Support Groups in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Support groups are guided meetings where people share real life struggles and learn coping skills together. If you feel alone, stuck, or tired of “holding it all in,” Support Groups in Michigan can help you feel understood and supported. Many people join after a diagnosis, a loss, a big life change, or ongoing stress. You do not have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to get help.

Signs You Might Benefit

Support groups can help when stress, sadness, worry, or life problems start to feel too heavy to carry alone. You may benefit if you notice one or more of these signs:

• You feel lonely or misunderstood even when others are around.
• You keep feelings inside because you do not want to worry others.
• You are coping in ways that do not help, like avoiding people, overworking, or using alcohol or substances to numb feelings.
• You feel stuck in grief, anxiety, depression, or a stressful situation.
• You have a life change such as divorce, job loss, becoming a caregiver, or moving.
• You want skills to handle triggers, strong emotions, or hard conversations.
• You want hope from hearing “I’ve been there too.”

People often choose groups because they offer both support and structure. Common benefits include:

• Less shame: you learn you are not the only one.
• More coping tools: you practice clear steps for stress and emotions.
• Better communication: you learn how to share needs and boundaries.
• More motivation: progress can feel easier with peer support.
• Safer choices: groups can reduce crisis risk when people feel connected.

Evidence-Based Approach

Our groups are not “just talking.” They are guided by a trained, licensed clinician and built around skills that research supports. Group therapy has been shown to help many common mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and substance use support. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that social connection and supportive relationships can improve mental and physical health outcomes (NIH, n.d.). The American Psychological Association (APA) also describes group therapy as an effective treatment that helps people learn from both a therapist and peers (APA, n.d.).

Clinical structure that keeps groups safe

Safety and respect matter. We use clear group guidelines, screening before entry when needed, and a steady session format. This helps everyone know what to expect and supports emotional safety.

Skills-based modalities we may use

Depending on the group type, needs, and ages served, sessions may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and practice healthier thinking and actions.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: teaches tools for emotion control, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthier relationships.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): supports change without shame or pressure.
• Trauma-informed care: focuses on choice, safety, and pacing so people do not feel pushed.
• Psychoeducation: simple, clear teaching about symptoms, stress, sleep, and coping.

Michigan licensing standards

Groups are facilitated by professionals who meet Michigan licensing and ethical standards, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Master’s Social Workers (LMSW), or Licensed Psychologists, as allowed under Michigan’s licensing rules. We follow scope-of-practice requirements, confidentiality standards, and documentation expectations. If you need a different level of care (like intensive outpatient or inpatient care), we will help you find the right next step.

What to Expect

Joining a group should feel clear and welcoming. Here is a typical process for Support Groups in Michigan:

Step 1: Quick phone check or online request

We start with a short conversation to learn what you are looking for and to share group options, meeting times, and rules. If the group is not the best fit, we will suggest alternatives.

Step 2: Screening and intake (when needed)

Some groups require a brief intake visit. This helps us match people to the right group and keep the space safe. We may ask about:

• current symptoms and goals
• past treatment and what has helped before
• safety concerns (such as suicidal thoughts or severe substance withdrawal)
• schedule, access needs, and preferences (in-person or telehealth)

Step 3: Your first session

In the first meeting, the facilitator reviews the group’s purpose and guidelines. You will not be forced to talk. Many people start by listening until they feel ready.

Typical session format

• Welcome and check-in (brief share of how the week went)
• Topic or skill of the day (examples: handling panic, setting boundaries, grief waves)
• Group discussion (shared experiences and problem-solving)
• Practice (a short exercise like breathing, thought-challenging, or role-play)
• Wrap-up (one takeaway and a small plan for the week)

Confidentiality and limits

Confidentiality is a key part of care. We ask members to keep what they hear private. The facilitator is also required to follow Michigan and federal privacy rules. There are limits, such as safety emergencies, suspected abuse or neglect, or a court order, depending on the situation. We will explain these limits clearly before group starts.

Insurance

Cost should not be a mystery. Support groups may be billed in different ways, depending on whether the service is considered group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, or a community support program.

Copays and deductibles

If your plan covers group psychotherapy, you may have:

• a copay (a set amount per session), or
• coinsurance (a percentage of the session cost), and/or
• a deductible (what you must pay before coverage starts)

We can help you check benefits before you begin so you understand your expected cost.

Mental health parity

Many insurance plans must follow mental health parity. This means mental health benefits should be similar to medical benefits in important ways, such as limits and cost sharing. Coverage still varies by plan, so verification is important.

Out-of-network options

If we are out-of-network for your plan, you may still have benefits. We can provide a superbill when appropriate so you can submit for possible reimbursement.

FAQ

Do I have to talk in a support group?

No. You can start by listening. Many people share more once they feel safe. The goal is support, not pressure.

Are support groups the same as group therapy?

They can be similar, but they are not always the same. Group therapy is a clinical service led by a licensed therapist with a treatment plan and evidence-based skills. Some support groups are peer-led and focus more on shared experience. We will tell you clearly what type of group it is and what to expect.

What if I am in crisis or not feeling safe?

If you have immediate danger or you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 support in the U.S. Support groups are helpful, but they are not a substitute for emergency care.

Can I join if I am already in individual therapy?

Yes, many people do both. Individual therapy gives private time for your full story. A group adds peer support and real-life practice with communication and coping skills. If you have a therapist, we can coordinate care (with your written consent) to support your goals.

References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Group therapy. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Social connection and health. https://www.nih.gov/ (general health information on social support and well-being)