Groups

All groups are free, confidential and open to all students.

College students often face a variety of emotional, relational and academic concerns. Our groups are designed to be a supportive resource, providing an environment where peer interactions can lead to personal growth and relief from stress. Many participants find a sense of community in group settings, realizing they are not alone in their struggles.

CMHC offers therapy groups that address a range of student needs. Some students are initially hesitant to participate in a group, but those who join consistently find them to be a beneficial and positive experience.

New groups start each semester. Most therapy and support groups have five to ten members. Groups that are more educational and skill building in nature may be larger. The number of sessions per group varies, concluding before the end of the semester. Usually, students meet in advance with the facilitator(s) to discuss their interest. Students can attend other groups on a drop-in basis. To learn about the different group options, please refer to the list below.

If you are interested in a group that is full, call (512) 471-3515 or come by CMHC Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss your needs.

If you don’t see a group that's relevant or helpful to you, submit a suggestion or request to the CMHC Group Coordinator for other groups you’d like to see CMHC offer.

For questions about CMHC groups, contact Kimberly Bird at (512) 471-3515.

**Please note: CMHC groups are not eligible for individuals to observe for class assignments.

Find a Counseling Group

Not sure where to start? Use this tool to explore groups by area of support and format. Browse options and find groups that may be a good fit for you.


Drop-In Support Groups

DROP-IN

Cultivating Confidence: A Drop-in Skills Course for COLA Students to Level Up Confidence

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Monday, 1-2 p.m. CST

9/14 - 11/9

Catherine Ciano

RLP 1.102

Want to build your confidence? This drop-in skills course is for College of Liberal Arts students to learn about the 8 Confidence Strengths and how to use them to: 1) Reduce behaviors associated with social anxiety, imposter phenomenon, low self-worth, perfectionism and comparison; 2) Build confidence and effectiveness, 3) Improve your relationships, 4) Support your academic and career success. Get started by 1) taking the Confidence Quiz to identify your strongest Confidence Strengths and areas for growth; 2) Review the schedule and choose the skills you’d like to develop; and, 3) Register for Cultivating Confidence and attend the sessions that interest you in your UHS Health Portal.

Dates for Topics

Confidence Strength Date
Leading 9/14
Achieving 9/28
Giving 10/5
Knowing 10/12
Creating 10/19
Believing 10/26
Self-Sustaining 11/2
Performing 11/9

Questions? Message Catherine through the CARE message form.

DROP-IN

Mindful Movement: A Drop-In Group for Trauma Informed Yoga and Somatic Practice

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Wednesday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

9/9 - 11/18 (not meeting during Fall Break)

Kristen Pearson

SSB – 5th floor

This drop-in yoga group is for students who have experienced trauma and are looking for support with their own healing experience.

Trauma-informed yoga focuses on themes of grounding, choice, connection with one's body, trauma/stress response and regulation. Through the practice, participants will also learn mindfulness skills to practice being in the present moment with intention.

No prior yoga experience is necessary. Open to all fitness and ability levels.

The drop-in format of the group is a great way to access mental healthcare without having to make a weekly commitment.

DROP-IN

Motion to Thrive: A Drop-in Skills Course for the Neurodiverse Law Student

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Tuesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m. CST

9/15 - 11/17 (not meeting during Fall Break)

Maria Timm

Virtual

Motion to Thrive is a drop-in, skills-based support group designed specifically for neurodiverse law students looking to work with their brains instead of against them. Through weekly topics like overcoming procrastination, managing time, and building confidence, you'll learn concrete strategies powered by the science of brain chemicals (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins). Drop in for a single session or join us all semester to gain practical tools, stress-relief techniques, and a supportive community.

DROP-IN

Neurodivergent Voices: A Drop-in Support Group for Students who Identify as ND

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. CST

9/17 - 12/3 (not meeting during Fall Break)

Ben Jones

SSB 3.214

This drop-in group welcomes individuals who identify as Neurodivergent (ND), whether you have a formal diagnosis or not. The goal is to create a space for connection and discussion focused on sharing resources, tips and advice on managing life as an ND person. You are encouraged to discuss your experiences with college life and relationships. All discussions and coping skills will revolve around ND perspectives and strengths.

The drop-in format of the group is a great way to access mental healthcare without having to make a weekly commitment.

This group is co-hosted by Longhorn TIES.

DROP-IN

Processing Together: A Drop-in Trauma Support Group

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Wednesday, 11 a.m.-noon CST

9/30 - 12/2 (not meeting during Fall Break)

Hannah Nazir

SSB 3.214

This drop-in support group is for you if you’ve experienced or are experiencing trauma and want extra support and community. There will be a rotation of topics throughout the semester (see below). You are welcome to join, no matter what stage of processing you’re in. We aim to offer a non-judgmental environment where you can share, listen, receive and give support.

Some of the topics we’ll talk about include:

  • What does it mean to feel stable in your body, environment, relationships and life?
  • What does “processing my trauma” really mean, and what might that look like for you?
  • How can you reconnect with parts of yourself, people, meaningful activities and other aspects of life that trauma might have affected?
  • Open discussion – a chance to bring up anything on your mind or any questions you might have.

This group is here to support you however you need.

The drop-in format of the group is a great way to access mental healthcare without having to make a weekly commitment.

Clinical Groups

OPEN

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Skills Course for Anxiety and/or Panic

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Wednesday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST

Samm Castro & Alexyss Lange

SSB 3.214

This skills course is for students who experience anxiety. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidenced-based treatment for these concerns. You will review ACT principles including managing thoughts and feelings, mindfulness, cognitive defusion techniques and commitment to goal-directed behavior. ACT uses metaphors and storytelling to provide education on ACT principles. This skills course runs very similar to a class; verbal group participation is NOT required but encouraged.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

After Silence: A Support Group for Complicated Family Dynamics

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Tuesday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Hannah Yeo-Garza & CharMayne Jackson

SSB 3.214

This support group is designed for students who identify as having experiences of physical, verbal, emotional, and/or financial abuse within their family of origin You will find a supportive and compassionate environment where you can process your experiences, develop essential coping skills and embark on a journey of healing and resilience. Through guided discussions, practical exercises, and peer support, you will learn to reclaim your strength, foster self-care, and build a foundation for mental and emotional well-being.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Art of Belonging: A Creative Support Group for Stress and Connection

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Monday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Kim Bird

SSB 3.214

Feeling anxious, lonely, or disconnected? The Art of Belonging offers a welcoming space to slow down, create, and connect with other students. Through simple, accessible art activities and supportive conversation, participants will explore ways to manage stress, express themselves, and build a community of belonging.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Body Talk: Navigating Body Image Concerns with Support and Skills

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. CST

Hannah Yeo-Garza & Caroline Weppner

SSB 3.214

Do you find yourself frequently thinking about your body? Comparing your appearance to others or to a past version of yourself? Measuring your worth based on how your body looks? Or struggling to show your body the kindness and compassion it deserves? In Body Talk, we offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore the many factors that shape your relationship with your body. Together, we will examine how body image influences your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being, and how these patterns may be getting in the way of living the life you want to live. Throughout the group, participants will cultivate a sense of community while increasing awareness of how body image affects their mental health. They will learn practical tools and skills to address negative body talk, foster self-compassion, and a more supportive relationship with their bodies.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Building Balance: A DBT Skills Group for Managing College Life

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Section 1

Thursday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST

Johanna Loya & Samm Castro

SSB 3.214

Section 2

Friday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST

Sable Woods & Perrin Jones

SSB 3.214

In this group, students will learn and practice Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills to: 1) Understand and manage emotions; 2) Cope with stress, and 3) improve relationships. This group is a space to learn new tools, practice skills, and connect with others in a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment. You do not need to have prior experience with DBT – this group is open to students who are interested in developing practical skills to support their mental health and overall well-being. Students must be enrolled in individual therapy throughout the course of the group.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Dissertation Support Group: Addressing Stuckness, Balance and Mental Health (Virtual)

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. CST

Pam Moore & Soyeon Kim

Virtual

This support group is for doctoral students who are experiencing difficulties in the dissertation process. Topics that are commonly discussed include work-life balance, interactions with advisors and faculty, job/career decision-making, and motivation/strategies for making concrete progress on their dissertations and other professional activities. The group provides a place for mutual support, accountability, and goal-setting to move through internal and external barriers and move forward with their lives and careers.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Exploring and Navigating Social Anxiety: A Skills and Support group

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Section 1

Tuesday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Hannah Nazir & Caroline Weppner

SSB 3.214

Section 2

Friday, 12:30-2 p.m. CST

Clarissa Colley

SSB 3.214

This support group is for students who have difficulty speaking up in groups and/or initiating conversations, who worry about how others are evaluating them, and who find themselves more "in their head" than in the conversation. The group will focus on providing space for students who face similar challenges to meet one another as well as:

  • Identify and change thoughts associated with feared situations
  • Practice facing social fears in a supportive environment
  • Build communication and social skills to help increase comfort and self-confidence in social or performance situations

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Getting the Degree: A Support Group for Graduate and Professional Students

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Section 1

Tuesday, 4-5:30 p.m. CST

Pam Moore

SSB 3.214

Section 2

Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m. CST

Olivia Galvan

SSB 3.214

This support group is for graduate and professional students. Holding this role can be challenging when facing rigorous academic work, pressures for success, and lack of sleep and time. Graduate and professional students often struggle to have people, time, and space in their lives to share authentically their feelings and concerns about life or conflicts within their programs. This group is designed to provide a supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to receive feedback from peers. Topics discussed may include personal and professional relationships, self-esteem/confidence, personal and professional identity development and any other topics that feel relevant to participants.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Holding Space: A Support Group for Survivors of Interpersonal Trauma

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Friday, 12:30-2 p.m. CST

Kristen Pearson & Kadzumi Komiyama

SSB 3.214

This support group is for all students who identify as survivors of interpersonal trauma - sexual assault/abuse, dating/relationship violence, or abuse - and are seeking connection and support in recovering from trauma.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

"It's Complicated": A Support Group for Break-Ups and Other Romantic Challenges

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST

Kyra Duffey & Cassandre Jean-Ceide

SSB 3.214

This support group offers a space to explore the highs and lows of navigating complicated romantic relationships, "situationships," and break-ups. Topics for discussion include managing complex feelings like grief, anger, relief, regret, happiness, loneliness, and uncertainty, setting healthy boundaries, improving communication, increasing self-awareness and more.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Managing Your Mood: A Skills Course for Depression

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. CST

Brooks Harbison

SSB 3.214

Feeling stuck or unmotivated? This skills course can help you better understand and manage depression in a practical, hands-on way. You’ll learn that depression isn’t just about “feeling sad." It’s connected to how you think, what you do, and the people you spend time with. Through guided discussion, structured exercises, and weekly personal projects, you’ll explore how everyday choices can make a real difference in your mood and energy. You’ll also learn how to “manage your reality” by changing both your internal world (your thoughts and beliefs) and your outer world (your actions and environment).

You’ll practice recognizing unhelpful thought patterns, finding rewarding activities, and building strong, supportive relationships. By the end, you’ll have tools to boost your confidence, prevent setbacks, and move through life with more balance, purpose and hope. The goal isn’t perfection but progress, building the skills to guide your thoughts and actions toward greater stability and a more fulfilling life.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

On Solid Ground: A Support Group for Survivors of Interpersonal Violence

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST

Courtney Taylor & Kyrsten Engstrom

SSB 3.214

This support group is for students with experiences of interpersonal violence, encompassing sexual assault or abuse, relationship violence or stalking. It focuses on understanding and addressing the current impacts and experiences of participants. The sessions explore trauma reactions, coping strategies, creating safety in relationships, integrating individual experiences into our identities, and creating connections among group members.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Resilience Lab: A Support Group for Grad Students Who Have Experienced Trauma

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Alexyss Lange & CharMayne Jackson

SSB 3.214

If you’re a graduate student who has experienced interpersonal and/or sexual violence, this support group offers a space to explore the complex challenges of healing while navigating academic environments. Common topics may include professional pressures, academic expectations and impacts of power differences. Find connection, validation and empowerment among peers who understand the unique realities of surviving and persisting in academia.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Roots: A Support Group for Understanding Ourselves and Disordered Eating

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Monday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST

Lesley Miller & Courtney Taylor

SSB 3.214

This space aims to support and foster an open dialogue and sense of community as you examine the factors that can affect your relationship with food, body image and yourself in an open and supportive environment. You will learn about eating disorders, tools for navigating difficult emotions and coping strategies for managing eating disorder and disordered eating behaviors. You will explore topics including managing anxiety around food, navigating self-compassion, perfectionism and the roots of your behaviors. Two therapists will lead the group, with a UHS registered dietitian joining us once a month to provide further education. You’re welcome to join if you want to explore and begin shifting your relationship with food and yourself. This space is open to students of all identities and all body sizes.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Strength Through Awareness: A Recovery Skills & Support Group

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Monday and Friday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Jerry Cypert & Johanna Loya

SSB 3.214

If you want to make changes to your substance use or better understand your relationship with substances, this group offers an encouraging space to explore experiences and learn practical skills. You might be curious about your substance use, safer substance use practices, moderation or maintaining long-term recovery. In this non-judgmental, confidential space, you can explore how substance use may affect your relationships, coping, academics and other areas of your life. This group uses a harm reduction approach and meets on Mondays and Fridays. You can attend twice a week for increased support throughout the week in conjunction with your individual therapy.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Taking Back Hope: A Support Group for Students with Depression, Bipolar, and Other Mood Disorders

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Section 1

Monday, 2:30-4 p.m. CST

Danielle Sirles & Cassandre Jean-Ceide

SSB 3.214

Section 2

Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Kim Bird & Soyeon Kim

SSB 3.214

Managing symptoms of a mood disorder can often make you feel isolated, overwhelmed and misunderstood. This support group provides a supportive space to discuss current challenges, share coping strategies, and work towards finding hope and balance. A formal diagnosis is not required to join. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in individual therapy throughout the course of the group.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.

OPEN

Work Kinder, Not Harder: Compassion-Focused Skills Course for Taming Your Inner Critic

All CMHC groups are free and confidential.

Monday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST

Brooks Harbison

SSB 3.214

This Compassion Focused Group Therapy (CFT) program skills course is a structured group for students who experience shame, self-criticism, or difficulty regulating emotion. The program conceptualizes compassion as a biopsychosocial capacity involving both motivation and skill, coupled with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it suffering. Clinicians guide participants through modules that build awareness of the “three-circle model” of emotion (threat, drive, and soothing) and foster balance through experiential practice.

To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.


If you don’t see a group that's relevant or helpful to you, submit a suggestion or request to the CMHC Group Coordinator for other groups you’d like to see CMHC offer.

For questions about CMHC groups, contact Kimberly Bird at (512) 471-3515.

You may also like to review the current SHARE communities being offered by the Longhorn Wellness Center. SHARE communities are non-clinical, student-facilitated groups that should not be considered a replacement for therapy.