Groups
All groups are free, confidential and open to all students.
College students often face a variety of emotional, relational and academic concerns. Our groups are designed to be a supportive resource, providing an environment where peer interactions can lead to personal growth and relief from stress. Many participants find a sense of community in group settings, realizing they are not alone in their struggles.
CMHC offers therapy groups that address a range of student needs. Some students are initially hesitant to participate in a group, but those who join consistently find them to be a beneficial and positive experience.
New groups start each semester. Most therapy and support groups have five to ten members. Groups that are more educational and skill building in nature may be larger. The number of sessions per group varies, concluding before the end of the semester. Usually, students meet in advance with the facilitator(s) to discuss their interest. Students can attend other groups on a drop-in basis. To learn about the different group options, please refer to the list below.
If you are interested in a group that is full, call (512) 471-3515 or come by CMHC Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss your needs.
If you don’t see a group that's relevant or helpful to you, submit a suggestion or request to the CMHC Group Coordinator for other groups you’d like to see CMHC offer.
For questions about CMHC groups, contact Kimberly Bird at (512) 471-3515.
**Please note: CMHC groups are not eligible for individuals to observe for class assignments.
Drop-In Support Groups
Mindful Movement: A Drop-In Group for Trauma Informed Yoga and Somatic Practice
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Wednesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. CST
9/9 - 11/18 (not meeting during Fall Break)
Kristen Pearson
SSB – 5th floor
This drop-in yoga group is for students who have experienced trauma and are looking for support with their own healing experience.
Trauma-informed yoga focuses on themes of grounding, choice, connection with one's body, trauma/stress response and regulation. Through the practice, participants will also learn mindfulness skills to practice being in the present moment with intention.
No prior yoga experience is necessary. Open to all fitness and ability levels.
The drop-in format of the group is a great way to access mental healthcare without having to make a weekly commitment.
Neurodivergent Voices: A Drop-in Support Group for Students who Identify as ND
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. CST
9/17 - 12/3 (not meeting during Fall Break)
CMHC & Longhorn Ties
SSB 3.214
This drop-in group welcomes individuals who identify as Neurodivergent (ND), whether you have a formal diagnosis or not. The goal is to create a space for connection and discussion focused on sharing resources, tips and advice on managing life as an ND person. You are encouraged to discuss your experiences with college life and relationships. All discussions and coping skills will revolve around ND perspectives and strengths.
The drop-in format of the group is a great way to access mental healthcare without having to make a weekly commitment.
This group is co-hosted by Longhorn TIES.
Processing Together: A Drop-in Trauma Support Group
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Wednesday, 11 a.m.-noon CST
9/30 - 12/2 (not meeting during Fall Break)
Hannah Nazir
SSB 3.214
This drop-in support group is for you if you’ve experienced or are experiencing trauma and want extra support and community. There will be a rotation of topics throughout the semester (see below). You are welcome to join, no matter what stage of processing you’re in. We aim to offer a non-judgmental environment where you can share, listen, receive and give support.
Some of the topics we’ll talk about include:
- What does it mean to feel stable in your body, environment, relationships and life?
- What does “processing my trauma” really mean, and what might that look like for you?
- How can you reconnect with parts of yourself, people, meaningful activities and other aspects of life that trauma might have affected?
- Open discussion – a chance to bring up anything on your mind or any questions you might have.
This group is here to support you however you need.
The drop-in format of the group is a great way to access mental healthcare without having to make a weekly commitment.
Clinical Groups
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Skills Course for Anxiety and/or Panic
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Wednesday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST
Samm Castro & Alexyss Lange
SSB 3.214
This skills course is for students who experience anxiety. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidenced-based treatment for these concerns. You will review ACT principles including managing thoughts and feelings, mindfulness, cognitive defusion techniques and commitment to goal-directed behavior. ACT uses metaphors and storytelling to provide education on ACT principles. This skills course runs very similar to a class; verbal group participation is NOT required but encouraged.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
After Silence: A Support Group for Complicated Family Dynamics
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Tuesday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST
Hannah Yeo-Garza
SSB 3.214
This support group is designed for students who identify as having experiences of physical, verbal, emotional, and/or financial abuse within their family of origin You will find a supportive and compassionate environment where you can process your experiences, develop essential coping skills and embark on a journey of healing and resilience. Through guided discussions, practical exercises, and peer support, you will learn to reclaim your strength, foster self-care, and build a foundation for mental and emotional well-being.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Build Your Social Confidence: A Skills Group for Social Anxiety
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Fridays, 12:30-2 p.m. CST
Clarissa Colley
SSB 3.214
In this skills course you will meet with other students who have difficulty speaking up in groups and/or initiating conversations, identify and change thoughts associated with your feared situations, and practice facing your social fears in a safe and supportive environment. You will build communication and social skills to help you increase your comfort and self-confidence in social and performance situations.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Dissertation Support Group: Addressing Stuckness, Balance and Mental Health (Virtual)
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. CST
Pam Moore
Virtual
This support group is for doctoral students who are experiencing difficulties in the dissertation process. Topics that are commonly discussed include work-life balance, interactions with advisors and faculty, job/career decision-making, and motivation/strategies for making concrete progress on their dissertations and other professional activities. The group provides a place for mutual support, accountability, and goal-setting to move through internal and external barriers and move forward with their lives and careers.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Exploring and Navigating Social Anxiety: A Support Group
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Tuesday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST
Hannah Nazir
SSB 3.214
This support group is for students who have difficulty speaking up in groups and/or initiating conversations, who worry about how others are evaluating them, and who find themselves more "in their head" than in the conversation. The group will focus on providing space for students who face similar challenges to meet one another as well as:
- Identify and change thoughts associated with feared situations
- Practice facing social fears in a supportive environment
- Build communication and social skills to help increase comfort and self-confidence in social or performance situations
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Getting the Degree: A Support Group for Graduate and Professional Students
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Section 1
Tuesday, 4-5:30 p.m. CST
Pam Moore
SSB 3.214
Section 2
Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m. CST
Olivia Galvan
SSB 3.214
This support group is for graduate and professional students. Holding this role can be challenging when facing rigorous academic work, pressures for success, and lack of sleep and time. Graduate and professional students often struggle to have people, time, and space in their lives to share authentically their feelings and concerns about life or conflicts within their programs. This group is designed to provide a supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to receive feedback from peers. Topics discussed may include personal and professional relationships, self-esteem/confidence, personal and professional identity development and any other topics that feel relevant to participants.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Holding Space: A Support Group for Survivors of Interpersonal Trauma
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Friday, 12:30-2 p.m. CST
Kristen Pearson
SSB 3.214
This support group is for all students who identify as survivors of interpersonal trauma - sexual assault/abuse, dating/relationship violence, or abuse - and are seeking connection and support in recovering from trauma.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
"It's Complicated": A Support Group for Break-Ups and Other Romantic Challenges
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST
Kyra Duffey
SSB 3.214
This support group offers a space to explore the highs and lows of navigating complicated romantic relationships, "situationships," and break-ups. Topics for discussion include managing complex feelings like grief, anger, relief, regret, happiness, loneliness, and uncertainty, setting healthy boundaries, improving communication, increasing self-awareness and more.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Managing Your Mood: A Skills Course for Depression
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. CST
Brooks Harbison
SSB 3.214
Feeling stuck or unmotivated? This skills course can help you better understand and manage depression in a practical, hands-on way. You’ll learn that depression isn’t just about “feeling sad." It’s connected to how you think, what you do, and the people you spend time with. Through guided discussion, structured exercises, and weekly personal projects, you’ll explore how everyday choices can make a real difference in your mood and energy. You’ll also learn how to “manage your reality” by changing both your internal world (your thoughts and beliefs) and your outer world (your actions and environment).
You’ll practice recognizing unhelpful thought patterns, finding rewarding activities, and building strong, supportive relationships. By the end, you’ll have tools to boost your confidence, prevent setbacks, and move through life with more balance, purpose and hope. The goal isn’t perfection but progress, building the skills to guide your thoughts and actions toward greater stability and a more fulfilling life.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
On Solid Ground: A Support Group for Survivors of Interpersonal Violence
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m. CST
Courtney Taylor & Kyrsten Engstrom
SSB 3.214
This support group is for students with experiences of interpersonal violence, encompassing sexual assault or abuse, relationship violence or stalking. It focuses on understanding and addressing the current impacts and experiences of participants. The sessions explore trauma reactions, coping strategies, creating safety in relationships, integrating individual experiences into our identities, and creating connections among group members.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Resilience Lab: A Support Group for Grad Students Who Have Experienced Trauma
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST
Alexyss Lange
SSB 3.214
If you’re a graduate student who has experienced interpersonal and/or sexual violence, this support group offers a space to explore the complex challenges of healing while navigating academic environments. Common topics may include professional pressures, academic expectations and impacts of power differences. Find connection, validation and empowerment among peers who understand the unique realities of surviving and persisting in academia.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Taking Back Hope: A Support Group for Students with Depression, Bipolar, and Other Mood Disorders
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Section 1
Monday, 2:30-4 p.m. CST
Danielle Sirles
SSB 3.214
Section 2
Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST
Kim Bird
SSB 3.214
Managing symptoms of a mood disorder can often make you feel isolated, overwhelmed and misunderstood. This support group provides a supportive space to discuss current challenges, share coping strategies, and work towards finding hope and balance. A formal diagnosis is not required to join. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in individual therapy throughout the course of the group.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Work Kinder, Not Harder: Compassion-Focused Skills Course for Taming Your Inner Critic
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
Monday, 3:30-5 p.m. CST
Brooks Harbison
SSB 3.214
This Compassion Focused Group Therapy (CFT) program skills course is a structured group for students who experience shame, self-criticism, or difficulty regulating emotion. The program conceptualizes compassion as a biopsychosocial capacity involving both motivation and skill, coupled with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it suffering. Clinicians guide participants through modules that build awareness of the “three-circle model” of emotion (threat, drive, and soothing) and foster balance through experiential practice.
To register or for more information - Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
If you don’t see a group that's relevant or helpful to you, submit a suggestion or request to the CMHC Group Coordinator for other groups you’d like to see CMHC offer.
For questions about CMHC groups, contact Kimberly Bird at (512) 471-3515.
You may also like to review the current SHARE communities being offered by the Longhorn Wellness Center. SHARE communities are non-clinical, student-facilitated groups that should not be considered a replacement for therapy.


