Group Therapy
NYC
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 group therapy topics or specialties do you offer in NYC?
Our group offerings can include support for grief and loss, anxiety, substance use, and other shared concerns. Available groups shift over time based on demand, so reach out to our team for the most current offerings.
Where are the in-person groups located?
Group location details vary depending on the specific group being offered. Contact our office directly for up-to-date information on any in-person groups currently running in NYC.
Do you offer virtual group therapy options too?
Yes. Many of our groups are available virtually, making it easier to participate no matter where you're located within the city or beyond.
Is group therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare (including Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and UMR plans), and our team can help verify your benefits for group sessions specifically.
How large are the groups, and how are they facilitated?
Groups are kept intentionally small so every participant has room to be heard. Each group is facilitated by a licensed clinician who guides discussion, ensures a safe environment, and helps members work toward their individual and shared goals.
How do I know if a group is the right fit before joining?
Before joining, you’ll typically go through a short intake conversation. This gives our team the chance to understand your goals and match you with the group best suited to your needs.
What's the cost per session or per month?
Pricing varies depending on the specific group and whether you're using insurance or private pay. Reach out to our office for current rates and to discuss what would work best for your budget.
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 group therapy confidential among participants?
Confidentiality is expected of everyone in the group, including the facilitator. That said, unlike individual therapy, group confidentiality relies on all members honoring that agreement.
Can I join a group while also seeing an individual therapist?
Yes, many clients combine both. Individual therapy offers personalized, one-on-one focus, while group therapy adds shared perspective and community support.
How often do NYC groups meet?
Meeting frequency varies by group, though weekly sessions are common. Our team can share the schedule for any group you’re interested in.
Do you offer a consultation before joining a group?
Yes, a brief intake or consultation is typically part of the process to ensure a good fit before you commit to a group.
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