Group Therapy

Riverside Community Care expanded our offerings to include virtual group therapy during the pandemic. Some groups have returned to in-person, many still run remotely via telehealth, and some follow a hybrid model. All are facilitated by experienced Riverside clinicians. Groups are arranged below according to discussion focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Stress
Domestic Violence
Identity Groups (LGBTQIA+, men, women)
Mindfulness, Meditation, Wellness
Parenting
Substance Recovery
Special Situations
Kids, Teens, and Young Adults

If you are interested in joining a group or would like to learn more, please call the number at the end of each listing. (Please note: Due to state licensing issues, we are only able to accept participants who live in Massachusetts.) If you aren’t currently a Riverside client, you will need to complete an intake prior to attending group. ** Indicates drop-in group

Anxiety, Depression, Stress

Anxiety Support Group
Thursday from 5:00-6:00pm, Norwood CBHC by Zoom
Leader: Meredith Gibson

For those with challenges managing their anxiety, this group focuses on empowerment through education and coping skills, and through the group’s support. This is a non-judgmental, supportive, and learning environment for members to share their thoughts and feelings. Contact your provider for a referral.

-or- Monday 5:00-6:00pm, Norwood CBHC by Zoom

Leader: Shristi Pant

Assertiveness Skills and Reduction to Anger
Tuesday from 9:00-10:00am, Lynnfield outpatient by Zoom
Leader: Paula Younge, CAGS

Group members will explore and recognize early warning signs to emotional escalation. Group members will reduce anger by learning to identify and respond with self-soothing strategies, using assertive communication skills, and practicing healthy boundaries and conflict resolution. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 781-246-2010 for more information.

Building Healthy Relationships
Wednesday from 1:00-2:00pm, Norwood CBHC by Zoom
Leaders: Jennifer Doherty & Rebecca Englebretsen

A group to explore relationship with self, increase insight, building and maintaining healthy relationships with others. Topics include communication, native love language, co-dependence vs. interdependence, setting boundaries, self-abandonment in relationships, finding balance etc. Contact your provider for a referral.

Changing Unhelpful Self-Perceptions and Behaviors
Monday, 3:15-4:15pm, Newton outpatient (in-person), currently accepting referrals
Leader: Robert Saxner, Psy.D.

Using a combination of psychodynamic and CBT modalities, group members will gain insight into longstanding self-perceptions and behaviors that are at the root of depression, anxiety, and various other symptoms. Within an encouraging and empathetic atmosphere, they can use this insight to assess and make changes where necessary to their goals and coping strategies, and create a healthier, more fulfilling life. Meets in person at the Newton Outpatient Center. Contact Newton outpatient clinic at 617-969-4925 for more information.

Coping Skills Group
Wednesday from 12:00-1:00pm, Milford CBHC by Zoom
Leaders: Colleen White, Heather Murray, Michelle O’Neill

A supportive group to learn and practice skills to increase your sense of well-being. Some of the skills include mindfulness, journaling, breathing techniques, visualizations, sound, art and more! Joining together to practice will be engaging and fun with inspiring instruction, stories, visuals, videos, quotes and more. Contact your provider for a referral.

Coping and Conversation

Thursday from 12:00-1:00pm, Newton outpatient (in-person)

Leader: Katie Mulcahy

This in-person support group focuses on helping people with severe persistent mental illness to connect and socialize with others in a structured and nurturing setting. Meets at Newton Outpatient Center. Contact Newton outpatient at 617-969-4925 for more information.

Expressive Arts Movement Group
Monday from 12:00-1:00pm, Somerville Outpatient by Hybrid starting 11/4/24
Leader: Natalie Wright

Group members will be guided through grounding techniques and mindfulness explorations to explore positivity and emotional regulation tools. Utilizing a strength-based approach toward CBT and Expressive Therapies, group members will utilize journaling, movement, and art to expand their perspectives and share within guided group discussions. No artistic skills required, just an open mind and a willingness to try!

Expressive Coping Skills for Mental Illness
Thursday from 10:45-11:45am, Lynnfield outpatient by Zoom
Leader: Paula Younge, M.Ed, CAGS

This group will practice creative ways to manage symptoms and increase joy and relaxation using music, movement, meditation, games and writing exercises. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 978-246-2010 for more information.

Group Therapy
Thursday from 9:30-10:30pm, Lynnfield outpatient by Hybrid (waitlist)
Leader: Paula Younge, M.Ed, CAGS

This open format group provides the opportunity for members to share current concerns about mental health symptoms and stressors. The group offers a sense of relief and belonging through sharing with others who understand what they are going through. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 978-246-2010 for more information.

Stress Management

Monday 12:00-1:00pm, Somerville outpatient, Hybrid- both by Zoom and in-person

Leader: Erol Zeybekoglu, PsyD

A CBT-based group focused on sharing and developing coping strategies with peer support and feedback. Topics include self-care, personal emotional control, safety planning, identifying values and beliefs, and managing interpersonal relationships and boundaries. Hybrid group – meets in-person and online. For more information, please call Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275.

Symptom Management
Monday from 9:00-10:00am, Lynnfield outpatient by Zoom
Leader: Paula Younge, M.Ed, CAGS

This is a group where people can discuss their mental health diagnoses and symptoms. Members will explore recovery concepts, increase self-awareness, and expand their practice of healthy coping strategies. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 978-246-2010 for more information.

–or- Fridays from 12:00pm-1:00pm, Milford CBHC by Zoom Leaders: Renee Gaumond, Heather Murray and Michelle O’Neill

This group works on ways to help effectively handle symptoms, to learn about and discuss mental health diagnoses, increase self-awareness and explore recovery concepts. Contact your provider for a referral.

Domestic Violence

Please call 781-747-8889 for referrals, registration, and questions regarding any Domestic Violence group, including days and times held via Zoom. For more information about our programs, please visit our webpage.

Art and Healing

No art experience is required for this in-person group. Self-exploration and self-expression using art materials, in a safe and confidential group for survivors of intimate partner abuse. Materials provided.

Children Affected by Domestic Violence Support groups for children of all ages, focused on handling feelings, social skill-building, and for older children, working through their experiences of intimate partner violence and family disruption.

Kids in Action: Therapy Group for Children Aged 4-8 A safe environment where children can explore their feelings and experiences and learn coping strategies.

Moving ON…Surviving and Thriving After Separation and Divorce Confidential, non-judgmental support group.

New Beginnings Community Women’s Group In-person group led by peers, offering mutual support, conversation, arts and crafts, and more.

Surviving and Thriving Online support group for survivors of domestic violence.

Young Adult Women’s Support Group For young women who were exposed to domestic abuse growing up and may be experiencing partner abuse in their own lives. The purpose of this group is to educate, explore coping skills, promote self-growth, and raise awareness to help break the cycle of abuse.

Identity Groups

Aging Well Peer Group (for women aged 60+)
Monday 1:00-2:00pm, Newton outpatient (in-person)
Leader: Suzanne Toukan, LCSW; Susan Adams

or Aging Well Peer Group (for adults aged 60+)
Monday, 10:00-11:00am, Newton outpatient by Hybrid and has 2 slots for Zoom
Leader: Suzanne Toukan, LCSW

A group for older adults aged 60+ who are seeking change, engagement, and camaraderie. We’ll address topics such as loneliness, ageism, societal and systemic barriers, meaning and purpose, and coping skills, and focus on creative ways to achieve optimal health and well-being in an atmosphere of support and mutual aid. Contact Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925 for more information.

LGBTQIA+ Group

Thursday 1:00-2:00pm (adults 18+), Somerville outpatient by Zoom

Leader: Kara Trietsch, LCSW

-or- Tuesday from 3:00-4:00pm, Norwood CBHC by Zoom Leader: Shristi Pant

For members of the LGBTQIA+ community dealing with issues related to family and relationships, identity development, past trauma, and experiences of marginalization and oppression. Group members will practice skills such as effective communication, stress management and coping techniques, self-care, and identity exploration. Online group, open to any adult who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, non-binary, intersex, ace, or who does not exclusively identify as straight and/or cisgender. Please contact your provider for a referral.

Men’s Groups
Wednesday 5:00-6:00pm, Norwood CBHC by Zoom
Leader: John Beck, LCSW

This ongoing support group for men focuses on relationships, health/wellness, stress management, and coping with anxiety/depression. Hybrid group – meets in-person and online. Please contact your provider for a referral.

–or- Thursday 3:00pm-4:00pm, Somerville outpatient by Zoom Leader: Erol Zeybekoglu, PsyD

Open discussion group providing a space for a general mental health check-in, with opportunities for interpersonal processing of affect, peer support, and feedback regarding topics related to men’s mental health care and community resources. Hybrid group – meets in-person and online. For more information, please call Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275.

Parenting Group
Wednesday from 10:30-11:30am, Milford CBHC by Zoom
Leader: Hafsa McCloud starting October 23, 2024

This virtual group is designed for parents to come together, learn different parenting styles through an ARC (attachment, regulation and competency) framework, share resources, and to find a source of support within other parents.

Women’s Group
Tuesday from 6:00-7:00pm by Zoom or Thursday from 12:00-1:00pm, Norwood CBHC by Zoom
Leader: Valencia Pina

This group is for young adult to middle-age women who are seeking support from other women to help manage anxiety, depression, grief and social isolation. For more information, please contact your provider.

Women’s Trauma Group

Tuesday from 3:15-4:15pm, Newton outpatient by Zoom

Leader: Susan Bitensky, LICSW

This ongoing group for older women with mental illness helps develop skills for coping with anxiety, depression, family issues, past trauma, and offers opportunities to practice new skills, receive support, and socialize in a safe environment. For more information, please call Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925.

Mindfulness, Meditation, Wellness

Body Awareness
Thursday from 3:15-4:15pm, Norwood CBHC (in-person)
Leader: Karen Frucci, LCSW & Alex Tibbert Green

This group provides a space to learn and practice the basic elements of the mind-body connection, together. Each week will offer a variety of tools and techniques that allow us to listen, feel, and understand how our body and mind are connected. We will learn how doing so allows us to better support our overall well-being by revealing connections between emotional and physical health. Contact your provider for a referral.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Wednesday from 9:30-10:30am, Lynnfield outpatient by Zoom
Leader: Paula Younge, M.Ed, CAGS

Group members work on altering negative thought patterns by understanding the connections between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The group will use CBT workbooks and members will participate in group exercises to change unhelpful thinking patterns. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 978-246-2010 for more information.

Conscious Crafters
Tuesday from 1:30-2:30pm, Milford CBHC, in-person
Leaders: Kathy Walsh and Colleen White

A drop-in group for people who want to practice mindful calming techniques while learning and creating. Explore relaxation and stress management with your senses and gentle movements and create your own object to take home.

DBT Skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

Friday 12:00-1:00pm, Newton outpatient by Zoom

Leaders: Ana Hernandez, LMFT and Ashley Niemiec, MS

Contact Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925 for more information.

-or- Tuesday from 1:00-2:00pm, Newton outpatient Leader: Ashley Niemiec, MS

-or- Monday from 3:00-4:00pm, Milford CBHC by Zoom

Leader: Cindi Scrimgeour, LMHC

Contact your provider for more information.

-or- Thursday from 11:00-12:00pm, Milford CBHC (in-person)

Leader: Cindi Scrimgeour, LMHC

Contact your provider for a referral.

-or- Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30pm from Oct 22-Nov 26, Cambridge outpatient in-person Leader: Ashley Marsden Contact Cambridge outpatient center at 857-331-6331 for more information.

DBT helps identify thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that make life harder. Learn and practice DBT skills of distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.

DBT: Mindfulness
Wednesday 11:00am-12:00pm, runs four weeks (for adults 18+, all genders), Somerville outpatient (virtual)
Leader: Kara Trietsch, LCSW

This four-week group will teach skills from the mindfulness module of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT.) Mindfulness skills help you slow down and focus on using healthy coping skills when you are in the midst of emotional pain. These strategies can also help you stay calm and avoid engaging in automatic negative thought patterns and impulsive behavior. For more information, contact Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275.

DBT Skill-Building
Tuesday 3:00-4:00pm, Lynnfield outpatient by Zoom (waitlist)
Leader: Paula Younge M.Ed,C.A,G.S

Members learn DBT coping skills through group format which includes homework assignments, completion of DBT Diary Cards weekly and worksheets. Group members are encouraged to practice, implement DBT skills daily to manage their symptoms. Consistent attendance required to maintain the integrity of the group process. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 978-246-2010 for more information.

Healing Crotchet
Friday from 5:00-6:00pm, Milford CBHC by hybrid
Leader: Carole Stratton

Studies show that knitting and crocheting help us relax and improve focus. Other benefits include socialization, reducing stress and anxiety, boosts self-esteem, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s by 30-50%, improve sleep, increase creativity, puts you in control, among many other things. Contact your provider for a referral.

**Mindful Mondays
2nd & 4th Monday each month but only once a month with a Monday holiday, 12:00-1:00pm, Newton outpatient by Zoom
Leader: Judi Locke, LMHC

This is a group that teaches mindfulness, chair-based yoga, breathwork, and visualization exercises designed to promote a sense of well-being. For more information, please call Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925.

Mindfulness and Movement
Thursday 4:00-5:00pm (adults), Milford CBHC (in-person)
Leader: Cindi Scrimgeour

This group will integrate mindfulness with movement. We will work to build the window of tolerance using mindfulness and movement for enhancing awareness, curiosity, and flexibility. Contact your provider for a referral.

Mindfulness through Fiber Arts
Monday 2-3pm, Somerville outpatient- Hybrid with in-person & via Zoom Leader: Linda McMaster, LCSW

Knitting and crochet are activities that have the potential to reduce anxiety and perseverative thinking, while also providing cognitive stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. This group will provide a framework for clients to learn mindfulness and build social connections while practicing fiber arts. Limited basic supplies (crochet hooks, knitting needles, and yarn) will be available on-site. No experience with fiber arts necessary. Contact Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275 for more information.

Movement for Emotional Health
Monday 12:00-1:00pm (adults 18+, all genders), Somerville outpatient by Zoom. Will end on 10/28/24.
Leader: April-Emily Moorer, MHC, RYT 200hr

Therapeutic yoga allows your emotional process to be a whole-body healing experience. It is well established as a treatment modality for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We’ll incorporate gentle yoga stretches, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery in this virtual group. You’ll need a comfortable space to sit and stretch, cushion, blanket, and blocks (or substitute books). Yoga mat or experience not required. For more information, please call 617-354-2275.

Substance Recovery

Holiday Recovery Group

Monday from 5:00-6:00pm, Milford CBHC, Hybrid with both in-person and by Zoom
Leader: Charles Martin
This group is to support those in recovery during the holidays.
Please contact your provider if you are interested.

I-M Recovery Group

Tuesday from 12:00-1:00pm, Somerville outpatient, Hybrid with both in-person and by Zoom

Leader: Erol Zeybekoglu, PsyD

This 12-week group will provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment to learn about addiction, why we do what we do, and take positive steps in recovery. Focusing on a different concept each week with both an educational component and interactive group process, the group is built upon the concept that small changes have big effects in our lives. Hybrid – meets in-person and online. Call Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275 for more information.

Life beyond Sobriety: Relapse Prevention
Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00pm, Milford CBHC by Zoom
Leaders: Renee Gaumond, Charlie Martin, Johnny Pike

A forum to work on empowerment by reducing shame and stigma.

Recovery Group
Wednesday from 6:00-7:00pm, Norwood CBHC, Hybrid with both in-person and Zoom
Leaders: David Bailey & Johnny Franchio

This group is to provide participants in recovery with a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment to learn about addiction, why we do what we do, and take positive steps in your recovery. Please contact your provider for a referral.

The Many Faces of Recovery
Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm, Milford CBHC by Zoom
Leader: Charlie Martin

We will employ psycho-education and interactive discussion related to a weekly recovery topic. The group will explore many of the myriad “programs” of recovery including but not limited to: 12 Steps of Recovery, recovery dharma, Refuge Recovery, SMART recovery. The focus will be on positive change to support a refreshed view of life in recovery. Please contact your provider for a referral.

Women’s Recovery
Wednesday from 2:00-3:00pm, Milford CBHC by Zoom
Leaders: Renee Gaumond

The Women’s Recovery Group is a safe place for any woman who is working toward substance use recovery. We’re a group open for discussion about women’s issues and experiences with addiction. Please contact your provider for a referral.

Special Situations

ADHD
Monday 11:00-12:00pm, Somerville outpatient- Hybrid with both in-person and Zoom
Leaders: Linda McMaster, LCSW and Kara Trietsch, LCSW

A supportive environment to increase awareness of the symptoms of ADHD in folks who are traditionally under-diagnosed due to gender, race, or other social contexts. This group integrates emerging research and theory into our collective understanding of ADHD and will focus discussion on topics such as emotional regulation, impulsivity, late-in-life diagnosis, and grief. Open to adults who are interested in exploring how ADHD affects their lives (formal diagnosis not required). Hybrid class, offered in-person and virtually. Contact Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275 for more information.

Adult Skills Group- Table-Top Gaming

Tuesday from 11:00-12:00pm, Milford CBHC in-person

Leader: Sean Smith

In this group, people served with be immersed in a role-playing game where they will explore their attachments, use regulation skills to deal with stress and move forward to gain more competency. This group is based on the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency) Modality and will intertwine forms of play therapy and psycho-drama. Displacement will be happening throughout the experience where you will go through different situations that may bring back certain feelings all while exploring a new way to integrate yourself into the table-top world and your life outside of the therapy room. Please contact your provider for a referral.

Clubhouse Group
Monday from 4:00-5:00pm, Norwood CBHC (in-person)
Leader: Mataiah Crossely

Clubhouse group is a collaborative support group, that will incorporate community building (strengthening friendships, improving communication and social skills) through art games and discussions. Contact your provider for a referral.

Grief Group
Friday 1:00-2:00pm, Newton outpatient by Zoom, starting 10/18/24.
Leader: Ana Hernandez

This is a virtual group is for adults who have lost a loved one. When someone we love passes away, it is normal to feel a variety of complex, and often contradicting, emotions as we grief and mourn. In this group, a supportive nonjudgmental space will be created for those who need a safe and affirming space to process their feelings around their loss. All experiences with grief are welcomed. This will be a mix of psychoeducation, reflective listening, and validation to facilitate a supportive discussion to process and heal. Contact Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925 for more information.

Hoarding Maintenance Groups
Tuesday 11:00-12:00pm, Newton outpatient by Zoom
Leader: Dara Concagh

-or- Every other Friday 11:45-1:00pm

Leader: Lori Barry-Smith, LICSW

Ongoing groups open to people who have completed the above 26-week Hoarding/Clutter Treatment Group. The purpose is to provide a supportive environment while reviewing and reinforcing the skills and techniques that help with de-cluttering at home. For more information, please call Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925.

Intro to CBT for Hoarding disorder Group

Monday 11:00-12:oopm, Newton outpatient by Zoom

Leader: Dara Concagh, LICSW

This group will meet weekly over the course of seven months. It is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, and will aim to encourage, support, and motivate those who struggle with clutter. Group members learn skills that inspire them to pare down and organize current belongings, as well as minimize future acquisitions. Contact Newton outpatient center at 617-969-4925 for more information.

Reclaiming Your Inner Child
Wednesday 8:00-9:00am, Lynnfield outpatient by Zoom (waitlist)
Leader: Paula Younge M.Ed,C.A.G.S

A place where people can develop, learn, identify and discuss mental health symptoms related to childhood trauma. This group will help implement coping skills to manage emotions and personal healing, look at family dysfunction which can be triggering at times, and help to reframe unhealthy behaviors and internal dialog. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 781-246-2010 for more information.

Kids, Teens, and Young Adults

Adolescent Skills Group- Table-top Gaming
Monday from 4:00-5:30pm, Milford CBHC (in-person) -or Wednesday from 4:00-5:00pm, Milford CBHC (in-person)
Leader: Sean Smith

BIPOC Youth Group
Every 2nd & 4th Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm, Somerville outpatient (in-person)
Leader: Peyton Harris, LCSW

A safe space for adolescents of color who are seeking support and peer relationships with a goal of feeling heard, seen, validated and empowered. Contact Somerville outpatient center at 617-354-2275 for more information.

High School Support Group
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm, Lynnfield outpatient (in-person)
Leader: Victoria Mail, MA

This in-person group is for students aged 14-18 seeking support for the stress and transitions that come with high school. We will engage in activities and open conversations, covering topics like healthy relationships, self-esteem, study skills, stress management, and healthy decision-making, learning how to successfully navigate these four years! Held at the Riverside Outpatient Center, 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA. For information more, please call 781-246-2010.

Middle Schoolers
Wednesday from 4:00-5:00pm, Lynnfield outpatient (in-person)
Leader: Caroline Danehy

This group will use a combination of structured activities and facilitated peer conversations to deepen self-awareness and understanding, improve relationships with selves and others, and build healthy coping skills. Contact Lynnfield outpatient center at 781-246-2010 for more information. ** Indicates drop-in group