Group therapy
Takeaway: Group therapy can be a valuable resource to help you navigate life’s challenges with more confidence and support. At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we offer a variety of support groups so you can find the right fit for whatever you’re going through. Here, we’ll highlight our current offerings and share more information about group therapy in general, and you can contact us when you’re ready to get started.
Infertility Support Group
Duration: Ongoing
Timeframe: Starting Friday February 13, 2026
Facilitator: Johanna Bellorin, LMSW
Participants: Adults who are navigating the end of a friendship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Sliding scale, $25-$75 per session. Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Carelon insurance accepted
Meet the group therapists
Johanna Bellorin, LMSW
Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker
Clientele: College students, adults
Services offered: Individual therapy, group therapy
Location: New York, NY 10010
Virtual therapy: Yes
How group therapy can help
Reduce feelings of isolation
Sharing your experiences with others who understand can help you realize you’re not alone. Group therapy creates a supportive environment that fosters connection and belonging, even in the face of difficult life events.
Gain new perspectives
Hearing how others navigate similar challenges can provide insights you might not have considered. Different viewpoints can help you see your own situation in a new light. Plus, you may be able to offer others new perspectives as well.
Build coping skills
Group sessions often include practical tools and strategies you can apply in your daily life. Learning from both the therapist and peers helps you learn and implement healthy coping mechanisms.
Get support in a cost-effective way
While support groups aren’t a replacement for individual therapy, many people appreciate that group sessions tend to be less expensive than ongoing therapy. Groups can be a great option for those looking for support on a budget.
How to prepare for group therapy
Starting group therapy can feel nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time attending. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
Think about what support looks like. What do you need from others when you're struggling, and how can you offer that in return?
Ask questions beforehand. Don't hesitate to ask your therapist about group format, size, or confidentiality rules.
Reflect on your communication style. Are you more of a listener or a sharer? Both are valuable in group settings.
Consider your boundaries. What topics feel too personal to discuss right away?
Set realistic expectations. Group therapy is a process, not a quick fix, and building trust with the group takes time
Prepare for some discomfort. It's normal to feel anxious about opening up to strangers.
Plan your self-care. Group sessions can bring up emotions, so think about how you'll take care of yourself afterward.
Remember, everyone in the group is there for similar reasons—to heal, grow, and feel more connected. Approach the first session with curiosity and compassion for yourself and others.
FAQs about group therapy
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The term “group therapy” is usually used to describe groups led by a qualified mental health professional who uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address specific issues or mental health concerns. The term “support group” is usually used to describe peer-led groups that focus on sharing experiences around a common issue.
At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, all of our groups are run by therapists and offer the support of peers navigating similar experiences.
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Group therapy could be a good fit if you want to
Learn from others' experiences,
Practice new skills in real-time,
Feel less alone in your challenges,
Have accountability from peers, or
Explore lower-cost alternatives to individual therapy.
Still not sure if group therapy is right for you? Contact us to ask any questions you may have about what to expect or to inquire about our individual therapy services.
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Many insurance plans do cover group therapy, but exact coverage depends on your specific plan details. We accept all New York State Aetna plans for our groups, as well as sliding scale private pay options. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for more information about what’s covered and what your out-of-pocket costs may look like.
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While our groups aren't free, we work with most insurance plans to make therapy accessible. Plus, our groups are offered at a sliding scale rate. We're committed to reducing barriers to mental health care and will discuss payment options during your consultation.
If you need free group support, we recommend exploring the free peer support groups offered by the New York City Metro chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Just keep in mind that these are peer-led groups, not therapy groups run by mental health professionals.
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If you know which group you want to join or have questions about a specific group, you can reach out directly to the facilitator, whose email addresses are linked by the information on our current offerings.
If you have general questions about group therapy, want more information about our practice, or are interested in the other services we offer, you can reach out here.