Group Therapy & Counseling Groups

Thursdays (In-person), 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | July 9 – September 3, 2026

Navigating academic programs, work, and relationships as a trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming student can be tough and isolating. This weekly group is an opportunity to give and receive support, practice emotional regulation, self-advocacy and stress management, and connect with other transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) students on campus. The group supports students at any stage of gender transition and exploration, and is open to all degree-seeking students currently enrolled at UMN Twin Cities regardless of identity. Meetings will include space for discussion of topics including coming out, relationships, safety and accessing healthcare.

Group Leader: Imogen Page, LGSW

To join: Contact us at 612-624-1444

Section 1: Wednesdays (Virtual), 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Ongoing group

Section 2: Mondays (Virtual), 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Ongoing group

These groups meet every other week to provide support and focus on problem-solving strategies. Graduate students at the dissertation or thesis stage of their programs who have passed oral preliminary exams and/or their dissertation/thesis proposals are welcome to attend. Groups fill quickly, and there may be a waiting list for an opening. Space becomes available as students complete their degrees. This group is open to all students currently enrolled at UMN Twin Cities regardless of identity.

Group Leaders: Sarra Beckham-Chasnoff, LP, LMFT and Eve Sussman, LP

To join: Contact 612-624-1444

Thursdays (Virtual), 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | June 25 – August 13, 2026

An opportunity for students who have lost a parent or sibling to share their stories while giving and receiving support during the grieving process. Participants will be able to discuss their loss in a safe and supportive setting with others who have been through similar experiences. We know not all families look alike. Grief Support Group is inclusive of your family's definition of "parent" and "sibling." It can include the loss of any primary caregiver (e.g., parent, grandparent, uncle/aunt) or a peer-aged relative in the same household (e.g., cousins, siblings) with whom you were raised. This group is open to all students currently enrolled at UMN Twin Cities regardless of identity.

Group Leader: Siming Xie, LP

To join: Contact 612-624-1444

Wednesdays (In-person), 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.| June 3 – July 22, 2026

A therapeutic space designed to explore a wide variety of concerns alongside others who may be going through similar experiences. This group focuses on interpersonal processes and on how mental health affects relationships with oneself and with support systems. Participants will help each other develop greater self-awareness and increased ability to have satisfying relationships. The group is open to all students currently enrolled at UMN Twin Cities regardless of identity.

Group Leaders: Idil Ugurluoglu and Natalie Rivera

To join: Contact 612-624-1444 

Counseling Groups, Educational Workshops, and Affinity Spaces are not billed to health insurance and students are not charged a fee. 

Therapy Groups are billed to health insurance. Student Service Fees (SSF) help cover the cost of services for students who pay the SSF, have active health insurance, and are not on the Graduate Assistant Health Plan. Students on the Graduate Assistant Health Plan are responsible for a $10 co-pay. 

If you have questions about billing, please contact 612-624-1444. 

Our groups typically meet for 60 minutes once a week. Some groups meet most of the semester, while others are short-term, four to six sessions. Most groups consist of four to ten members. Process groups provide an environment for students to identify and explore emotions, give and receive support, and practice healthy ways of relating to others. Psychoeducational groups focus on developing skills around a particular concern and often involve discussions and experiential activities to apply the skills you are learning.

Students new to Mental Health Counseling should discuss their interest in group counseling during the mental health screening. During the mental health screening, you’ll discuss your needs, and the counselor will recommend resources and a plan for your mental health care and connect you with the next steps.

Group therapy is considered to be one of the most effective forms of treatment for many issues that confront undergraduate and graduate students, such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, low self-esteem, and troubled relationships. Students who try group therapy find it provides a safe and supportive place to explore their concerns and learn new strategies for overcoming challenges.

No. You can decide how much and when to share your feelings with the group and no one will force you to share more than you feel comfortable with. Most students are apprehensive about attending a group for the first time and wonder what it will be like to share with people they do not know. However, most find they become more comfortable over time and value the support and feedback they get from their peers. All group members are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the group so everyone can feel safe sharing.

Contact us at [email protected] or 612-624-1444.