Group Counseling & Support

Whether you're facing personal issues, emotional concerns, or simply seeking a supportive community, our confidential groups can help you manage stress more effectively, improve your mental well-being, and build resilience. If you’re hesitant about group counseling, know it’s a step worth considering. Last year, 95% of surveyed CAPS group members agreed or strongly agreed that what they learned in their group could help them relationally, academically, and emotionally.

Why Join a Group?

Groups provide some great benefits individual counseling cannot, like sharing with peers who understand, gaining diverse perspectives and coping strategies, practicing skills in a supportive space, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Things to Know

All groups are confidential. Some welcome new participants weekly, while others have a specific structure and requirements.

While groups are designed to support particular experiences or communities, all students are welcome. Because groups are confidential, attendance for class assignments is not appropriate.

Check out our current group schedule below.

Spring Term Groups

AYA Support Group

AYA, the Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center's Women of Color Initiative, strives to facilitate long-lasting and dynamic support for body, spirit and identity. This group will focus on learning, growth, and healing. New members accepted anytime.

When & Where: HRWGC, bi-weekly on Tuesdays 12 to 1p.m. starting week 2
How to Join: This is an open bi-weekly offering and does not require anything in advance to join. Questions? Email Shaznin Daruwalla.

Circle of Support

This confidential group aims to provide survivors of gender-based violence (i.e. sexual assault, dating violence, emotional abuse, stalking, or sexual harassment) with a safe setting to share thoughts and feelings, connect with others, and support healing. New members accepted anytime.

When & Where: Wednesdays 3 to 4:30 p.m. Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center, 1700 SW Pioneer Place
How to Join: Nothing is required in advance to join. Please come to the Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center and check in at the HRWGC front desk. New members are accepted every week. Questions? Email [email protected] or Autumn Cote.

Chronic Pain & Illness Support Group

A safe space designed for students living with chronic pain or a chronic medical condition to discuss their experiences, learn, support each other, and be in community. New members accepted anytime.

When & Where: Tuesdays 3 to 4:30 p.m.
How to Join: This is an open weekly offering and does not require anything in advance to join. Questions? Email Ellen Davis or Rosalie Orellana.

DBT for Disordered Eating

This group focuses on addressing disordered eating behaviors (e.g., purging, binging, restriction) by providing skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to better regulate emotions, identify and understand patterns in your behaviors, cope with distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. The group will meet weekly for 7 weeks and review a different set of DBT skills aimed at increasing awareness and changing patterns of behavior while providing a supportive space for reflection, insight, and discussion.

When & Where: Tuesdays 2:30-4 p.m. at CAPS
How to Join: Please email Ashli Sharpton to join.

Finding Peace from Family Stress

A group for students who have faced challenging family dynamics that impact their core beliefs about themselves and others. Examples include emotionally immature parent(s), abuse, substance use, mental health challenges, neglect, religious or political tension, hostile divorce, and narcissism. Connect and explore your family's impact with other students who have faced similar challenges in a non-judgmental and confidential environment and know you are not alone.

When & Where: Tuesdays 3 to 4:30 p.m. or Thursdays 3 to 4:30 p.m.
How to Join: Please email Autumn Cote to join.

Grief & Loss Support

Engage in a warm, supportive forum for coping with the emotional impact of a major loss. Group is only open to students who have experienced a major loss but accepts new members anytime.

When & Where: Wednesdays 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at CAPS
How to Join: This is an open weekly offering and does not require anything in advance to join, but you must be a student who has experienced a major loss. Questions? Email Renee Bi.

Insight Check: A Tabletop RPG-Based Social Anxiety Group

Join a fun, story-driven adventure while working toward your therapeutic goals!
Using Dungeons & Dragons 2024 (D&D24), Dive into a fun role-playing adventure while working on therapeutic goals! We will be engaging in collaborative problem solving, exploration, and exciting adventure as we gain epic loot and skills.

When & Where: Tuesdays or Wednesdays 3 to 4:30 p.m. based on interest and availability of attendees.
How to Join: Please email John Wilkins to join.

Managing Anxiety

Gain practical skills to help you self-soothe, calm your nervous system, and reduce anxiety. New members accepted anytime. Feel free to bring your lunch.

When & Where: Wednesdays 12 to 1:30 p.m. at CAPS
How to Join: This is an open weekly offering and does not require anything in advance to join. Questions? Email Ellen Davis.

Mindful Self-compassion & Support Part II

This therapy group is for students who have taken the Mindful Self-compassion & Support group Part I. This group is designed to help students strengthen and deepen their practice of mindfulness and self-compassion.

When & Where: Tuesdays 1pm to 2:20 p.m. starting April 7
How to Join: Please email Autumn Cote to join or if you are interested in joining part 1 in fall 2026.

Rally Point: A Veterans Support Space

A place to discuss issues relevant to current and prior service members. These discussions may include processing the challenges of the college experience as a non-traditional student. New members accepted anytime.

When & Where: Wednesdays 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Snell 150 (Holcomb Center)
How to Join: This is an open weekly offering and does not require anything in advance to join. Questions? Email Don Phillips.

Student Autism Community Group

This group offers a space for students with Autism to connect, get support, and discuss their OSU experience. Hosted and facilitated by DAS.

When & Where: Zoom and in person at DAS (A200 Kerr)
How to Join In-Person Meetings: Please email Leslie Dietz at DAS.

Link next virtual meeting: Join the Zoom meeting on May 13th at 3 p.m. or attend in person.

TransForm!

A supportive, inclusive space designed for exploring the experiences of all gender identities — including but not limited to trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and anyone exploring their gender identity. All are welcome to participate in this respectful and confidential environment. New members welcome anytime.

When & Where: Mondays 3 to 4:30 p.m. at CAPS
How to Join: This is an open weekly offering and does not require anything in advance to join. Questions? Email Max-Edward Rizer.

For general inquires and requests for accommodations related to a disability, please email John Wilkins, Groups Coordinator.