Group
Therapy
Healing conversations & connections that foster well-being.
Group therapy at Avena isn’t about sitting in a circle and spilling your guts to strangers. It’s about being in a room (or Zoom) with people who get it — who are working through their own stuff and willing to show up, just like you. It’s real connection, real support, and real healing — in community.
Each group is thoughtfully curated and expertly led — no awkward icebreakers, no forced sharing, no pressure to perform. Just space to be honest, explore your patterns, and practice new ways of relating — with others and with yourself.
What makes group therapy different? You get perspective. You get called in with care. You see parts of your own story reflected back to you. And you grow — not just through insight, but through experience.
This is where self-awareness meets shared experience. Where healing becomes collective. And where change actually sticks.
Here's what we'll work on in group therapy:
Practicing boundary-setting and honest communication, even when it feels uncomfortable
Allowing yourself to be seen, supported, and challenged in real-time connection with others
Exploring how your relational patterns show up — and experimenting with new ways of engaging
Noticing emotional triggers as they arise and learning to respond with more intention and care
Naming and unraveling shame stories that have kept you silent, small, or disconnected
Showing up imperfectly — and discovering that authenticity, not performance, builds real connection
What types of group therapy do you offer (grief, anxiety, substance use, etc.)?
Our group offerings can include support for grief and loss, anxiety, substance use, and other shared concerns. Group topics and availability shift over time based on need, so reach out to our team for the most current list of groups running now.
Where are groups held — in-person, and where exactly?
Group availability varies between in-person and virtual formats depending on the specific group. Contact our office directly for current location details and to find a group that fits your preference and schedule.
How many people are typically in a group?
Group sizes are generally kept small and intentional to allow space for everyone to be heard while still benefiting from shared perspectives. Exact group size can vary depending on the type of group and its focus.
Is group therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for group therapy depends on your specific insurance plan. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare (including Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and UMR plans), and our team can help you verify whether your plan covers group sessions.
How is group therapy different from individual therapy?
Group therapy offers a few distinct benefits:
- Connection with others who share similar experiences
- Real-time feedback and perspective from peers, not just a therapist
- A sense of community that can reduce feelings of isolation
- Often a more affordable option compared to individual sessions
Individual therapy, by contrast, offers one-on-one focus tailored entirely to your personal history and goals.
How often do groups meet, and what's the time commitment?
Meeting frequency depends on the specific group, though weekly sessions are common. Time commitment can range from a few weeks to an ongoing, open-ended format. Our team can walk you through the schedule for any group you’re interested in.
Is there an intake process before joining a group?
Yes. Most groups require a brief intake conversation beforehand to make sure the group is a good fit for your needs and goals, and to answer any questions you may have before your first session.
Real People. Real Expertise. Real Change.
At Avena Psychological Services, we offer holistic, individualized therapy designed to help you understand yourself more deeply and create meaningful, lasting change. Our licensed psychologists tailor each session to your specific concerns and goals, drawing from your full life experience—including your childhood, culture, relationships, physical health, and personality. Whether you’re struggling with depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you break your issues down into manageable pieces and begin moving forward. Left unaddressed, mental health concerns can impact every area of life—from work and school to physical health and relationships. But with the right support, you can shift your mindset, make empowered choices, and experience real transformation.
Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort
Video Call Therapy
Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.
Phone Therapy
Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.
Concierge Therapy
Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is what I share in group therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is expected from all group members and the facilitator. While we ask everyone to respect each other’s privacy, it’s important to know that, unlike individual therapy, confidentiality in a group setting relies on all participants honoring that agreement.
Can I do group therapy alongside individual therapy?
Absolutely. Many clients find that combining group and individual therapy offers complementary benefits, individual sessions for personalized focus and group sessions for shared support and perspective.
How do I know which group is the right fit for me?
During the intake process, our team will help match you with a group based on your specific concerns, goals, and scheduling needs.
Are your groups open enrollment or closed cohorts?
This varies by group. Some groups allow ongoing enrollment while others run as closed cohorts for a set period. Reach out to our team for details on current group formats.
Schedule An Appointment
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please follow instructions found here.
Phone
therapy@avenapsych.com
Mailing Address
99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005