Group Therapy in Long Beach & Lakewood, CA
If you’re tired of feeling alone in your struggles, if you want to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through, if you’re looking for support that’s both professional and community-based—group therapy might be exactly what you need.
Healing happens in community. Group therapy brings together people facing similar challenges in a confidential, supportive environment led by licensed mental health professionals. You’ll find validation, share experiences, and learn from others who truly understand what you’re going through.
At Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation, we offer process groups and psychoeducational groups for adults and teens throughout Long Beach, Lakewood, and California. Our groups, facilitated by experienced therapists under the clinical leadership of Dr. Sade Thompson, Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, create safe spaces for connection, growth, and mutual support. We offer in-person groups at our Long Beach and Lakewood locations, and virtual groups throughout California.
Is Group Therapy Right for You?
Grief isn’t just about death. Any significant loss can trigger a grief response:
- Group might be a good fit if:
- You’re open to sharing with others in a confidential setting
- You want to feel less alone in your struggles
- You’re interested in learning from others’ experiences and perspectives
- You want more affordable therapy options
- You’re working on interpersonal skills and want a safe place to practice
- You enjoy community and connection
- Group might not be right if:
- You need immediate crisis intervention or stabilization
- You’re dealing with severe, acute symptoms that need intensive one-on-one attention first
- You’re not ready to listen to and support others’ struggles
- You prefer complete privacy and aren’t comfortable sharing in a group setting
- You’re in active crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation
You can also combine individual and group therapy for comprehensive support. Many people find this combination especially powerful.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Why choose group therapy?
✓ You’re not alone - Connect with others who truly understand your experience without having to explain or justify
✓ Learn from others - Gain insight and ideas from how others navigate similar challenges
✓ Practice new skills - Try out new ways of communicating and relating in a safe, supportive space
✓ Receive multiple perspectives - Benefit from feedback from both therapists and peers who bring diverse experiences
✓ Build community - Form meaningful connections that reduce isolation and loneliness
✓ More affordable - Group therapy typically costs less than individual therapy while still providing professional support
✓ Normalize your experience - Realize your struggles are valid and shared by others—you’re not “broken” or alone
Research shows group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many concerns—and in some cases, even more powerful because of the group dynamic and sense of belonging it creates.
Our Group Therapy Offerings
Current and Upcoming Groups:
Anxiety Skills Group
Learn CBT-based strategies to manage worry, panic, and stress. Practice evidence-based techniques with others who understand the daily struggle of anxiety. - Who: Adults 18+ - Duration: 8-week cycle - Format: Psychoeducational
Depression Support Group
Process the experience of living with depression in a validating, non-judgmental environment. Share struggles and victories with others on the journey toward healing. - Who: Adults 18+ - Duration: Ongoing - Format: Process group
Grief and Loss Support Group
Navigate grief with others who understand the profound pain of loss. Share memories, process emotions, and find your path forward together without pressure or timelines. - Who: Adults 18+ - Duration: Ongoing - Format: Support group
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Group
A safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore identity, process discrimination and minority stress, and build community with others who share similar experiences. - Who: Adults 18+ and teens 14-17 (separate groups) - Duration: Ongoing - Format: Process group
Relationship Skills Group
Learn communication, boundary-setting, and conflict-resolution skills to strengthen romantic relationships. Open to individuals or couples who want to improve relationship dynamics. - Who: Adults 18+ - Duration: 6-week cycle - Format: Psychoeducational
Teen Social Skills Group
Help teens build confidence, navigate friendships, develop emotional intelligence, and practice social skills in a supportive peer environment led by a licensed therapist. - Who: Teens 13-17 - Duration: 10-week cycle - Format: Psychoeducational
Women of Color Wellness Group
A space for BIPOC women to process the unique mental health challenges of navigating intersecting identities, systemic oppression, microaggressions, and intergenerational trauma. - Who: Adult women - Duration: Ongoing - Format: Process group
Insurance & Accessibility
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Group therapy in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross & Anthem L.A. Care
- Blue Shield of California & Blue Shield Promise Plan
- Carelon
- L.A. Care (Medi-Cal, Commercial, Medicare)
- United Health Care / Optum
- Tricare West
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy, and many insurance plans cover it. We’ll verify your specific benefits.
What to Expect in Group Therapy
Locations & Virtual Services
Lakewood Office
5150 Candlewood Street, Ste. 18J Lakewood, CA 90712
Long Beach Office (Bixby Knolls)
3811 Long Beach Blvd, Ste. C Long Beach, CA 90807
Groups meet at both locations depending on the type and schedule.
Virtual Groups Throughout California: We offer online group therapy for clients anywhere in California. Virtual groups eliminate commute time and make participation easier for those with scheduling constraints.
How to Join a Group
- Step 1:
Contact Us Call (562) 965-1489 or email info@hygieiabh.org to express interest in group therapy. Let us know what type of group you’re interested in.
- Step 2:
Screening Session Meet with a therapist individually (in-person or virtually) to discuss your goals, determine which group is the best fit, answer questions, and ensure group therapy is appropriate for you right now
- Step 3:
Join the Group Once placed in a group, you’ll receive details about meeting times, location (in-person or virtual), what to expect, and how to prepare
- Step 4:
Commit Group therapy works best when members attend consistently and engage openly. Commitment to the group process helps everyone benefit
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to talk in group?
You’re encouraged to share, but never forced. Most people find they want to talk more as they get comfortable with the group and see others sharing vulnerably. You can always pass if you’re not ready to share about something specific.
What if I know someone in the group?
If you know another member outside of group, discuss this with the therapist during your screening session. Sometimes it’s fine; other times it may be better to join a different group to preserve confidentiality and freedom to share openly.
How many people are in a group?
Typically 5-10 members, depending on the group type. Smaller groups allow more time for everyone to share and receive feedback.
What if someone breaks confidentiality?
Confidentiality is emphasized from day one, and therapists remind members of this commitment regularly. However, absolute confidentiality can’t be guaranteed in a group setting (as with any situation involving multiple people). This is discussed openly in the first session.
Can I join a group if I’m already in individual therapy?
Yes! Many people combine both for comprehensive support. The two can actually complement each other well—individual therapy for deeper personal work, group for community and interpersonal growth.
How long do I have to stay in the group?
Some groups run for a set number of weeks (psychoeducational groups often have defined cycles); others are ongoing (process and support groups). You can leave at any time, though we encourage you to discuss it with the therapist and group first for proper closure..
What if the group doesn’t feel like a good fit?
Talk to the therapist. You might need a different group type, or the fit might improve over time as you get to know people. Either way, we’ll work with you to find the right support.
Can I join a virtual group if I live outside Long Beach or Lakewood?
Yes! We offer virtual group therapy throughout California. You can participate from anywhere in the state.
Find Your People
You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Join others who understand and let healing happen in community—whether in-person or online.