Therapy Groups in California
There are 32 therapy and support groups based in California, plus 1,006 virtual groups open to California residents from anywhere in the US. Therapist-led groups, peer support, and psychoeducation, in person and online. Free to browse. No account needed.
Browse 32 California groups or browse 1,006 virtual groups you can join from California
California groups accepting members
A few of the groups currently listed in California. Every listing is written by the group leader and includes format, schedule, cost, and how to join.
Newport Connection Support Group — NAMI
Looking to talk to someone about your mental health? Join a NAMI Connection Support Group! All our groups are free, confidential, require no registration,…
Contact group → Free to join
Friends and Family Support Group — Depression Bipolar Support Alliance
About This Group The Friends and Family Support Group from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a free, peer-led group for the…
Contact group → Free to join
Los Angeles LGBT Center (Los Angeles, CA)
About This Group Los Angeles LGBT Center offers a free, affirming peer support group for LGBTQ+ community members in Los Angeles, CA. Multiple groups:…
Contact group → Free to join
Sacramento LGBT Community Center (Sacramento, CA)
About This Group Sacramento LGBT Community Center offers a free, affirming peer support group for LGBTQ+ community members in Sacramento, CA. Groups: coming out,…
Contact group → Free to join
PFLAG Sacramento (Sacramento, CA)
About This Group PFLAG Sacramento offers a free, affirming peer support group for LGBTQ+ community members in Sacramento, CA. Monthly support meetings for LGBTQ+…
Contact group → Free to join
Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center (San Jose, CA)
About This Group Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center offers a free, affirming peer support group for LGBTQ+ community members in San Jose, CA. Peer…
Contact group → Free to join
Find groups near you in California
What meets in California right now
Of California's 32 groups: 30 peer-led support, 1 shared community, 1 therapeutic. 23 in person, 22 hybrid, 22 fully virtual meet that way. Counts update as listings change.
Cost and insurance in California
31 of California's 32 groups are free to join. Beyond those, costs span a wide range, and the range is real. Peer-led groups are usually free. Sliding-scale and community-funded groups often charge $5 to $25. Insurance-covered groups commonly involve a copay in the $20 to $50 range. Private-pay rates vary the most: some groups charge under $50 a session, while specialized programs, intensive formats, and highly credentialed facilitators price well above $100. Every listing states its own cost, so you know before you reach out. Most major insurers reimburse virtual group therapy at parity with in-person care. Always confirm coverage with your plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much do therapy groups in California cost?
31 of the 32 groups in California are free to join. There is no single going rate. Peer-led groups are usually free, sliding-scale and community-funded groups often charge $5 to $25, and insurance-covered groups commonly involve a $20 to $50 copay. Private-pay pricing varies the most, from under $50 a session to well over $100 for specialized or intensive programs. Every listing on this directory states its own cost, and many groups offer a free intro session.
Do I need a referral to join a group in California?
Most groups in this directory accept self-referrals; you contact the facilitator directly. Some insurance-covered groups require a referral from your primary care provider or therapist. Listings note any requirements.
Are virtual therapy groups as effective as in-person?
1,006 virtual groups are open to California residents, and research consistently shows virtual group therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person care for anxiety, depression, grief, and addiction recovery, and it expands access for people in rural California.
If you need help now
A support group is not crisis care. If you or someone you know is struggling right now:
- Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential, 24/7.
- Many counties run local warmlines for non-emergency support. Search your county name plus "warmline."
The directory will still be here when you're ready.
Run a group in California? Get found.
List your group for people already searching in your area. Community orgs running free groups always list free. That's not a promotion. It's a promise.
Three ways forward
- Browse 1,006 virtual groups open to anyone in the US, no driving required.
- Request a group. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll flag the gap to group leaders in California.
- Take the two-minute quiz. Not sure what type of group fits? Answers stay in your browser. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.