Support Groups in Ames, IA

We are a team of licensed psychologists serving Ames, Iowa and surrounding communities. We understand that life can be very challenging and take unexpected turns. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and explore your struggles with others. We strongly believe in the importance of offering a safe, nonjudgmental, and inviting space. We would love the opportunity to walk beside you on your journey towards growth and healing.
Hosted by Nichole Olson
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ames, IA 50014
I feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside others on their journeys towards healing and growth. I take a collaborative and empowering approach. I believe that the client is the expert in their life, and I view my role as being a guide as clients reflect on their experiences, identify patterns that are causing distress, connect with their emotions, and work towards meaningful changes. I believe that creating a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and accepting is an essential component of the change process.
(515) 505-1997 View (515) 505-1997
The EDS Peer-Led Support Group Meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 1 pm - 2 pm. Please contact Jocelyn Wilson at 515.338.2929 if you would like to participate, or if you have questions.
Hosted by Jocelyn Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MDiv, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ames, IA 50010
We care about people and this is visible in the services we provide. The owner, Jocelyn Wilson, is a clinical social worker with 15+ years of experience. She holds Master of Social Work / Master of Divinity degrees from the University of Chicago. Francine Ybarra-Rojas is marriage and family counselor with 25+ years of experience in Europe, Central and South America. She holds a Master of Family Studies Degree from Iowa State University. Both clinicians have experience in rural / urban / suburban settings with ages 3+. They blend traditional & expressive methods to help people shift out of inertia toward something new.
(515) 338-2929 View (515) 338-2929
This is a clinician-led therapy group for people of all gender identifications who have current or past experience of partner abuse. This group is also for people who are questioning the health of their current intimate partnership. Please contact Jocelyn Wilson if you have questions, or if you are interested in joining.
Hosted by Jocelyn Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MDiv, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ames, IA 50010
We care about people and this is visible in the services we provide. The owner, Jocelyn Wilson, is a clinical social worker with 15+ years of experience. She holds Master of Social Work / Master of Divinity degrees from the University of Chicago. Francine Ybarra-Rojas is marriage and family counselor with 25+ years of experience in Europe, Central and South America. She holds a Master of Family Studies Degree from Iowa State University. Both clinicians have experience in rural / urban / suburban settings with ages 3+. They blend traditional & expressive methods to help people shift out of inertia toward something new.
(515) 338-2929 View (515) 338-2929
Group therapy for mood management helps clients learn to cope with negative changes and emotions, improve relationships, and manage mood more effectively. Ames Therapy & Consulting Services Group therapy combines informal discussion about moods and formal lectures regarding the mood/thought connection, and alternative or balanced thinking. Group therapy for mood management helps clients learn to cope with negative changes and emotions, improve relationships, and manage mood more effectively. Ames Therapy & Consulting Services Group therapy combines informal discussion about moods and formal lectures regarding the mood/thought connection, alternative or balanced thinking. Sessions focus on particular themes, including patterns of behavior.
Hosted by Ames Therapy & Consulting, PC
Counselor, PhD, MD, LMHCs, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ames, IA 50010
Welcome to Ames Therapy where your mental well-being is our utmost priority. We understand that life's journey can be challenging, and at times, we all need a helping hand to navigate the ups and downs. Our dedicated team of compassionate professionals is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve mental and emotional wellness. You are not alone on this path, and we are here to walk it with you. We bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help you on your journey . Our team of highly qualified and compassionate counselors has collectively spent decades working in the field of mental health.
(515) 393-4982 View (515) 393-4982
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Ames?

Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

How does group therapy work?

Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.

Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group counseling is typically less expensive than individual counseling, with each session costing on average between $60 to $75. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200 and up, even after insurance. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.

Does insurance cover group therapy?

As with individual therapy, many insurance companies do offer coverage for group therapy sessions. However, the coverage varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider. Individuals are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to verify coverage.

How long does group therapy last?

The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.