Support Groups in Essex County, MA
Drawing from the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, Insight Meditation and meditation from the yogic tradition called "pranayama," Denise teaches 6-8 week meditation series . Using both discussion and experiential approaches, she guides and supports participants as they explore breath, body awareness, meditation and mindfulness. Topics of discussion include - establishment of a sit-down meditation practice, integrating meditation practices into daily life, understanding the different meditation techniques and how they are beneficial. Other meditation practices are walking meditation and loving-kindness meditation The course includes a weekly e-mail with hand-outs of all the meditation practices from each class.

Hosted by Denise Koelsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MA
Group meets in Beverly, MA 01915
Drawing from the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, Insight Meditation and meditation from the yogic tradition called "pranayama," Denise teaches 6-8 week meditation series . Using both discussion and experiential approaches, she guides and supports participants as they explore breath, body awareness, meditation and mindfulness. Topics of discussion include - establishment of a sit-down meditation practice, integrating meditation practices into daily life, understanding the different meditation techniques and how they are beneficial. Other meditation practices are walking meditation and loving-kindness meditation The course includes a weekly e-mail with hand-outs of all the meditation practices from each class.
I have ongoing personal growth workshops. Learn more here: www.jenniferhcarey/workshops

Hosted by Jennifer Carey
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, EdS, LMHC
Group meets in Hamilton, MA 01982
I have ongoing personal growth workshops. Learn more here: www.jenniferhcarey/workshops
A virtual group designed for those transitioning into parenthood and grieving the recent or distant death of their own parent(s). Together we'll explore the challenges of balancing grief and joy, discover ways to pass down important values, and help your child(ren) remember someone they may have never met. All while finding and offering solidarity with others navigating a similar path. Open to MA & NH residents. Led by a clinical social worker specializing in grief and perinatal mental health. Contact CammyLICSW@gmail.com or 978.494.0890. 8-week group offered in Spring and Fall.

Hosted by Cammy Adler-Roth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CCLS
Group meets in Beverly, MA 01915
A virtual group designed for those transitioning into parenthood and grieving the recent or distant death of their own parent(s). Together we'll explore the challenges of balancing grief and joy, discover ways to pass down important values, and help your child(ren) remember someone they may have never met. All while finding and offering solidarity with others navigating a similar path. Open to MA & NH residents. Led by a clinical social worker specializing in grief and perinatal mental health. Contact CammyLICSW@gmail.com or 978.494.0890. 8-week group offered in Spring and Fall.
Contemporary Counseling and Wellness offers teletherapy and psychological evaluations related to immigration cases to clients in Massachusetts in English and Spanish.

Contemporary Counseling and Wellness offers teletherapy and psychological evaluations related to immigration cases to clients in Massachusetts in English and Spanish.
WHAT: Join us for a four-week, hour-and-a-half-per-week series of appreciation using poetry, meditation, and storytelling in Georgetown. We'll read, respond, and write. WHY: Gratitude promotes endorphins, lowers blood pressure, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. WHO: Elizabeth Rose, LICSW, MFA, is a psychotherapist and poet. WHEN: Mondays, September 16, 23, 30, and October 7, 2024 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. 8 participants max. Fee $20/session, $75 for all four. elizabeth@bloomingrosetherapy.com, 978-807-2492 or register at: https://forms.gle/jZCvesVC8sn9xVsT8

Hosted by Elizabeth Anne Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Group meets in Georgetown, MA 01833
WHAT: Join us for a four-week, hour-and-a-half-per-week series of appreciation using poetry, meditation, and storytelling in Georgetown. We'll read, respond, and write. WHY: Gratitude promotes endorphins, lowers blood pressure, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. WHO: Elizabeth Rose, LICSW, MFA, is a psychotherapist and poet. WHEN: Mondays, September 16, 23, 30, and October 7, 2024 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. 8 participants max. Fee $20/session, $75 for all four. elizabeth@bloomingrosetherapy.com, 978-807-2492 or register at: https://forms.gle/jZCvesVC8sn9xVsT8
Discover the benefits of EFT Tapping to reduce anxiety, pain, limiting beliefs and depression. EFT Tapping is a combination of conventional talk therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of tapping on acupressure points which quickly clears out discomfort in the body and the mind. The group benefits of tapping are widely known. Participants will learn this portable technique to use on their own which will assist them in having agency over their own health, wellness and joy. (online availability)

Hosted by Jennifer DeLorenzo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Jennifer DeLorenzo, LCSW, LICSW
Group meets in Wenham, MA 01984
Discover the benefits of EFT Tapping to reduce anxiety, pain, limiting beliefs and depression. EFT Tapping is a combination of conventional talk therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of tapping on acupressure points which quickly clears out discomfort in the body and the mind. The group benefits of tapping are widely known. Participants will learn this portable technique to use on their own which will assist them in having agency over their own health, wellness and joy. (online availability)
A 15 week in person group for men and women struggling with feelings of abandonment, depression, loss of confidence, trust and self esteem in response to the loss of a relationship. The group will provide the opportunity to survive this loss, share experiences and information, decrease isolation and support members through this difficult time. The leader, Janet Winocour, has been running this group for over 30 years and accepts most insurances. The meeting night will be determined by the needs of the group members. There will also be a zoom group offered.

A 15 week in person group for men and women struggling with feelings of abandonment, depression, loss of confidence, trust and self esteem in response to the loss of a relationship. The group will provide the opportunity to survive this loss, share experiences and information, decrease isolation and support members through this difficult time. The leader, Janet Winocour, has been running this group for over 30 years and accepts most insurances. The meeting night will be determined by the needs of the group members. There will also be a zoom group offered.
Are you a mother who wants to improve your relationship with your adult daughter? Have you tried to repair the relationship with little to no results? Is your daughter constantly bringing up the past? Would you like to discuss these challenges in a safe and supportive environment? Join our support group designed to help mothers like you navigate the challenges of mother-daughter relationships.

Are you a mother who wants to improve your relationship with your adult daughter? Have you tried to repair the relationship with little to no results? Is your daughter constantly bringing up the past? Would you like to discuss these challenges in a safe and supportive environment? Join our support group designed to help mothers like you navigate the challenges of mother-daughter relationships.
Co-led with Louise Beck, Trained teacher of Mindful Self Compassion

Co-led with Louise Beck, Trained teacher of Mindful Self Compassion
This short term CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapeutic support group) meets on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 for 12 sessions. It will address the identification and management of symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Client will learn new coping skills, techniques and strategies to obtain stability and accomplish a better level daily functioning. Relaxation breathing and mindfulness practice will be included in sessions.

This short term CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapeutic support group) meets on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 for 12 sessions. It will address the identification and management of symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Client will learn new coping skills, techniques and strategies to obtain stability and accomplish a better level daily functioning. Relaxation breathing and mindfulness practice will be included in sessions.
This group focuses on building a woman's self confidence, self-esteem, by validating the importance of women knowing how to fix their inside not their outside appearance.

Hosted by Gayle Patricia Hearns-Rogers
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LADC-1
Group meets in Lynn, MA 01902
This group focuses on building a woman's self confidence, self-esteem, by validating the importance of women knowing how to fix their inside not their outside appearance.
This group is for youth looking for a safe space to share related experiences and build community. Topics of discussion will include self-esteem, stress management, bullying, talking with parents and finding outside supports. Age range is from 7th-12th grade. Intake appointment required prior to starting group. Group to run for 5 weeks over the summer. Reach out for more information and feel free to ask about payment options!

This group is for youth looking for a safe space to share related experiences and build community. Topics of discussion will include self-esteem, stress management, bullying, talking with parents and finding outside supports. Age range is from 7th-12th grade. Intake appointment required prior to starting group. Group to run for 5 weeks over the summer. Reach out for more information and feel free to ask about payment options!
This is a peer resource-sharing and support group for those living with dementia and care partners.

This is a peer resource-sharing and support group for those living with dementia and care partners.
The SoSo Group was created for individuals that struggle with social anxiety, loneliness, depression, and social interaction. This group meets in a safe location where individuals play games, talk, share stories and tales, while sitting with a cozy lit fireplace and listening to music from 60's-90's. Together we discuss coping skills and strategies to assists symptoms that cause distress. Each week psychoeducation is provided to learn why we do as we do. There is so much more to this group! This is a great opportunity to meet people that are safe while walking your same walk.

Hosted by Bette Jo A. Toppin
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, CCHT, EMDR, MCCS
Group meets in North Andover, MA 01845
The SoSo Group was created for individuals that struggle with social anxiety, loneliness, depression, and social interaction. This group meets in a safe location where individuals play games, talk, share stories and tales, while sitting with a cozy lit fireplace and listening to music from 60's-90's. Together we discuss coping skills and strategies to assists symptoms that cause distress. Each week psychoeducation is provided to learn why we do as we do. There is so much more to this group! This is a great opportunity to meet people that are safe while walking your same walk.
No scheduled groups at this time

No scheduled groups at this time
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.
I am offering a goal- oriented, 12 session, focused teletherapy group on How to Reduce Your Anxiety and Stress During the Coronavirus Epidemic. Participants will learn specific skills and have an opportunity to share and problem solve together online. Most health insurances accepted including Medicare and MassHealth

I am offering a goal- oriented, 12 session, focused teletherapy group on How to Reduce Your Anxiety and Stress During the Coronavirus Epidemic. Participants will learn specific skills and have an opportunity to share and problem solve together online. Most health insurances accepted including Medicare and MassHealth
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.
Ongoing weekly in-person group for clients 18-24 years old. This group focuses on providing psychoeducation on various anxiety disorders, creating opportunities for exposures, and practicing a variety of management skills. Anxiety is part of life and learning to manage is key! Approach will be tailored to the specific concern of each group member. This group is neurodivergent friendly. Telehealth options available!

Ongoing weekly in-person group for clients 18-24 years old. This group focuses on providing psychoeducation on various anxiety disorders, creating opportunities for exposures, and practicing a variety of management skills. Anxiety is part of life and learning to manage is key! Approach will be tailored to the specific concern of each group member. This group is neurodivergent friendly. Telehealth options available!
This is an ongoing group meeting where all aspects of life are open for discussion: children, partners, finances, career, sexuality, aging parents, mental health issues, physical and spiritual health, and culture, to name a few. Members come together every other week to talk, commiserate, explore and support one another in their experiences. Please give a call if you would like further information, or to attend a meeting.

This is an ongoing group meeting where all aspects of life are open for discussion: children, partners, finances, career, sexuality, aging parents, mental health issues, physical and spiritual health, and culture, to name a few. Members come together every other week to talk, commiserate, explore and support one another in their experiences. Please give a call if you would like further information, or to attend a meeting.
See more therapy options for Essex County
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Essex County?
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.