“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” ― John E. Lewis
Group counseling is a powerful and effective way for students to share, give and receive support, learn and heal. Many students can benefit from counseling in a group format.
Group works! In studies comparing group psychotherapy to individual therapy, group therapy has been shown to be as effective and sometimes even more effective than individual counseling.
Group counseling offers the opportunity for students to learn new skills, to share concerns as well as inherent wisdom in a facilitated environment with other students. Some counseling groups are focused on common concerns, such as stress, anxiety and depression, relationships or emotion management struggles. Other groups offer an opportunity for students with a shared identity to gather and connect in community.
What are the groups?The CAPS Group Program's mission is to empower students through accessible, culturally affirming group therapy, psycho-educational skills, and strengths-based1 support groups that promote greater levels of personal health and collective well-being for the entire UC Berkeley community. The CAPS Group Program strives to prioritize our shared humanity, collaborative care, and technological advances as tools for supporting a healthy campus culture.
COVID-19 UPDATE: if you are a student who is currently residing outside of California or outside of the United States, CAPS clinicians are unable to provide you with group counseling services at this time. Please see the CAPS Off Campus Counseling Referrals webpage for more information and support getting connected with a counselor near you.
Related Resource: Social Services Group Counseling.
1Strengths-Based Models in Social Work; McCashen, Wayne (2005)
