Building Connection and Belonging: Inside CMHC’s Group Counseling Program

Published: November 3, 2025

The Counseling and Mental Health Center’s (CMHC) group counseling program has grown into one of the largest university group counseling programs in the nation. The program is one part of CMHC’s comprehensive mental health services for students, which also include individual counseling, crisis support, psychiatry and various well-being services.

During the 2023–2024 academic year, CMHC’s 62 full-time licensed mental health professionals collectively led 28,312 attended sessions.

Group counseling offers students a unique opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences, guided by licensed clinicians. Options include both drop-in groups and weekly sessions, and all are free for students.

Since its creation, the group counseling program has become a cornerstone of CMHC’s clinical offerings. In the 2023–2024 academic year alone, the program hosted 2,076 group sessions on topics such as mindfulness, self-compassion, interpersonal relationships and support for students impacted by interpersonal violence or substance use. Other groups focused on areas like mindful eating, yoga for mental health, graduate student support and skill building.

As of fall 2025, the program’s group space has moved from the fifth floor of CMHC to the third floor of the Student Services Building (SSB)—a change that reflects its mission to be open, welcoming and full of life. The airy, plant-filled space provides a calm, grounding environment that helps students feel connected from the moment they arrive.

Under the direction of Kimberly Bird, LPC-S, group services coordinator and Alexyss Lange, PhD, assistant group services coordinator, the program continues to evolve to meet students’ needs. This fall, CMHC is offering 28 group options, including drop-in support groups such as Yoga for Healing, Neurodivergent Voices, Support for Chronic Illness and Interpersonal Violence Support, as well as closed and rolling-admission groups focused on emotional well-being, relationships, academic stress and more.

Students who participate often describe the experience as transformative. In end-of-semester surveys, they’ve shared:

“It’s always a safe space!”
“Kindness and understanding.”
“Having mutually understanding people who were willing to listen and relate.”
“Their expertise was evident—they listened and spoke at all the right times.”

The most common takeaway? A renewed sense of connection and belonging.

The new space has also enhanced the experience for both facilitators and participants—offering flexible rooms for small or large groups, increased privacy and a peaceful atmosphere that encourages openness and reflection.

Looking ahead, the program will continue to adapt. Each semester, clinicians introduce new groups based on student feedback, attendance trends and emerging needs. Students can even suggest new topics through an online form.

For those who are curious but hesitant, Bird offers simple advice. “Joining a group can feel intimidating at first, but most students quickly find that they’re not alone. Groups are confidential, welcoming and led by trained facilitators who help everyone feel comfortable and supported.”

Whether it’s learning to manage stress, build relationships or simply feel less alone, CMHC’s group counseling program remains a vital space for Longhorns to connect, heal and grow—together.

For more information, visit the groups page.