Group Therapy

Group Based Services provide group-based counseling treatment services to UC students that address a variety of topics ranging from anxiety, depression, mindfulness to self-compassion and creative expression. Group therapy is often a treatment of choice for many students’ concerns. By engaging in group therapy, students can expect improved overall well-being and connection with others.

Groups are free and confidential for all UC enrolled students. Talk to a clinician and ask about our group counseling program to get connected and learn more. A pre-group appointment with the facilitator(s) is needed before attending a group. We offer a variety of groups each semester including support, theme focused, or general process therapy groups. Groups may be in-person or virtual.

To learn more about groups and get scheduled for a pre-group screen, please schedule a Rapid Access Counseling (RAC) appointment by calling us at 513-556-0648 during business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm), or by clicking the button below to access online scheduling:

Schedule a RAC appointment now

If you are in need of crisis support or after hours care, dial 513-556-0648 and follow the prompts to be connected to care.

Group Therapy Fall 2026

ARISE

Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm with Danielle Drake
Calhoun
The ARISE group is a gender-inclusive group for all survivors of sexual and/or relationship violence. ARISE group provides a safe and empowering space for group members to connect with other survivors, talk about their experiences, and identify what they need to move forward in their healing journey.

ARTFull Connections

Tuesdays from 3:30pm-5:00pm with Amy Smethurst and Christy Wolfram
DAAP
ARTfull Connections is a free, weekly Art Therapy group held at UC’s DAAP building, open to all students—no art experience necessary. This group offers a safe, creative space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and reflect on personal and social issues through art-making and open conversations.

Balanced Living

Thursdays from 3:00-4:30pm with Desiree Gonzales
Virtual
This group offers a supportive, non-judgmental space for college students to explore their relationship with substances while prioritizing overall well-being and academic success. Using evidence-based harm reduction principles, we focus on practical strategies to minimize risks and enhance quality of life. Participants will learn valuable coping skills, engage in therapeutic practices, and develop personalized plans for balanced living.

Building Social Confidence

Building Social Confidence
Thursdays from 2:00-3:30pm with Amy Blankenship
A supportive therapy group for UC students who want to strengthen their self-esteem, reduce self-doubt, and feel more confident in academic, social, and personal settings. Through skill-building activities, reflection, and discussion, students will explore how to challenge negative self-talk, set healthy boundaries, and build a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

Empow-her

Tuesdays from 3:00-4:30pm with Kea Brown
Calhoun
A space for exploration and experiential learning of what may impact feeling connected and disconnected from self and others.

FUBU

Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30pm with Calisha Brooks
Calhoun
More information coming soon!

Good Enough

Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30pm with Will Kirschner
Calhoun
This group is designed to provide psychoeducation and help process around experiences related to neurodivergence and/or adjustment. The group will highlight topics such as procrastination, perfectionism, and other experiences that impact students both personally and academically.

IRL

Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30pm with Austin Nader
Calhoun
IRL is a process group for college students. This group provides space and opportunity for students to connect with others in a meaningful way and to learn more about how they interact with others. This group offers opportunities for students to challenge themselves to practice new relational strategies and gain real life feedback from peers to better their relationships outside of group.

Love Lab

Wednesdays from 11:00am-12:30pm with Aislinn Burns
Calhoun
The Love Lab is designed to support students who are interested in learning more about their relational patterns, including their origin and how this continues to impact them in new relationships. The Love Lab explores relationships ranging from family-of-origin to romantic/sexual relationships to relationship with self. This group is divided between psychoeducation and structured activities, process, and at-home reflection

Mindful Self Compassion

Fridays from 10:00-11:30am with Zac Tabler
Calhoun
Learn effective strategies for a compassionate way to view yourself and others that improves mood, reduces stress, and builds healthy relationships.

Understanding Self and Others (Graduate Students)

Thursdays from 3:00-4:30pm with Caity McKeehan and Pete Mesrin
Health Sciences Building
Want to learn more about yourself, how to build healthy and fulfilling relationships, while trying new ways of connecting with others? This group provides the opportunity to gain a better understanding of yourself, share personal experiences, and receive support and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions About Group?

Common Questions about Groups

What costs are associated with group therapy?

All of our groups are free to currently enrolled students at the University of Cincinnati. 

What time commitments are associated with group therapy?

All of our groups require weekly 90 minute meetings. Groups typically meet for the duration of a semester for an average of ten meetings per semester. 

How many members are in a typical group?

Group membership can vary by topic and semester. Groups typically include 5-8 student group members with one to two CAPS clinicians acting as group facilitators. If you are interested in the exact number of group members of a specific group, feel free to ask the group facilitator for the group you intend to join. 

I’m nervous about sharing my concerns in a group setting. Is this okay?

Absolutely! It is normal to feel nervous about starting a new group. Most new group members experience fears of rejection and embarrassment when starting group. Fortunately these feelings typically subside within a few sessions. You will never be forced to share anything you do not want to share. 

What would happen if a group member is also my friend/roommate/acquaintance?

We understand that it can be awkward to have a friend, roommate, or acquaintance in your group. If this would occur, you could inform your group facilitator(s) of the situation. The group facilitator(s), in conjunction with group members, would attempt to find a solution that maximizes the benefit and minimizes the risks for group members. In some cases, both group members may remain in the same group. In other cases, one group member may be asked to join another group. 