Support Groups in Decatur, GA
Children learn through play and discovery. The Gaia Elementary Group provides a safe therapeutic space for children to process inner feelings and learn coping skills as they share time with other children. Gaia Play Therapists will support and empower children with a relational child-centered approach that is compassionate and nurturing.

Children learn through play and discovery. The Gaia Elementary Group provides a safe therapeutic space for children to process inner feelings and learn coping skills as they share time with other children. Gaia Play Therapists will support and empower children with a relational child-centered approach that is compassionate and nurturing.
Together with Lisa Cottrell, LPC, I offer a DBT Skills Training Class. The class covers all four modules of DBT and meets continuously. New participants can join at any time. The class meets on Mondays 1:00-2:10pm in Decatur. Participants make a 24-session commitment to the class. Participants are required to have an individual psychotherapist. Cost per session is $70. Pre-class intake session is required and cost is $135. Insurance does not cover classes. I have completed DBT intensive training with BTECH, Marsha Linehan, Ph.D.'s training company and I have taught DBT Skills for ten years.

Hosted by Rebecca Anne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
Together with Lisa Cottrell, LPC, I offer a DBT Skills Training Class. The class covers all four modules of DBT and meets continuously. New participants can join at any time. The class meets on Mondays 1:00-2:10pm in Decatur. Participants make a 24-session commitment to the class. Participants are required to have an individual psychotherapist. Cost per session is $70. Pre-class intake session is required and cost is $135. Insurance does not cover classes. I have completed DBT intensive training with BTECH, Marsha Linehan, Ph.D.'s training company and I have taught DBT Skills for ten years.
This is an open-ended group for women interested in deepening their personal and interpersonal relationships. The max number of participants is 8. Slots are available after an individual consultation with the group leader, and as slots are available to be filled.

Hosted by James Bernard Ma'at Kynes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT, AAMFT, ACPE
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
This is an open-ended group for women interested in deepening their personal and interpersonal relationships. The max number of participants is 8. Slots are available after an individual consultation with the group leader, and as slots are available to be filled.
Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Couples, and Families. Currently accepting clients for Thursday evenings, 7PM - 9PM, and Saturdays, 10AM - 4PM.

Hosted by William A. Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Couples, and Families. Currently accepting clients for Thursday evenings, 7PM - 9PM, and Saturdays, 10AM - 4PM.
DBT Skills Group is for people who struggle to manage overwhelming emotions and want to learn coping skills to deal with stress. You will learn how to be mindful and present in your own life as well as how to survive a crisis without making it worse. My teaching style is enthusiastic and interactive, while honoring each person's different communication and learning style. This group requires a commitment of 24 weeks as well as a consultation session to see if you are a good fit for the group. Each group costs $75. Our group is currently accepting new members!

DBT Skills Group is for people who struggle to manage overwhelming emotions and want to learn coping skills to deal with stress. You will learn how to be mindful and present in your own life as well as how to survive a crisis without making it worse. My teaching style is enthusiastic and interactive, while honoring each person's different communication and learning style. This group requires a commitment of 24 weeks as well as a consultation session to see if you are a good fit for the group. Each group costs $75. Our group is currently accepting new members!
RO-DBT is designed for those who struggle with perfectionism, rigidity, and expressing emotions, and often feel lonely as a result. Join us to learn skills to build and enhance relationships, reduce perfectionism, express emotions authentically, increase flexibility, and learn social signaling skills. This group has a 10-week commitment.

RO-DBT is designed for those who struggle with perfectionism, rigidity, and expressing emotions, and often feel lonely as a result. Join us to learn skills to build and enhance relationships, reduce perfectionism, express emotions authentically, increase flexibility, and learn social signaling skills. This group has a 10-week commitment.
I'm a Queen : Rebuilding Self-esteem one step at a time! The Group will consist of 6 women who will meet weekly to work on building their self-esteem. Each week their will be a new topic discussed concerning self-esteem. This group is part psychoeducation and part processing, Each participant will be given the Rosenburg Self Esteem scale, 3 times during the group. along with I'm a Queen T-shirt, Journal, and hygiene box. Group will be about an 1hr 30mins held on Saturday $65 per person paid before each session or $240 for 4weeks.

Hosted by Breathe. Listen. Reflect Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCATP
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
I'm a Queen : Rebuilding Self-esteem one step at a time! The Group will consist of 6 women who will meet weekly to work on building their self-esteem. Each week their will be a new topic discussed concerning self-esteem. This group is part psychoeducation and part processing, Each participant will be given the Rosenburg Self Esteem scale, 3 times during the group. along with I'm a Queen T-shirt, Journal, and hygiene box. Group will be about an 1hr 30mins held on Saturday $65 per person paid before each session or $240 for 4weeks.
CURRENTLY FULL! SEE BELOW!! This is an open group for individuals who know and understand DBT skills and how to use them. Unlike traditional DBT skills groups, this group is more of a process group as members seek advanced support in the use of DBT skills. Attendance in a DBT skills group for one module with our team is required before participation in this group will be recommended, unless referred by another DBT therapist who knows a potential member's skill acuity. Group members are required to have the most recent edition of Marsha Linehan's manual with them.
Hosted by Tracey M Gagne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdS, NCC, LPC
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
CURRENTLY FULL! SEE BELOW!! This is an open group for individuals who know and understand DBT skills and how to use them. Unlike traditional DBT skills groups, this group is more of a process group as members seek advanced support in the use of DBT skills. Attendance in a DBT skills group for one module with our team is required before participation in this group will be recommended, unless referred by another DBT therapist who knows a potential member's skill acuity. Group members are required to have the most recent edition of Marsha Linehan's manual with them.
This group is for new dads, for dads awaiting the birth of their child, and even for dads who are multiple children in, and want fresh perspective; for partnered, married, and single dads; for dads who have a plan, for dads who have no idea what to do, and for dads in between. Improve confidence. Strengthen relationships. Gain approachable and effective strategies for navigating your parenting journey. Build a meaningful and fulfilling community. Non-judgmental, unbiased, and factual information through the lens of curiosity, connection, and conscious parenting for navigating what is happening now and whatever comes next.

This group is for new dads, for dads awaiting the birth of their child, and even for dads who are multiple children in, and want fresh perspective; for partnered, married, and single dads; for dads who have a plan, for dads who have no idea what to do, and for dads in between. Improve confidence. Strengthen relationships. Gain approachable and effective strategies for navigating your parenting journey. Build a meaningful and fulfilling community. Non-judgmental, unbiased, and factual information through the lens of curiosity, connection, and conscious parenting for navigating what is happening now and whatever comes next.
GROUP IS BEING LED BY JACINTA WILLS AND BETH BURNMESTER. Has someone you loved ever made you feel crazy? Do they blame you for everything and use hurtful language that makes you doubt yourself, walk on eggshells and become defensive with every attack? It sounds like you may be dealing with a Narcissist. Here is the good news, it is possible to recover from Narcissistic abuse and that is the goal of this group. JOIN: go to www.3dpsychotherapy.com and schedule an Initial Assessment. The Initial Assessment is the first step to joining the group. GROUP STARTING MARCH 2025

Hosted by Debra Dantzler
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, MAC, NCC
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30033
GROUP IS BEING LED BY JACINTA WILLS AND BETH BURNMESTER. Has someone you loved ever made you feel crazy? Do they blame you for everything and use hurtful language that makes you doubt yourself, walk on eggshells and become defensive with every attack? It sounds like you may be dealing with a Narcissist. Here is the good news, it is possible to recover from Narcissistic abuse and that is the goal of this group. JOIN: go to www.3dpsychotherapy.com and schedule an Initial Assessment. The Initial Assessment is the first step to joining the group. GROUP STARTING MARCH 2025
Made Marriage is a pre-marital preparation group for engaged couples who want to lay a strong foundation for a lasting, healthy marriage. This group will guide you through essential topics like communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, spiritual & emotional connection, faith & values, and more. Through honest conversations, practical tools, and community support, couples will grow together with intention and clarity.

Made Marriage is a pre-marital preparation group for engaged couples who want to lay a strong foundation for a lasting, healthy marriage. This group will guide you through essential topics like communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, spiritual & emotional connection, faith & values, and more. Through honest conversations, practical tools, and community support, couples will grow together with intention and clarity.
Group Supervision for MSWs working towards their LCSW. Groups meet in-person and require a 6-month commitment. We focus on diagnosing, technique, and case reviews.

Group Supervision for MSWs working towards their LCSW. Groups meet in-person and require a 6-month commitment. We focus on diagnosing, technique, and case reviews.
This is an ongoing group for men and women which combines process and psychomotor work. Group members address issues including relationships, depression, anxiety, assertiveness skills, childhood issues, and grief. We also include two all-day workshops yearly, which gives group members an opportunity to deepen the work and relationships with one another.

This is an ongoing group for men and women which combines process and psychomotor work. Group members address issues including relationships, depression, anxiety, assertiveness skills, childhood issues, and grief. We also include two all-day workshops yearly, which gives group members an opportunity to deepen the work and relationships with one another.
New to Yoga? Always been interested? Don't have to be a yogi to attend. All welcome! We offer small group sessions, as well as private sessions for individuals or couples. Teachings are tailored to your level and according to your needs. Alignment based yoga, and heart chakra and heart opening yoga. The small group session meets on Thursday nights. Please call for more information.

Hosted by Marcy Victor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH, BCC, CHT
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30033
New to Yoga? Always been interested? Don't have to be a yogi to attend. All welcome! We offer small group sessions, as well as private sessions for individuals or couples. Teachings are tailored to your level and according to your needs. Alignment based yoga, and heart chakra and heart opening yoga. The small group session meets on Thursday nights. Please call for more information.
This innovative program is for parents with challenging children. It has received recognition as an innovative program by CHADD.org 2017. Lesson 1: Parenting Complex Kids with a Coach Approach Lesson 2: Activate the Brain Lesson 3: Parenting Positively Lesson 4: Shifting Expectations Lesson 5: Using Systems & Structures Lesson 6: Putting your Oxygen Mask on First. Sanity School Includes: Parent Instruction and discussion delivered in classroom setting. 6 modules/6 in-person trainings 12 accountability emails 3 months of supportive access to a private, moderated forum Access twice-monthly live Q & A calls Workbook/journal with curriculum and interactive exercises

Hosted by Maureen P. Nolan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MACC, NCC
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
This innovative program is for parents with challenging children. It has received recognition as an innovative program by CHADD.org 2017. Lesson 1: Parenting Complex Kids with a Coach Approach Lesson 2: Activate the Brain Lesson 3: Parenting Positively Lesson 4: Shifting Expectations Lesson 5: Using Systems & Structures Lesson 6: Putting your Oxygen Mask on First. Sanity School Includes: Parent Instruction and discussion delivered in classroom setting. 6 modules/6 in-person trainings 12 accountability emails 3 months of supportive access to a private, moderated forum Access twice-monthly live Q & A calls Workbook/journal with curriculum and interactive exercises
Are you feeling restless - like something's missing but you're not sure what? Do you miss feeling inspired? If you are curious about ways to reconnect with your own inner vision, this workshop offers a space for deep exploration of your inner creative. Through somatic exploration, Focusing, writing, and discussion, we will build awareness of what inspires you, while moving toward wholeness and connection with lost parts of yourself. Begins April 15, 2022. Cost $300 for 4 weeks. Contact: shana@rootedresilience.hush.com or visit https://shanawoodtherapy.com/ "Creative Workshop"

Hosted by Shana Wright Wood
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, SEP, MPA
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
Are you feeling restless - like something's missing but you're not sure what? Do you miss feeling inspired? If you are curious about ways to reconnect with your own inner vision, this workshop offers a space for deep exploration of your inner creative. Through somatic exploration, Focusing, writing, and discussion, we will build awareness of what inspires you, while moving toward wholeness and connection with lost parts of yourself. Begins April 15, 2022. Cost $300 for 4 weeks. Contact: shana@rootedresilience.hush.com or visit https://shanawoodtherapy.com/ "Creative Workshop"
Cultivate a safe, supportive and educational environment for gay men over 40 to address concerns such as discrimination, loneliness, stigmatization, aging, isolation, insecurity, grief and loss. Over the course of 8 weeks, group members will strengthen their access to inner harmony, healing and freedom from old and recent wounds from an Internal Family Systems lens. IFS is an integrative model that helps clients form a satisfying relationship with themselves, others, and the world through compassion, clarity, connection, creativity and curiosity.

Cultivate a safe, supportive and educational environment for gay men over 40 to address concerns such as discrimination, loneliness, stigmatization, aging, isolation, insecurity, grief and loss. Over the course of 8 weeks, group members will strengthen their access to inner harmony, healing and freedom from old and recent wounds from an Internal Family Systems lens. IFS is an integrative model that helps clients form a satisfying relationship with themselves, others, and the world through compassion, clarity, connection, creativity and curiosity.
Anger Management Classes - Call for Schedule. 1- Day Intensive Anger Management Class (6 or 8 hours) (call for schedule). ASAM Level 1 - Saturday (12:00 pm to 3:00 pm).
Hosted by Dr. Gail Venerable
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, ICADC, CADC-II, SAP
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
Anger Management Classes - Call for Schedule. 1- Day Intensive Anger Management Class (6 or 8 hours) (call for schedule). ASAM Level 1 - Saturday (12:00 pm to 3:00 pm).
This group explores the connection between food and relationships. There are two things we need in life; food and sex. Both can be fun and pleasurable and they can also cause distress. How many times have you gotten into a fight with your partner around food? How many times did you not eat something out of shame or guilt? This group is facilitated by a relationship therapist and a registered nurse. It will explore the connection between food and relationships while providing tips to improve your experience with both!

Hosted by Courtney Geter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LMFT, CST
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30033
This group explores the connection between food and relationships. There are two things we need in life; food and sex. Both can be fun and pleasurable and they can also cause distress. How many times have you gotten into a fight with your partner around food? How many times did you not eat something out of shame or guilt? This group is facilitated by a relationship therapist and a registered nurse. It will explore the connection between food and relationships while providing tips to improve your experience with both!
Intimacy Restored is a workshop for married individuals, or couples who have struggled with attaining, and maintaining emotional/sexual intimacy. Individuals will learn about masculinity and femininity, female and male sexuality, and ways to increase communication within lovemaking.

Hosted by S Lashay Dowley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD(c), MAMFT, CST, NCC, CPCS
Group meets in Decatur, GA 30030
Intimacy Restored is a workshop for married individuals, or couples who have struggled with attaining, and maintaining emotional/sexual intimacy. Individuals will learn about masculinity and femininity, female and male sexuality, and ways to increase communication within lovemaking.
See more therapy options for Decatur
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Decatur?
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.