Corte Madera, CA 94925
In-person support group therapy in Corte Madera for middle schoolers navigating social discomfort, peer pressure, teasing, and rejection sensitivity. Across eight weeks, students strengthen self-expression, boundaries, impulse control, peer conflict skills, and confidence in how they respond to others. Groups meet Mondays at 4pm, Tuesdays at 4:30pm, and Saturdays (time TBD). The new cohort starts Monday 12/15 & Tuesday 12/16, then takes a holiday break. Drop-ins welcome! Supported by Tucker, our Cavalier therapy puppy. Parents — please reach out! Call 650-993-9321 to inquire or reserve a spot.
Navigating school, family, and social interactions can be a struggle at times. This group is aimed and offering a supportive environment for a small group of girls to connect while processing situations they encounter, as well as learn and practice coping skills that will help them navigate the teen years.
Navigating school, family, and social interactions can be a struggle at times. This group is aimed and offering a supportive environment for a small group of girls to connect while processing situations they encounter, as well as learn and practice coping skills that will help them navigate the teen years.
Join our ASD Parent Support Group every Monday at 11:00 AM for a supportive space to connect with other parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Led by a licensed therapist, this group offers an opportunity to share experiences, exchange resources, gain practical insights, and receive encouragement from others who understand your journey. Whether you're seeking support, connection, or new perspectives, you're welcome here.
Hosted by Sarah Lynn Ferrier
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Redding, CA 96002
Join our ASD Parent Support Group every Monday at 11:00 AM for a supportive space to connect with other parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Led by a licensed therapist, this group offers an opportunity to share experiences, exchange resources, gain practical insights, and receive encouragement from others who understand your journey. Whether you're seeking support, connection, or new perspectives, you're welcome here.
A Support Group for Neurodivergent folks to be unapologetically themselves TOGETHER!
A Support Group for Neurodivergent folks to be unapologetically themselves TOGETHER!
Parenting a child with developmental differences can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. This supportive process group offers parents a safe space to share experiences, strengthen coping skills, and connect with others who truly understand. Facilitated by Danielle Peretz, AMFT, the group provides guided discussions and practical tools to help reduce stress, balance caregiving with self-care, and navigate the emotional ups and downs of parenting. Parents will build resilience, deepen family relationships, and gain confidence in advocating at school, in medical settings, and in the community—while also celebrating their child’s strengths and milestones.
Hosted by Danielle Peretz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Santa Monica, CA 90403
Parenting a child with developmental differences can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. This supportive process group offers parents a safe space to share experiences, strengthen coping skills, and connect with others who truly understand. Facilitated by Danielle Peretz, AMFT, the group provides guided discussions and practical tools to help reduce stress, balance caregiving with self-care, and navigate the emotional ups and downs of parenting. Parents will build resilience, deepen family relationships, and gain confidence in advocating at school, in medical settings, and in the community—while also celebrating their child’s strengths and milestones.
Virtual psychotherapy group for folks who are currently experiencing Long Covid and continue to take COVID precautions such as masking indoors in public, testing, etc. Support will include talk-therapy and somatic tools for increasing nervous system regulation. Reduced fee slots available for folks in need. The following insurances are accepted: United Healthcare, Aetna, and Optum for CA clients.
Hosted by Emma C Melo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, SEP
Group meets in Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I offer support with exploring identity development related to being a part of the LGBTQI and neurodivergent communities.
Virtual psychotherapy group for folks who are currently experiencing Long Covid and continue to take COVID precautions such as masking indoors in public, testing, etc. Support will include talk-therapy and somatic tools for increasing nervous system regulation. Reduced fee slots available for folks in need. The following insurances are accepted: United Healthcare, Aetna, and Optum for CA clients.
"Authentically Us" is an in-person support group for young adults (ages 18–25) on the autism spectrum. This semi-structured group provides a safe, neurodiversity-affirming space where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences. Group members will receive support around navigating social relationships, managing stress, and addressing everyday life challenges, while also building skills related to communication, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation. This group runs for 8 weeks, beginning Tuesday, March 31 and ending May 19, 2026. We accept most insurances! If you have any questions, please email vlieb16@apu.edu.
"Authentically Us" is an in-person support group for young adults (ages 18–25) on the autism spectrum. This semi-structured group provides a safe, neurodiversity-affirming space where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences. Group members will receive support around navigating social relationships, managing stress, and addressing everyday life challenges, while also building skills related to communication, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation. This group runs for 8 weeks, beginning Tuesday, March 31 and ending May 19, 2026. We accept most insurances! If you have any questions, please email vlieb16@apu.edu.
Autism rates have soared from 1:10,000 to 1:32 presently! This group offers support to parents who are struggling with the diagnosis of autism, finding resources and coping with this disorder. It is structured in a way that parents can share accomplishments, struggles, and feelings. We also share some of the funny things children with autism sometimes do. A bit of humor allows some of the distress to be released. I facilitate this group as a therapist and also as a parent of a son with autism.
Autism rates have soared from 1:10,000 to 1:32 presently! This group offers support to parents who are struggling with the diagnosis of autism, finding resources and coping with this disorder. It is structured in a way that parents can share accomplishments, struggles, and feelings. We also share some of the funny things children with autism sometimes do. A bit of humor allows some of the distress to be released. I facilitate this group as a therapist and also as a parent of a son with autism.
Let's face it, the research was done on little boys back when we were kids (80s & 90s). Now that science is catching up, more women (and female identifying persons) are being diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum ( autistic) in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. If you happen to be one of these women, this group is for you! We will meet biweekly to discuss and hold space for one another in exploring this new part of our identity. This is a safe space for women and female identifying persons diagnosed ASD/AuDHD after the age of 20.
Hosted by Sara R. van Koningsveld
Counselor, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
Group meets in Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Let's face it, the research was done on little boys back when we were kids (80s & 90s). Now that science is catching up, more women (and female identifying persons) are being diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum ( autistic) in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. If you happen to be one of these women, this group is for you! We will meet biweekly to discuss and hold space for one another in exploring this new part of our identity. This is a safe space for women and female identifying persons diagnosed ASD/AuDHD after the age of 20.
We know there are resources to support children with neurocomplexities, but we also know that there are many areas where support is lacking and your own creativity and efforts are what makes it all work. Come together with other parents of neurodiverse children to build camaraderie and connection. This group serves as a processing and support group and builds a network of mutual aide. This virtual group is rolling/continuous and drop-in.
Hosted by Cristy Cash
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94709
We know there are resources to support children with neurocomplexities, but we also know that there are many areas where support is lacking and your own creativity and efforts are what makes it all work. Come together with other parents of neurodiverse children to build camaraderie and connection. This group serves as a processing and support group and builds a network of mutual aide. This virtual group is rolling/continuous and drop-in.
Online games groups are held via secure video conferencing and utilize RPGs and online board games to foster social interaction and build self-esteem. Games are an engaging way to have fun while talking with other people, learn about yourself and others, build social skills and meet new people. Explore identity, aspirations, values, passions. Cultivate wisdom and tools to navigate relationships and life transitions. Honor non-conformity and build empathy. Through games, you can learn to regulate emotions and and cope with frustration, perfectionism, or disappointment. Playing games can help you learn how to adapt to changing conditions. Join us!
Hosted by Doug Ronning, Psychotherapy and RPG Group Events
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT-BCT
Group meets in Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Online games groups are held via secure video conferencing and utilize RPGs and online board games to foster social interaction and build self-esteem. Games are an engaging way to have fun while talking with other people, learn about yourself and others, build social skills and meet new people. Explore identity, aspirations, values, passions. Cultivate wisdom and tools to navigate relationships and life transitions. Honor non-conformity and build empathy. Through games, you can learn to regulate emotions and and cope with frustration, perfectionism, or disappointment. Playing games can help you learn how to adapt to changing conditions. Join us!
Parenting is challenging, and parents of kids with brain and behavioral differences often experience increased stressors and isolation. This group aims at reducing that isolation and providing a platform for parents to explore their own coping skills, learn some new ones, and build up their children's ability to cope with the world. Drawing from DBT, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and IFS, we explore how to challenge ourselves to be neuroaffirming of our children's experiences and accepting of our own.
Hosted by Katrina Tattenham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Parenting is challenging, and parents of kids with brain and behavioral differences often experience increased stressors and isolation. This group aims at reducing that isolation and providing a platform for parents to explore their own coping skills, learn some new ones, and build up their children's ability to cope with the world. Drawing from DBT, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and IFS, we explore how to challenge ourselves to be neuroaffirming of our children's experiences and accepting of our own.
Our therapy groups offer a safe, supportive space for Autistic and neurodivergent adults to connect. Facilitated by a licensed therapist, they function like process groups, fostering discussion, reflection, and community. Conversations flow organically, with members learning from one another and offering mutual support. We also integrate psychoeducation and IFS parts work, exploring topics such as sensory self-care, preventing burnout, managing stress, late-life autism diagnosis, and navigating miscommunication and relationships. We have neurodivergent groups tailored for women and gender-diverse individuals, working professionals, and college students. Contact us to learn more about upcoming opportunities to join.
Hosted by Open Doors Therapy - Autism, ADHD, Late-Diagnosed
Psychologist, PhD
Group meets in Palo Alto, CA 94303
Our team has advanced training and expertise in working with neurodivergent populations, including Autism, Neuroqueer, ADHD, HSP, Gifted and 2e.
Our therapy groups offer a safe, supportive space for Autistic and neurodivergent adults to connect. Facilitated by a licensed therapist, they function like process groups, fostering discussion, reflection, and community. Conversations flow organically, with members learning from one another and offering mutual support. We also integrate psychoeducation and IFS parts work, exploring topics such as sensory self-care, preventing burnout, managing stress, late-life autism diagnosis, and navigating miscommunication and relationships. We have neurodivergent groups tailored for women and gender-diverse individuals, working professionals, and college students. Contact us to learn more about upcoming opportunities to join.
I am currently accepting applications for parents/caregivers who want support as they navigate the world of having a child on the spectrum. Addressing the hardships, loss/grieving, fears, and accepting process of having a child or children on the spectrum. This group is focused on creating support for one another and processing the emotions involved. Please don't walk this journey alone and call to inquire on reserving your spot. Currently taking applications.
I am currently accepting applications for parents/caregivers who want support as they navigate the world of having a child on the spectrum. Addressing the hardships, loss/grieving, fears, and accepting process of having a child or children on the spectrum. This group is focused on creating support for one another and processing the emotions involved. Please don't walk this journey alone and call to inquire on reserving your spot. Currently taking applications.
By learning social skills in a group setting, teens can relate to peers dealing with similar challenges and can practice skills in a supportive environment. Many teens are motivated to engage with peers socially but benefit from learning and practicing the skills needed to successfully initiate & maintain relationships. Having positive relationships - even just one friendship - can protect teens from some of the consequences associated with social isolation, depression & anxiety. Ten weekly sessions include skills training, role plays, practicing skills & interacting with peers. Each session ends with a parent component to keep parents informed of progress & skills to practice at home.
By learning social skills in a group setting, teens can relate to peers dealing with similar challenges and can practice skills in a supportive environment. Many teens are motivated to engage with peers socially but benefit from learning and practicing the skills needed to successfully initiate & maintain relationships. Having positive relationships - even just one friendship - can protect teens from some of the consequences associated with social isolation, depression & anxiety. Ten weekly sessions include skills training, role plays, practicing skills & interacting with peers. Each session ends with a parent component to keep parents informed of progress & skills to practice at home.
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Autism Support Groups
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.