Support Groups in Amesbury, MA
Pre-screening required. Group tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2022. Call for more details.

Pre-screening required. Group tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2022. Call for more details.
Co-led with Louise Beck, Trained teacher of Mindful Self Compassion

Co-led with Louise Beck, Trained teacher of Mindful Self Compassion
Th goal of the group is to create a supportive community for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children. Each group will have a topic, but the focus of the group will be on sharing experiences, seeking support, and receiving clinical guidance from the group leader.

Th goal of the group is to create a supportive community for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children. Each group will have a topic, but the focus of the group will be on sharing experiences, seeking support, and receiving clinical guidance from the group leader.
In this online group, parents/caregivers will gain support and build connections with other caregivers as well as learn basic DBT skills to better understand and more effectively support their child in regulating emotions & behavior, improving relationships, increasing self-awareness, and building a life that feels more worth living. Group is held Wednesdays from 6-7:15pm and is led by an intensively-trained DBT clinician. The fee is $50 per session. *Note: This group is ongoing and new participants are welcome to join at any time.

In this online group, parents/caregivers will gain support and build connections with other caregivers as well as learn basic DBT skills to better understand and more effectively support their child in regulating emotions & behavior, improving relationships, increasing self-awareness, and building a life that feels more worth living. Group is held Wednesdays from 6-7:15pm and is led by an intensively-trained DBT clinician. The fee is $50 per session. *Note: This group is ongoing and new participants are welcome to join at any time.
Now enrolling for Summer 2025! This group is designed to support young adults and older teens (ages 17-24) who want to build emotional regulation skills, strengthen distress tolerance, improve interpersonal effectiveness and improve everyday mindfulness skills. Group is held 2x/week on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for 1.5hrs. The cost is $2000 for the full session (18 meetings total, 6/11-8/7). Enrollment closes May 30th, 2025. To enroll: https://forms.gle/b81pU8XKKAnYMgyq6

Now enrolling for Summer 2025! This group is designed to support young adults and older teens (ages 17-24) who want to build emotional regulation skills, strengthen distress tolerance, improve interpersonal effectiveness and improve everyday mindfulness skills. Group is held 2x/week on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for 1.5hrs. The cost is $2000 for the full session (18 meetings total, 6/11-8/7). Enrollment closes May 30th, 2025. To enroll: https://forms.gle/b81pU8XKKAnYMgyq6

More Groups Nearby
Join virtually for a 4 week Virtual Support Group for women struggling to find community and support with the loss of a loved one
How to register : Email jenelle@clovercounselingservices.org or fill out form on website Limit 8 Women per 4 week session Must have consult call with FACILITATOR to ensure fit prior to joining

Hosted by Clover Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Group meets in Danvers, MA 01923
Join virtually for a 4 week Virtual Support Group for women struggling to find community and support with the loss of a loved one
How to register : Email jenelle@clovercounselingservices.org or fill out form on website Limit 8 Women per 4 week session Must have consult call with FACILITATOR to ensure fit prior to joining
Join us for an enriching workshop designed for individuals in neurodivergent relationships and their partners. This workshop aims to provide a supportive space to explore the unique dynamics and challenges that neurodivergent couples often face. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergent experiences and the complexities of relationships. Learn effective communication strategies and develop tools to foster stronger, more harmonious connections. Whether you're seeking to enhance your relationship, navigate misunderstandings, or simply learn more about neurodiversity, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical approaches to support all partners in their journey together.

Join us for an enriching workshop designed for individuals in neurodivergent relationships and their partners. This workshop aims to provide a supportive space to explore the unique dynamics and challenges that neurodivergent couples often face. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergent experiences and the complexities of relationships. Learn effective communication strategies and develop tools to foster stronger, more harmonious connections. Whether you're seeking to enhance your relationship, navigate misunderstandings, or simply learn more about neurodiversity, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical approaches to support all partners in their journey together.
If you love someone with Bipolar, you might feel overwhelmed: You’re struggling with stuff that’s way beyond your control. But we are here–for you–others going through the same thing, and professionals who care and can help. In service to you, I'm eager to share what I know, and what I deeply feel. In my online workshop, I can offer you… A chance to share and connect with others; a way to understand Bipolar and its treatment options; and strategies to help, to set loving limits, and–above all–to take care of yourself!

Hosted by Shane MacDonald, LICSW, New Inspiration LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Group meets in Woburn, MA 01801
If you love someone with Bipolar, you might feel overwhelmed: You’re struggling with stuff that’s way beyond your control. But we are here–for you–others going through the same thing, and professionals who care and can help. In service to you, I'm eager to share what I know, and what I deeply feel. In my online workshop, I can offer you… A chance to share and connect with others; a way to understand Bipolar and its treatment options; and strategies to help, to set loving limits, and–above all–to take care of yourself!
For many retirees drinking is not an issue but if you feel it may be problematic for you, or others are telling you so, there is a support group here locally on the North Shore facilitated by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

For many retirees drinking is not an issue but if you feel it may be problematic for you, or others are telling you so, there is a support group here locally on the North Shore facilitated by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
Music plays a vital role in most teenagers’ lives. It mirrors their feelings, helps them feel heard and understood, and connects them with their peers. Through music listening, art, and creative writing, participants will learn mindfulness practices for relaxation, nurturance, and self-care. Music will be used as a tool to slow down, go inside, and focus on the here and now. Participants will choose music that helps them connect with their vitality and calmness within. The group experience will foster the recognition of their own experience together with others. In this way loneliness and isolation can move towards a sense of belonging.

Music plays a vital role in most teenagers’ lives. It mirrors their feelings, helps them feel heard and understood, and connects them with their peers. Through music listening, art, and creative writing, participants will learn mindfulness practices for relaxation, nurturance, and self-care. Music will be used as a tool to slow down, go inside, and focus on the here and now. Participants will choose music that helps them connect with their vitality and calmness within. The group experience will foster the recognition of their own experience together with others. In this way loneliness and isolation can move towards a sense of belonging.
In a 12-session telehealth group for survivors of childhood trauma, we explore the impact of abuse, neglect, abandonment, rejection, trauma or significant loss. The primary focus is on understanding adult challenges and automatic reactions, practicing healing tools and processing the emotions that accompany past events.. Exercises include: * Guided imagery meditations * Inner child work * CBT * EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) * Affirmations * Mindfulness and relaxation * Anger management skills * EMDR demo * FLASH * Polyvagal exercises. All groups are closed groups, i.e. participants start and complete the program together. Next group starts in September 2025.

In a 12-session telehealth group for survivors of childhood trauma, we explore the impact of abuse, neglect, abandonment, rejection, trauma or significant loss. The primary focus is on understanding adult challenges and automatic reactions, practicing healing tools and processing the emotions that accompany past events.. Exercises include: * Guided imagery meditations * Inner child work * CBT * EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) * Affirmations * Mindfulness and relaxation * Anger management skills * EMDR demo * FLASH * Polyvagal exercises. All groups are closed groups, i.e. participants start and complete the program together. Next group starts in September 2025.
Groups forming now! This trauma-focused therapy group for adults integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) “parts work” and mindfulness-based interventions. Participants explore the dynamics of their “parts”, learn to reconnect with Self-energy, and develop healthier internal dialogue. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and somatic techniques enhance awareness of present experiences of body-mind promoting regulation. Sessions provide a space for individuals to share, validate, process, and integrate their traumatic experiences and engage in a process of healing the wounds sustained.. Clients will learn about IFS work with “protectors”, meditation, and the mind-body connection in a non-pathologizing environment.

Hosted by Ryoen Elizabeth Drewello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Group meets in Haverhill, MA 01830
Groups forming now! This trauma-focused therapy group for adults integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) “parts work” and mindfulness-based interventions. Participants explore the dynamics of their “parts”, learn to reconnect with Self-energy, and develop healthier internal dialogue. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and somatic techniques enhance awareness of present experiences of body-mind promoting regulation. Sessions provide a space for individuals to share, validate, process, and integrate their traumatic experiences and engage in a process of healing the wounds sustained.. Clients will learn about IFS work with “protectors”, meditation, and the mind-body connection in a non-pathologizing environment.
FIND DEEPER HEALING IN COMMUNITY. Now accepting applications for our next Ketamine Group. This special opportunity is for those in active therapy who are looking to get unstuck and find support in community. We provide a nurturing space where clients can connect with like-minded individuals on a healing path. Maximum group size 6. Please contact me for more info & to complete a pre-screen to determine eligibilty.

FIND DEEPER HEALING IN COMMUNITY. Now accepting applications for our next Ketamine Group. This special opportunity is for those in active therapy who are looking to get unstuck and find support in community. We provide a nurturing space where clients can connect with like-minded individuals on a healing path. Maximum group size 6. Please contact me for more info & to complete a pre-screen to determine eligibilty.
Greenleaf Therapy is offering a weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for teens. This group will run in 8-week rotations and will focus on building skills in the following areas: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.

Greenleaf Therapy is offering a weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for teens. This group will run in 8-week rotations and will focus on building skills in the following areas: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
? Fire It Up Marriage Accelerator: Couples Group Therapy ? Reignite Connection | Strengthen Communication | Build a Lasting Partnership Marriage isn’t just about love—it’s about growth, trust, and staying connected through life’s challenges. If you and your partner are feeling stuck in cycles of miscommunication or emotional distance, you’re not alone. Fire It Up is a transformative experience to help: ? Break unhelpful patterns and replace them with deeper understanding ? Communicate effectively so you feel heard and valued ? Reignite connection beyond the daily routine ? Navigate challenges with strength and clarity ? Strengthen your partnership to create a relationship that thrives.

? Fire It Up Marriage Accelerator: Couples Group Therapy ? Reignite Connection | Strengthen Communication | Build a Lasting Partnership Marriage isn’t just about love—it’s about growth, trust, and staying connected through life’s challenges. If you and your partner are feeling stuck in cycles of miscommunication or emotional distance, you’re not alone. Fire It Up is a transformative experience to help: ? Break unhelpful patterns and replace them with deeper understanding ? Communicate effectively so you feel heard and valued ? Reignite connection beyond the daily routine ? Navigate challenges with strength and clarity ? Strengthen your partnership to create a relationship that thrives.
If you love someone with Bipolar, you might feel overwhelmed: You’re struggling with stuff that’s way beyond your control. But we are here–for you–others going through the same thing, and professionals who care and can help. In service to you, I'm eager to share what I know, and what I deeply feel. In my online workshop, I can offer you… A chance to share and connect with others; a way to understand Bipolar and its treatment options; and strategies to help, to set loving limits, and–above all–to take care of yourself!

Hosted by OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Group meets in Methuen, MA 01844
If you love someone with Bipolar, you might feel overwhelmed: You’re struggling with stuff that’s way beyond your control. But we are here–for you–others going through the same thing, and professionals who care and can help. In service to you, I'm eager to share what I know, and what I deeply feel. In my online workshop, I can offer you… A chance to share and connect with others; a way to understand Bipolar and its treatment options; and strategies to help, to set loving limits, and–above all–to take care of yourself!
Small private practice with experienced and knowledgable clinicians. The Marblehead practice is primarily focused on children, family, and couples. There is some availability for individual adult therapy and neuropsychological testing.

Small private practice with experienced and knowledgable clinicians. The Marblehead practice is primarily focused on children, family, and couples. There is some availability for individual adult therapy and neuropsychological testing.
“Self Care is Not Selfish" (Anxiety and Stress Management Support Group) This group for adults meets twice per month (12 sessions). The group will help you to understand symptoms and causes of anxiety/stress, develop skills to reduce anxiety and stress and better manage stressful situations. This group will also explore strategies to increase self-care activities, improve time management and reduce worry and negative self-talk. This group will also explore helpful lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. COST: $50 per session (meets twice per month and billed monthly = $100 per month). Call to register and pay the first month’s fee.

“Self Care is Not Selfish" (Anxiety and Stress Management Support Group) This group for adults meets twice per month (12 sessions). The group will help you to understand symptoms and causes of anxiety/stress, develop skills to reduce anxiety and stress and better manage stressful situations. This group will also explore strategies to increase self-care activities, improve time management and reduce worry and negative self-talk. This group will also explore helpful lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. COST: $50 per session (meets twice per month and billed monthly = $100 per month). Call to register and pay the first month’s fee.
DJS Psychiatry offers a compassionate group therapy program for individuals coping with grief, depression, and anxiety. Led by a licensed mental health professional, this group provides a supportive environment where participants can process difficult emotions, build effective coping strategies, and foster a sense of community. This group is ideal for those seeking connection, understanding, and personal growth on their journey to emotional well-being. For more information, please call 435-764-0756 or 978-284-9694.

Hosted by Silvia Pisano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, LADC II, BA
Group meets in Reading, MA 01867
DJS Psychiatry offers a compassionate group therapy program for individuals coping with grief, depression, and anxiety. Led by a licensed mental health professional, this group provides a supportive environment where participants can process difficult emotions, build effective coping strategies, and foster a sense of community. This group is ideal for those seeking connection, understanding, and personal growth on their journey to emotional well-being. For more information, please call 435-764-0756 or 978-284-9694.
See more therapy options for Amesbury
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Amesbury?
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.