Group counseling offers a supportive space to connect with other students who may be navigating similar experiences. Led by licensed counselors, groups combine professional guidance with the unique opportunity to learn from and support peers. Many students discover that hearing "I'm not the only one" can be just as powerful as the counseling itself. Whether you're looking to build relationships, develop practical coping skills or explore a specific life experience, there's likely a group that's right for you. Most groups meet weekly and include 6 to 8 students in a welcoming, confidential environment where everyone participates at their own comfort level.
Graduate and professional school students may participate in most groups unless otherwise noted.
Finding the Right Group - Groups are organized into broad categories to help you find a good fit. Many groups include elements of more than one category, so please review the group descriptions to determine which group(s) best matches your goals. Once you find a group you'd like to join, please use the registration information in the group description to begin the process.
- Connection-Based Groups
- Coping Skills Groups
- Theme Based Groups
- Graduate and Professional Student Groups
Connection-Based Groups
Connect with others who share similar experiences or identities. These groups emphasize community, belonging and mutual support while providing space to share experiences, build relationships and learn from peers.
Beyond the Margins
Open to all students interested in exploring the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Day/Time TBD
- Beyond the Margins description and registration info
Beyond the Margins is open to all students interested in exploring the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Through community and shared solidarity, participants can talk about the realities of navigating life at UC Davis, including microaggressions and other forms of bias, academics, career goals, family dynamics, relationships and overall well-being.
The group also explores intersecting identities and the ways students draw on resilience, connection and community while facing challenges on campus and beyond. Beyond the Margins offers a place to share experiences, learn from one another and build supportive relationships in a comfortable setting. Refreshments are provided.
How to Register: E-mail Tatum Phan at [email protected]
Hafez and Rumi Poetry Circle
Therapeutic poetry healing gathering inspired by the timeless works of Hafez and Rumi. This group is open to all students interested in exploring the MENASA student experience.
Every other Tuesday starting Oct. 6 at 5 PM.
- Hafez and Rumi Poetry Circle description and registration info
Hafez and Rumi Poetry Circle is a therapeutic poetry gathering inspired by the works of Persian poets Hafez and Rumi and open to all students interested in exploring the MENASA student experience. Through poetry, conversation and reflection, participants explore themes of human connection, support, spirituality, inner harmony, love and resistance while considering how these ideas relate to their own lives and the stresses of being a student.
Hafez's ghazals and Rumi's centuries-old mystical writing provide starting points for dialogue through a therapeutic lens. Persian tea, poetry reading cards and grounding activities help create space for reflection, connection and ongoing support.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
In Lak'ech
Open to all students and designed with the Chicanx/Latinx student experience in mind.
Section 1 - Mondays, 2-3:30pm; Section 2 - Tuesdays, 3-4:30pm
- In Lak'ech description and registration info
In Lak'ech is open to all students and designed with the Chicanx/Latinx student experience in mind. The group offers a supportive space to explore personal experiences, find emotional support, practice self-care and build community on campus. Participants are encouraged to express themselves in the language that feels most comfortable, whether English, Spanish or a mix of both, so they can share their experiences authentically.
The group meets for six sessions, with each session building on the last through shared stories, self-care strategies and opportunities for connection and support. Participants are asked to commit to all six sessions to help create a consistent and meaningful group experience. A brief consultation with the facilitator is required before the group begins to help determine whether the group is a good fit. Students who are still learning Spanish can ask about the group available for English-language speakers.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Inside Out: Self-Empowerment Through Expressive Arts
For all students who are interested in exploring the female experience through art-based activities.
Mondays, 3:30-4:45PM
- Inside Out: Self-Empowerment Through Expressive Arts description and registration info
Inside Out is open to all students interested in exploring the female experience through expressive arts. Using creative activities across different art forms, participants explore self-discovery, connection, healing and personal growth while learning from and supporting one another. Group themes may include building trust and safety, body integrity, self-expression, finding your voice, self-esteem, self-care, social support and ongoing self-discovery.
No particular artistic skill is required; the focus is on using creative expression as a way to reflect, connect and strengthen self-understanding and empowerment.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
International Student Community Corner
Open to all students who identify as or support international students and scholars.
Every other Wednesday, starts 10/7, 1-2PM
- International Student Community Corner description and registration info
The International Student Community Corner is open to undergraduate and graduate students and scholars who identify as or support international students and scholars. The group provides regular opportunities for connection and conversation around experiences that can come with international student and scholar life, including cultural adjustment, stress related to global or personal events, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed.
Participants can connect with others who may understand these experiences and find support in community. Participation is voluntary, and students and scholars are welcome to engage at their own pace and comfort level.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
It Takes a Village
This group is designed to support student parents.
First Thursday of the month, 1-2:30PM
- It Takes a Village description and registration info
It Takes a Village is designed for undergraduate and graduate student parents balancing the demands of school, parenting and everyday life. The group welcomes student parents who are commuting or local, single or partnered and creates space to talk honestly about the challenges and rewards of managing multiple roles.
Through shared experiences, conversation, humor and mental health support, participants can connect with other student parents, exchange support and build community with people who understand the realities of juggling academics and family life.
How to Register: For more information or to RSVP for this group contact Tracy Thomas at [email protected].
Living with Chronic Medical Conditions and Disabilities Group
This group is for students managing a chronic medical condition or navigating life with a disability.
Thursdays, 1:30-2:50PM
- Living with Chronic Medical Conditions and Disabilities Group description and registration info
This group is for undergraduate and graduate students managing a chronic medical condition or navigating life with a disability. Participants can connect with peers, share experiences and accomplishments and explore coping strategies in a confidential setting. Discussions may include self-care, self-acceptance and empowerment as well as the ways chronic conditions and disabilities can affect academics, relationships, quality of life and interactions with medical providers.
The group creates dedicated time to talk about concerns that may be difficult to explain to people who have not had similar experiences while learning from others who understand some of the realities involved.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Movimiento Latino
This group is open to all students and aims to support student expression using music and dance to explore identity. No dance experience is necessary.
Thursdays, 3-4:30PM
- Movimiento Latino description and registration info
Movimiento Latino is open to all students and uses music and dance to support self-expression and exploration of identity. Participants are introduced to ceremonial, folk and social music that reflects the diversity of the Latiné community and use movement as a creative way to support mood, confidence and overall well-being.
No dance experience is necessary, and activities can be modified for students with physical limitations. Participants are asked to commit to all six sessions and complete a brief group screening with the facilitator before the group begins.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
NeuroCrew
This group supports students who self-identify as someone with ADHD, Autism or other neurodivergent conditions.
Mondays, 1-2:30PM
- NeuroCrew description and registration info
NeuroCrew supports students who self-identify as having ADHD, Autism or other neurodivergent conditions. The group offers space to talk about the challenges and stress that can come with navigating environments built around neurotypical expectations, including social norms, communication, acceptance and feeling misunderstood.
Participants can process difficult experiences, connect with others who may relate and explore ways to navigate college and relationships while valuing their own neurodivergence. Facilitators bring intersecting identities and experience working with the neurodivergent community. Group sessions are offered in person.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Saathi
This support group is open to all students interested in exploring the South Asian student experience.
Wednesdays, 3:15-4:30PM
- Saathi description and registration info
Saathi is open to all students interested in exploring the South Asian student experience. The group provides a culturally responsive space to connect with others, share experiences and discuss the ways culture and identity intersect with everyday life. Conversations can include life's ups and downs, cultural experiences, relationships, family expectations and other topics that matter to group members.
Saathi meets for six sessions, and participants are asked to commit to the full series to help build consistency and trust within the group. A brief consultation with the facilitator is required before the group begins to help determine whether the group is a good fit. The group is offered virtually.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Coping Skills Groups
Build practical tools for everyday challenges. These groups focus on developing skills that can help you manage emotions, reduce stress, improve relationships and strengthen your overall well-being.
Body Image Workshop Series
Designed to help students navigate the pressures of body image and gain tools to build body neutrality and a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Offered Fall 2026, Day/Time TBD
- Body Image Workshop Series description and registration info
The Body Image Workshop Series is an interactive four-week workshop designed to help students navigate body-image pressures and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies. Through presentations, group discussion, activities and personal reflection, participants examine how media, social platforms and social and cultural expectations can shape the way they see and talk about their bodies.
The workshop introduces tools for building body neutrality, challenging unrealistic beauty standards and developing more empowering ways to relate to the body. Participants also have opportunities to connect with others who are working through similar concerns.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Finding Balance: A Skill-Based Group for Managing Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Learn skills and tools to cope more effectively with anxiety, and depression.
Thursdays, 1:15-2:45PM
- Finding Balance: A Skill-Based Group for Managing Stress, Anxiety and Depression description and registration info
Finding Balance is open to all students and focuses on skills for coping more effectively with stress, anxiety and depression. Participants explore ways to regulate difficult emotions, strengthen self-awareness and practice self-compassion through reflection, connection and skill building.
The group looks at how thoughts, moods, emotions and actions affect one another and provides opportunities to notice these experiences with less judgment. Participants also examine core values, self-talk and schemas, learn about the effects of stress on the mind and body and practice mindful and compassionate tools for reconnecting with themselves and others.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Making Space, Moving Forward
Learn skills for understanding emotions, responding to anxiety and depression with greater flexibility, reducing the struggle with difficult internal experiences, practicing self-compassion and identifying values that support meaningful living.
Mondays, 1-2:30PM
- Making Space, Moving Forward description and registration info
Making Space, Moving Forward is a psychoeducational and skills-focused group for students who want to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions with greater flexibility. Participants learn ways to understand emotions, respond to anxiety and depression, reduce the struggle with difficult internal experiences and practice self-compassion.
The group also helps students identify personal values and consider how those values can guide meaningful choices even when uncomfortable thoughts or feelings are present. Education, discussion, experiential activities and skill practice are used to build psychological flexibility and resilience for navigating life's challenges.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Project Flourish
Designed to equip you with information, tools, practices, mindset and resources specifically designed to help you explore and experience what it means to flourish.
Wednesdays, 2:10-3:30PM
- Project Flourish description and registration info
Project Flourish is open to all students and offers information, tools, practices, perspectives and resources for exploring what it means to flourish. The group takes a holistic approach to well-being by considering mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, vocational and environmental wellness.
Drawing from modern science, positive psychology and ancient healing traditions, participants explore evidence-based practices and everyday habits that can support well-being, strengthen resilience in the face of depression and anxiety and help them pursue a meaningful life. The focus is practical: learning approaches that students can consider and apply across different areas of their lives.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Theme Based Groups
Explore a specific life experience or challenge. These groups focus on topics such as grief, family relationships, career exploration, recovery or trauma, providing support and strategies tailored to that experience.
Aggies 4 Recovery: Drop-In Harm Reduction Support Group for Students with Substance Abuse Concerns
Aggies for Recovery is a student run organization that helps students seeking recovery from any disruptive behavior including substance abuse, eating disorders, porn addiction or anything else you might be struggling with. All meetings remain confidential.
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30PM; Sundays 7-8PM
Section 1 - Mondays 2-3:30pm; Section 2 - Tuesdays 3-4:30pm
- Aggies 4 Recovery: Drop-In Harm Reduction Support Group for Students with Substance Abuse Concerns
Aggies for Recovery is a student-run, drop-in harm reduction support group for students seeking recovery from substance use or other disruptive behaviors, including eating disorders, pornography use and other concerns. The group takes a harm reduction approach, meeting students where they are rather than requiring complete abstinence as a condition of participation.
Students can explore what recovery means for them, learn from others and build supportive connections while figuring out approaches that work for their own goals. Meetings are confidential, and the organization offers three meetings each week.
How to Register: Interested in joining us or want to learn more? Reach out to Fatima Algazalli at [email protected] for all the details. At Aggies 4 Recovery we’re excited to welcome you to a community where harm reduction recovery is celebrated and every student has opportunity to thrive in a vibrant supportive environment.
Dungeons & Therapy: Critical Core Group
In this Dungeons & Dragons group we use the Critical Core system to turn classic role‑playing fun into real‑world growth.
Mondays, 2:30-4PM
- Dungeons & Therapy: Critical Core Group description and registration info
Dungeons & Therapy: Critical Core Group uses the Critical Core tabletop role-playing system to combine the collaborative fun of Dungeons & Dragons with opportunities to practice real-world skills. No previous D&D experience is required; participants are introduced to the basics and take part in guided fantasy adventures that create opportunities to work on confidence, communication, teamwork, perspective-taking, empathy, self-expression, social interaction, assertiveness, boundary setting, emotional regulation and resilience.
The group may be helpful for students navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression or other challenges, as well as students who simply want a creative way to build skills and connect with others. Quests, puzzles and character interactions provide a low-stakes setting to experiment with new approaches and reflect on how those skills translate to everyday life.
Please note: In order to join this group, students must commit to participating in both the Fall and Winter quarter.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Family Differences: Navigating Cultural and Generational Family Dynamics
This group provides a supportive community for students navigating cultural and generational family differences to connect with peers, build healthier relationships and strengthen their well-being.
Wednesdays, 1:10-2:30PM
- Family Differences: Navigating Cultural and Generational Family Dynamics description and registration info
Family Differences provides a supportive community for students navigating cultural or generational differences within their families. Participants can talk with peers who understand complex family dynamics, share experiences and explore how different values, expectations and backgrounds affect family relationships.
The group focuses on building healthier relationships through communication, self-care and practical strategies for managing challenging interactions while supporting personal well-being. It is open to students regardless of immigration status, and participants' different experiences and perspectives are welcomed. Space is limited to support a close-knit setting for meaningful discussion and connection.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Nourish The Body and Self: Eating Disorder Recovery Group
This group is a place for students at all stages of recovery, offering a safe, confidential and empowering space to share insights, challenges and triumphs.
Wednesdays, 9-10:30AM
- Nourish The Body and Self: Eating Disorder Recovery Group description and registration info
Nourish the Body and Self is a uniquely supportive group therapy experience for students at all stages of eating disorder recovery. Participants can share challenges, insights and progress while connecting with others who understand aspects of the recovery process.
The group supports students in developing a healthier relationship with food and body image, strengthening self-understanding and building resilience. Participants are encouraged to identify a specific recovery goal to work toward and can learn from the perspectives and experiences of other group members. Students who are actively in recovery as well as those who are further along in the process are welcome.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Understanding Self and Others
This group is open to all students who want to explore and improve interpersonal relationships.
Thursdays, 2-3:30PM
- Understanding Self and Others description and registration info
Understanding Self and Others is open to students who want to explore and improve their interpersonal relationships. This group can be especially useful for students experiencing relationship struggles, low self-worth or difficulty trusting themselves or others.
Participants have opportunities to identify and process feelings, explore how past experiences affect current relationships, give and receive support and feedback and practice healthier ways of relating to themselves and other people. Learning alongside peers who understand similar struggles can also help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Graduate and Professional Student Groups
These groups are designed specifically for graduate and professional students and address the unique experiences, challenges and opportunities that can come with advanced academic and professional training.
Healing Through Connections: Graduate Student Therapy Group
A supportive space to strengthen self-awareness, build connections and navigate the challenges of graduate school.
Wednesdays, 4:10-5:30PM
- Healing Through Connections: Graduate Student Therapy Group description and registration info
Healing Through Connections is a therapy group specifically for graduate students who want to gain understanding of self in relationships, build meaningful connections and navigate the challenges of graduate school. In a confidential group setting, participants explore their thoughts and feelings, notice patterns in how they relate to others and consider the ways they connect or sometimes disconnect in relationships.
The group provides opportunities to express yourself, receive support and learn through interactions with peers who understand aspects of graduate student life. The focus is on developing deeper self-understanding and more meaningful ways of connecting with others.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Heart of Medicine: A Medical Student Support Group
A supportive space to strengthen self-awareness, build connections and navigate the challenges of medical school. Reservation is required to join this group.
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30PM
- Heart of Medicine: A Medical Student Support Group description and registration info
Heart of Medicine is a support group for medical students across all years of training. The group provides a consistent space to discuss the unique challenges and experiences of medical school, strengthen self-awareness, connect with peers and offer and receive support. Meetings are held through an encrypted version of Zoom to make participation accessible across class years.
Attendance throughout the series is strongly encouraged while recognizing the demands of medical training. Space is limited to the first 15 students, and the group closes to new participants after the second meeting of the six-session series. A reservation is required to participate.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.
Lavender Connection: Graduate and Professional Students Support Group
This group is open to all graduate and professional students and centers the LGBTQIA+ experience.
Thursdays, 2-3:30pm
- Lavender Connection: Graduate and Professional Students Support Group description and registration info
Lavender Connection is open to all graduate and professional students and centers the LGBTQIA+ experience. The group offers a confidential and affirming space to connect with peers, share experiences and explore the ways identity intersects with graduate and professional school life. Conversations may include cultural and ethnic identity, career goals, relationships, spirituality, campus climate, family and the demands of graduate or professional education.
Students of all identities are welcome, including those who are still exploring or questioning. Participants can bring the topics that matter to them while building connection and community with peers who may understand similar experiences.
How to Register: Schedule your screening appointment via Health-e-Messaging or by calling 530-752-0871.