Group Therapy and Support Groups in Portland, OR (original) (raw)

Support Groups in Portland, OR

In partnership with the National Coalition for Social Advancement, this is a community space for connection, education, and action. We understand that community is more than the people we live near; it is who we share effort with. This group is for: Communal Emotional Processing | Community & Relationship Building | Community Service Action | Community Aid. This group is not a diagnostic group and focuses on the interdisciplinary space of Education and Mental health. A portion of program cost are used for participant-directed activity. Inquire today for more information.

Photo of Martryce Alita Taylor, Professional Counselor Associate , MA, QMHP

Hosted by Martryce Alita Taylor

Professional Counselor Associate , MA, QMHP

Starting 1/22/26 and running for 7 weeks on a weekly basis through 3/5/26. This is an experiential, process-based group offering a compassionate and supportive space for men to explore integrity, emotion, and connection in a culture redefining healthy models of masculinity. Together we’ll practice mindful communication, empathy, and boundary-setting, while learning to express ourselves with authenticity and care. Join us in cultivating curiosity, self-awareness and meaningful growth.

Photo of Nico Evers, Pre-Licensed Professional

Hosted by Nico Evers

Pre-Licensed Professional

The free art therapy support group is a safe and supportive group. Although led by a therapist, it is not therapy but educational. It is for adults who have an from eating disorder or body image issues who are at least 18 years old. It is for people who are interested in how art and art therapy may be beneficial to them in their recovery from an eating disorder. The group consists of directed art activities designed to encourage discussion of general issues relevant to eating disorders and recovery. Please see our website for more information and for location and times.

Photo of David Leventer - A Better Way Counseling Center, Treatment Center, LMFT, LPC

Hosted by A Better Way Counseling Center

Treatment Center, LMFT, LPC

Social/Emotional Skills Training is for children in grades k-12 who struggle to manage anxiety, initiate/sustain friendships, read social/emotional cues, communicate effectively, understand others' point of view (theory of mind), lose/win graciously or manage emotional reactivity/impulsivity. Groups are age-appropriate and play-based and skills/learning is embedded in fun building, games or art activities that children enjoy. Groups are comprised of 3-5 children of similar ages and similar challenges. Call to express interest/get on a waiting list.

Photo of Catherine Lazen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW

Hosted by Catherine Lazen

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW

Next group is March 9 - April 27. I am gathering participants for an online 8 week grief processing group focusing on traumatic/sudden death (suicide, overdose, accident, homicide, etc). We will hold space for all emotions and experiences and identify ways of connecting with ourselves and our loved ones within this uniquely painful grief process. While incorporating discussions about grief and providing tools to cope within trauma responses and emotional pain, I will create a safe place without advice or judgment; and we will explore how to keep living after traumatic loss. To use insurance, please check your benefits.

Photo of Bethany Ingram, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Hosted by Bethany Ingram

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

We are a body-neutral, anti-diet, and HAES (Health at Every Size) aligned practice. ?Hello Me commonly works with those who have been impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, binge eating disorder, and have difficulties with maintaining health promoting behaviors.

Photo of Megan Lesowski, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC I

Hosted by Megan Lesowski

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC I

In today’s world, disconnection and isolation are common experiences. Many of us long for a place to connect more deeply, yet it can be hard to find. This group is intended as a space for adults to come together, slow down, and simply be present with each other. This group offers an opportunity to practice presence, observe patterns in how we relate, and connect in ways that feel grounded and human. Please reach out if you'd like more information or have questions!

Photo of Megan Campbell, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA

Hosted by Megan Campbell

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA

Group will begin when full (estimated start date: January 2026). Connect with other childfree people to discuss themes including cultural expectations, child-free traditions, reproductive justice, and "legacy." This will be a 10 week, semi-structured therapy group for child-free by choice women, femmes, and gender expansive folks. To sign up, you can reach out directly or go to BRIGHTOMENTHERAPY.COM/GROUPS to fill out an interest form or email GABRIELLA@BRIGHTOMENTHERAPY.COM

Photo of Gabriella Losada, Professional Counselor Associate, MA

Hosted by Gabriella Losada

Professional Counselor Associate, MA

Yoga and Mindfulness for children, focusing on concentration and calming skills through fun yoga adventures and mindful meditation.

Photo of Harini Sukumaran, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Hosted by Harini Sukumaran

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Yoga and Mindfulness for children, focusing on concentration and calming skills through fun yoga adventures and mindful meditation.

Workshop Dates: April 6, 13, 202026: 6-8:30pm. Rooted in the stability that clay offers, this three-part gathering invites you to create with your hands, honor your loss, and make space for your inner life. In a small community of like-minded folks, you’ll create your own altar from clay and consider how to cultivate personal ritual as an ongoing practice. We’ll spend time in meditation, storytelling, and creation as we make space for ourselves and each other.

Photo of Amanda Feaver - Amanda Feaver, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

Hosted by Amanda Feaver

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

This group is for adults (18+) who have experienced the death of a significant person (or people) in their lives. The Fall Grieving with the Seasons group will meet for 6 weeks, starting September 5, 2026. Participants will be invited to engage in facilitated Nature-based experiences and discussions to integrate the wisdom of Nature and themes offered by the seasons. This will offer a depth of exploration, alongside the practice of skills for navigating grief within the context of a supportive group. Please refer to liminalleaftherapy.com for more information.

Photo of Miriam Saucedo - Liminal Leaf Therapy LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Hosted by Liminal Leaf Therapy LLC

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

This 4-week virtual group is designed for adults who want to develop emotional resilience and inner peace. Together, we’ll explore how to alchemize fear, self-doubt, shame, and stress into clarity, calm, and confidence using evidence-based techniques and holistic practices. Each session combines mindfulness, cognitive tools, somatic awareness, and group connection to support deep, lasting change. This is a supportive, non-judgmental space to learn how to stop spiraling and start shifting—gently and powerfully. Led by Heather, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, this group is open to individuals living in Oregon.

Photo of Heather Richardson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN

Hosted by Heather Richardson

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN

Did you experience trauma in childhood? From divorced parents, bullying, or sexual trauma, to living with a parent with substance abuse or mental illness, adverse childhood experiences can often leave us lacking the closeness we want in our relationships or feeling lost and unsatisfied in adulthood. Join us for a group that aims to help you: process and make meaning from childhood trauma, have healthier relationships, and increase clarity of values to find fulfillment and meaning in your life. 12 week closed group, $40/session, located in NE Portland.

Photo of Lauren Summer, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

Hosted by Lauren Summer

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

This group will support you in building a new relationship with your pain, body, communicate boundaries, and sustain wellness. We will promote safety and connection as you discover new avenues toward pleasure and wellness when living with chronic pain and illness, learn and share strategies for combating ableism, process disenfranchised grief, and explore identity within an affirming community space. This group focuses on individuals with chronic pain and illness between the ages of 18-50, due to the unique challenges this population faces when living with pain and illness.

Photo of Eden Baron-Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

Hosted by Eden Baron-Williams

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

This group provides a supportive space for men to explore emotional health, build coping skills, and reduce daily stress. Participants learn practical tools from CBT and DBT to manage anger, anxiety, depression, work pressure, and family responsibilities. The group focuses on improving communication, strengthening self-esteem, and developing healthier routines. Through guided discussions and structured activities, members gain insight, connect with others facing similar challenges, and practice strategies that promote resilience and overall well-being. Ideal for men seeking personal growth, balance, and healthier ways to manage life’s demands.

Photo of Hussein Dayow Idow, Pre-Licensed Professional, CSWA, MSW, QMHP, CADCR, MECOHD

Hosted by Hussein Dayow Idow

Pre-Licensed Professional, CSWA, MSW, QMHP, CADCR, MECOHD

This group is essentially a structured class where participants learn & practice specific coping mechanisms, like mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, through guided exercises and lessons, focusing on acquiring practical tools to navigate challenging situations and emotions, rather than discussing personal problems in a traditional group therapy setting; it's more like a skills training session with homework assignments to apply what's learned in daily life. It features a flexible, rotating curriculum and runs for approximately 12 weeks. Insurance accepted or 75/classoutofpocketratepersession(75/class out of pocket rate per session (75/classoutofpocketratepersession(90 intake session required).

Photo of John Otts, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADCIII

Hosted by John Otts

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADCIII

This is a support group for individuals with OCD. The group will include general discussion, support, and goal setting.

Photo of Eli Cuda, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Hosted by Eli Cuda

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

This is a support group for individuals with OCD. The group will include general discussion, support, and goal setting.

Men in our society often feel emotionally isolated and limited in their ability to express themselves in authentic ways. The goals of this group are to help men build better relationships, build skills and confidence in fully expressing themselves, and feel more holistically empowered with their masculinity. We will do this through safe and honest conversation, interpersonal processing, and mindful/experiential exercises. We will explore, discover, and practice being authentic with each other and in our lives. We will also cover ongoing social topics and their impacts as they occur incorporating a holistic masculine perspective.

Photo of Brad Creel, Licensed Professional Counselor

Hosted by Brad Creel

Licensed Professional Counselor

This therapy group is for young adults struggling to manage aspects of daily life including finding work, completing college, managing finances and other responsibilities. Each week we will explore another skill area, develop strategies, discuss obstacles and make a plan toward fulfilling goals and commitments. This is a wonderful setting in which to connect with other like-minded young people and get support. I AM NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING THIS GROUP, but will be starting again summer 2024

Photo of Ana Cragnolino, Psychologist, PhD

A group written by Brené Brown that draws on empirically based strategies to help recognize shame as a universal experience and embrace authentic living as a foundation for shame resilience. Topics include: defining and recognizing shame, practicing empathy, exploring triggers and vulnerabilities, practicing critical awareness, embracing and inspiring change.

Photo of Bailey Becker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA

Hosted by Bailey Becker

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA

See more therapy options for Portland

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Portland?

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.

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.

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.

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.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between 50and50 and 50and75 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from 100to100 to 100to200 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.

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.

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.