Groups

Groups are a great way for students to connect with peers, learn new skills and strategies, and grow both emotionally and educationally!  

Groups are often the most effective way to: 

• gain support and encouragement from others; 
• gain specific skills to improve your life; 
• develop relationship skills. 

SMHW offers three different types of groups: (1) structured, skills-based groups; (2) support groups, and (3) process-oriented therapy groups.  

1. Structured groups  are particularly beneficial for people seeking skills and strategies to deal with specific issues and symptoms that have been negatively impacting their daily lives, such as high anxiety, panic attacks, depression, lack of motivation, mood fluctuations, and lack of interpersonal assertiveness.  
2. Support groups provide an atmosphere conducive to sharing your concerns with others whose lives are impacted by similar issues. The focus is on providing a space for validation, encouragement, and mutual understanding. Support groups do not emphasize dynamics occurring between members, nor do they emphasize change in behaviors. 
3. Process-oriented therapy groups average 6-8 group members and meet weekly with one to two therapists for 75-90 minutes. Process groups can be especially effective for people interested in exploring their interpersonal style and enhancing their approach to relationships in such areas as trust, intimacy, anger, conflict, assertiveness, taking risks, or improving self-esteem. 

Ground rules, including confidentiality, are typically established with group members to help promote trust. For most benefit, consistent attendance is strongly encouraged. Read Debunking Myths about Group Therapy to learn more about how group works. 

UCSF Clinical and Outreach Groups are available only for currently enrolled UCSF students who are eligible for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing services. Participants must be located in CA to participate in groups. Groups are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Accessibility:  UCSF welcomes people with disabilities to our events. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the facilitator(s) of the group listed below.

Winter 2026 Outreach Groups