Support Groups in Washington, DC
Are you experiencing burnout in your high-stress career? Are you struggling with imposter syndrome? Trouble balancing your personal and professional life? If so, this is the group for you. This group will provide you with the tools and techniques to help you understand what high functioning anxiety is, where it began, and how to cope. It will take place online on Wednesdays at 9:30 am EST, starting September 3rd, 2025. We will meet every week for 4 consecutive weeks; we ask that you try to attend the majority of the sessions.

Hosted by Stephanie Sullivan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Group meets in Washington, DC 20006
Are you experiencing burnout in your high-stress career? Are you struggling with imposter syndrome? Trouble balancing your personal and professional life? If so, this is the group for you. This group will provide you with the tools and techniques to help you understand what high functioning anxiety is, where it began, and how to cope. It will take place online on Wednesdays at 9:30 am EST, starting September 3rd, 2025. We will meet every week for 4 consecutive weeks; we ask that you try to attend the majority of the sessions.
This short-term (10 session) group is for women who want to develop a greater sense of sexual intimacy with their partners. It is designed to help women achieve greater sexual fulfillment, understand female/male physiology, overcome negative sexual messages and inhibitions, and resolve issues of low sexual desire, painful intercourse, or difficulty achieving orgasm. The sessions include videos, slides, discussion, and homework assignments.

This short-term (10 session) group is for women who want to develop a greater sense of sexual intimacy with their partners. It is designed to help women achieve greater sexual fulfillment, understand female/male physiology, overcome negative sexual messages and inhibitions, and resolve issues of low sexual desire, painful intercourse, or difficulty achieving orgasm. The sessions include videos, slides, discussion, and homework assignments.
Based on the work of Marsha Linehan, Ph.D, The DBT Skills Training Group is a 13 week group intervention that teaches one skills to make a life worth living. During the group participants will develop core mindfulness skills, radical acceptance , distress tolerance skills, interpersonal effectiveness skills and emotion regulation.

Based on the work of Marsha Linehan, Ph.D, The DBT Skills Training Group is a 13 week group intervention that teaches one skills to make a life worth living. During the group participants will develop core mindfulness skills, radical acceptance , distress tolerance skills, interpersonal effectiveness skills and emotion regulation.
Join our 9 weeks Virtual support group for women of color affected by domestic violence.

Join our 9 weeks Virtual support group for women of color affected by domestic violence.
This is a safe space for African American Psychotherapists to meet, support and discuss client issues. This will be a bi-weekly meeting.

Hosted by Schwanna Qualls
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Group meets in Washington, DC 20036
This is a safe space for African American Psychotherapists to meet, support and discuss client issues. This will be a bi-weekly meeting.
A weekly and ongoing psychotherapy group for established clients. The group emphasis is on bringing awareness and compassion to life transitions and relationships. These qualities of attention are cultivated both within the group dynamic and to life experiences outside the group.

Hosted by Vicki Goodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Group meets in Washington, DC 20036
A weekly and ongoing psychotherapy group for established clients. The group emphasis is on bringing awareness and compassion to life transitions and relationships. These qualities of attention are cultivated both within the group dynamic and to life experiences outside the group.
This is a mixed group that focuses on reducing the restraining forces to the natural exploratory and developmental drive that we all have, to better reach our full potential.

Hosted by Robert G Hartford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, CSW, LSCP, EFT
Group meets in Washington, DC 20036
This is a mixed group that focuses on reducing the restraining forces to the natural exploratory and developmental drive that we all have, to better reach our full potential.
Virtual group offered (November 8th - December 13th). This 6-session program will cover some essential topics that are important to men’s mental health: (Boundaries & Balance, Emotional Intelligence, Relationships, Accountability, Self-care, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Trauma, Reflection, Forgiveness, Healing, & Self-Value). Open to men 21+. Slots are limited!

Hosted by D'Angelo Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
Group meets in Washington, DC 20006
Virtual group offered (November 8th - December 13th). This 6-session program will cover some essential topics that are important to men’s mental health: (Boundaries & Balance, Emotional Intelligence, Relationships, Accountability, Self-care, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Trauma, Reflection, Forgiveness, Healing, & Self-Value). Open to men 21+. Slots are limited!
I have been a member of the National Association of Social Work (NASW) since July 2010. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

Hosted by Jennifer L Adrian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, LISW
Group meets in Washington, DC 20002
I have been a member of the National Association of Social Work (NASW) since July 2010. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
Aunque hayan pasado varios años desde que emigraste, sientes que algo en tu identidad ha cambiado. Experimentas un desarraigo que te dificulta encontrar un sentido de pertenencia. Cuando visitas tu lugar de origen, tampoco te sientes "en casa," como si fueras "ni de aquí, ni de allá." ¿Te gustaría encontrar un espacio seguro donde puedas explorar quién eras, quién eres, y quién quieres ser?
A supportive introductory group for immigrants facilitated by Alba Prados, LPC and Paula Otero, LPC.

Hosted by Paula Natalia Otero
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Group meets in Washington, DC 20010
Aunque hayan pasado varios años desde que emigraste, sientes que algo en tu identidad ha cambiado. Experimentas un desarraigo que te dificulta encontrar un sentido de pertenencia. Cuando visitas tu lugar de origen, tampoco te sientes "en casa," como si fueras "ni de aquí, ni de allá." ¿Te gustaría encontrar un espacio seguro donde puedas explorar quién eras, quién eres, y quién quieres ser?
A supportive introductory group for immigrants facilitated by Alba Prados, LPC and Paula Otero, LPC.
Are you or your parents originally from another culture or country? Do you struggle to mesh the values of your family’s native culture with the values of the dominant culture? This group will provide a safe, supportive space to discuss and process family dynamics, cultural conflicts, relationships, identities and more.

Hosted by Frances K Wu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, JD
Group meets in Washington, DC 20008
Are you or your parents originally from another culture or country? Do you struggle to mesh the values of your family’s native culture with the values of the dominant culture? This group will provide a safe, supportive space to discuss and process family dynamics, cultural conflicts, relationships, identities and more.
A group where mental health and metaphysical sciences meet! As a therapist I incorporate various intergrative approaches to support my clients with self understanding and (ideally) acceptance. This group seeks to expand that space to help build community amongst folk who are seeking more expansive and less pathological explanations for what they may be experiencing. Each session, we will dive into current transits, birth charts, HD charts and other systems to better understand their social and personal impact on mood and functioning. NEXT SESSION: TUE 3/20 @6:15pm. $55pp/ps VIRTUAL.

Hosted by Asha Henson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Group meets in Washington, DC 20015
A group where mental health and metaphysical sciences meet! As a therapist I incorporate various intergrative approaches to support my clients with self understanding and (ideally) acceptance. This group seeks to expand that space to help build community amongst folk who are seeking more expansive and less pathological explanations for what they may be experiencing. Each session, we will dive into current transits, birth charts, HD charts and other systems to better understand their social and personal impact on mood and functioning. NEXT SESSION: TUE 3/20 @6:15pm. $55pp/ps VIRTUAL.
This group is designed for socially anxious adults. This is a structured, 20-week group teaching cognitive-behavioral skills, and strategies to help members overcome their social anxiety and achieve personal goals (eg. making friends, socializing, dating, intimacy, public speaking, assertiveness).
See my web site for National Public Radio story done on my social anxiety groups.

Hosted by Larry Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, A-CBT
Group meets in Washington, DC 20016
This group is designed for socially anxious adults. This is a structured, 20-week group teaching cognitive-behavioral skills, and strategies to help members overcome their social anxiety and achieve personal goals (eg. making friends, socializing, dating, intimacy, public speaking, assertiveness).
See my web site for National Public Radio story done on my social anxiety groups.
I provide clinical supervision to provisionally licensed DC LGPC's, needing to gain supervision hours. I provide supervision in both group and individual formats.

I provide clinical supervision to provisionally licensed DC LGPC's, needing to gain supervision hours. I provide supervision in both group and individual formats.
We do not heal in isolation. Many people are turning to group therapy to make sense of the global health pandemic, racial injustices, and violence against women. It’s a lot to handle by yourself. Each meeting, we’ll get together for 90 minutes to center ourselves before initiating in communal dialogue to support and give feedback to one another. If you identify as a Black woman and know you’re in need of a space like this, join us virtually October 5th to December 14th on Wednesdays at 7:00pm-8:30pm (est). Space is limited to 8 members.

We do not heal in isolation. Many people are turning to group therapy to make sense of the global health pandemic, racial injustices, and violence against women. It’s a lot to handle by yourself. Each meeting, we’ll get together for 90 minutes to center ourselves before initiating in communal dialogue to support and give feedback to one another. If you identify as a Black woman and know you’re in need of a space like this, join us virtually October 5th to December 14th on Wednesdays at 7:00pm-8:30pm (est). Space is limited to 8 members.
Our Social Skills Group will introduce your child to new friends, and support interactions in a fun and motivating way. This group offers an engaging, yet controlled group setting, allowing participants to become familiar and comfortable with their peers and environment. The goal is to maximize social interaction opportunities for children that will also build their confidence. This social skills group is designed for school-aged children (ages 10-13) who need help making friends and other fulfilling connections. Mastering social skills, like self-awareness, responding appropriately to situations, and empathizing with peers, is critical to a child’s success in large schools and classrooms.

Our Social Skills Group will introduce your child to new friends, and support interactions in a fun and motivating way. This group offers an engaging, yet controlled group setting, allowing participants to become familiar and comfortable with their peers and environment. The goal is to maximize social interaction opportunities for children that will also build their confidence. This social skills group is designed for school-aged children (ages 10-13) who need help making friends and other fulfilling connections. Mastering social skills, like self-awareness, responding appropriately to situations, and empathizing with peers, is critical to a child’s success in large schools and classrooms.
Struggling to find a community to be your authentic self in? Are you the "go-to person" for all your friends problems; but feel there is no where for you to turn? Well this support group may be for you! This is an outlet for all the "strong friends" to vent. Here we talk about life! Trauma! Parenting! Dating! Relationship! You name it, we talk about it. Virtual groups are held the first Tuesday of the month: 7:30p to 9p. Great alternative to individual therapy; if on a waitlist. Sessions are $65; sign up at TalkToMeDMV.com (events section)

Hosted by Allyson Watson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCMFT, MPM
Group meets in Washington, DC 20005
Struggling to find a community to be your authentic self in? Are you the "go-to person" for all your friends problems; but feel there is no where for you to turn? Well this support group may be for you! This is an outlet for all the "strong friends" to vent. Here we talk about life! Trauma! Parenting! Dating! Relationship! You name it, we talk about it. Virtual groups are held the first Tuesday of the month: 7:30p to 9p. Great alternative to individual therapy; if on a waitlist. Sessions are $65; sign up at TalkToMeDMV.com (events section)
Mental Health and Therapy Practice Specializing in Psychiatry and Therapy for adults, teens and kids. We have 4 office locations in Virginia , Maryland and DC and do telehealth in multiple states.

Hosted by Brenda Edmonds – Addictions, Anxiety, Depression
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Group meets in Washington, DC 20001
Mental Health and Therapy Practice Specializing in Psychiatry and Therapy for adults, teens and kids. We have 4 office locations in Virginia , Maryland and DC and do telehealth in multiple states.
We do not heal in isolation. Many people are turning to group therapy to make sense of the global health pandemic, racial injustices, and violence against women. Each meeting, we’ll get together for 90 minutes to center ourselves before initiating in communal dialogue to support and give feedback to one another. If you identify as a Black woman and you know you’re in need of a space like this, join us for our virtual group. Sign up today!

We do not heal in isolation. Many people are turning to group therapy to make sense of the global health pandemic, racial injustices, and violence against women. Each meeting, we’ll get together for 90 minutes to center ourselves before initiating in communal dialogue to support and give feedback to one another. If you identify as a Black woman and you know you’re in need of a space like this, join us for our virtual group. Sign up today!
This is an elite virtual group coaching and mastermind for high performing individuals such as: CEO's, Entrepreneurs, philanthropists, angel investors, high profile, high net worth individuals. This group is by application only. You will harness the power of psychology to learn how to work smarter not harder, how to get into the FLOW state and develop intuition for greater creativity and insights, stress and anxiety reduction through meditation and mindfulness as well as metaphysical and transpersonal concepts to achieve overall happiness and fulfillment. Live up to your full genius potential and find more joy and wonder in everyday life.

This is an elite virtual group coaching and mastermind for high performing individuals such as: CEO's, Entrepreneurs, philanthropists, angel investors, high profile, high net worth individuals. This group is by application only. You will harness the power of psychology to learn how to work smarter not harder, how to get into the FLOW state and develop intuition for greater creativity and insights, stress and anxiety reduction through meditation and mindfulness as well as metaphysical and transpersonal concepts to achieve overall happiness and fulfillment. Live up to your full genius potential and find more joy and wonder in everyday life.
See more therapy options for Washington
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Washington?
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.