What is group counseling and why join?
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?
Our 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. This program strives to prioritize our shared humanity, collaborative care, and technological advances as tools for supporting a healthy campus culture.
1Strengths-Based Models in Social Work; McCashen, Wayne (2005)
Fall 2025 Groups
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Harm Reduction Group
- Black Womxn's Sister Circle
- Career Planning: Surviving and Thriving at CAL (4 weeks)
- Chronic Health Conditions Support Group
- Encontrando Communidad: Latine/Hispanic Support and Process Group
- Grad Men's Support
- Grad Women's Support
- Healing From Trauma (EMDR Group)
- Healing Through Grief and Loss
- Holistic Sleep Wellness: Behavioral Changes to Reduce Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties
- Introduction to the Practice of Mindfulness and Meditation
- Managing Emotions (6 weeks)
- Managing Health-Related Fears & Worries
- Transgender and Gender Diverse Support Group
- Understanding Self & Others (9 weeks)
Not sure if group counseling is for you?
Check out these other options:
- Let's Talk program - informal, brief, drop-in consultation with CAPS professionals
- Mental Health Workshops & Events - drop-in and gain insight and benefit from collective healing
- Health Coaching - 45-minute sessions to explore and promote your own health and wellness (free, regardless of insurance)
