CUCARD Groups
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which one or more therapists lead a group (usually ranging from 5 to 12 people) in discussing common problems and possible solutions which are relevant to the individual and others in the group. Bringing together many individuals to support and help one another produces incredibly rewarding experiences for a wide range of patients. Some benefits of group therapy include: receiving support from peers, validating your experience by hearing from others facing similar challenges, learning from other people’s successes, finding motivation for change, and improving social skills. Columbia Psychiatry offers a wide range of groups. Research shows that groups such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are very helpful for learning strategies, confronting fears, taking appropriate risks, and considering alternative perspectives to common problems. Some groups are open to all individuals, and others might require that you also are also seeing an individual therapist. Each person’s situation is unique, and our expert clinicians can help you determine the best solution for you.
Here at Columbia Psychiatry, we have a wide range of group therapy options across our various locations. See below for a list of our current groups to determine which ones might be the best fit for you. Each group listing will also provide information about cost, insurance options, and other group requirements. If a group is listed as open this means that people may join the group at any time. Closed groups may only be joined at the start.
To learn more about groups or to schedule an appointment for a group, call our intake line at 212-305-6001 or fill out our online form.
CUCARD-Midtown
• Parents of Young Adults Groups
Leader: Anne Marie, PhD, ABPP
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: Parents of young adults who are 18-28
Meeting Times: 1x (90 minutes) per week for 5-6 weeks
Insurance/Cost: $175/session
Other Notes: Open group
Description: A component of our Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP) at CUCARD is a brief psycho-educational and skills group for parents of emerging adults with anxiety disorders. This group is ideal for parents of young adults who have been experiencing distress or "failure to launch" and meet the demands of emerging adulthood due to anxiety.
• YAC (Youth Anxiety Center) Social Anxiety Groups
Leaders: Anne Marie, PhD, ABPP, Blake Zakarin, PhD, Ali Mattu, PhD, and Lauren Hoffman, PsyD
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: 18-28
Meeting Times: 1x per week (90 minutes) for 10-12 weeks, OR winter break and summer break intensive groups (5x week for 2 weeks).
Insurance/Cost: Columbia University Employee Insurance Plan Accepted, otherwise $175/session
Other Notes: Open group, outside therapist or psychiatrist required
Description: As a part of our Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP), CUCARD midtown offers groups for young adults ages 18-28 who are experiencing distress or interference in functioning due to social anxiety. Groups are presented in an exposure-based approach to reduce anxiety and increase self-efficacy in managing anxiety-provoking and developmentally challenging situations (e.g., job/college interviews, dating, assertiveness).
• College Readiness Groups
Leaders: Anne Marie, PhD, ABPP, Ali Mattu, PhD, Blake Zakarin, PhD, and Lauren Hoffman, PsyD
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: 18-28, preparing to go (or go back to) college
Meeting Times: Meets in summer, 5x per week (90 minutes) for 2 weeks
Insurance/Cost: Columbia University Employee Insurance Plan Accepted, otherwise $175/session
Other Notes: Open group
Description: Groups are part of our Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP). The main aim of the group is to assist emerging adults with gaining knowledge and skills to aid the transition to college and to foster independence in meeting one’s needs and responsibilities.
• Adult Independence Skills Groups
Leaders: Anne Marie, PhD, ABPP, Blake Zakarin, PhD, Ali Mattu, PhD, and Lauren Hoffman, PsyD
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: 18-28
Meeting Times: 3x or 5x per week for 1, 2, or 3 weeks
Insurance/Cost: Columbia University Employee Insurance Plan Accepted, otherwise $175/session
Other Notes: Open group, outside therapist or psychiatrist required
Description: Groups are offered as a part of our Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP) and are for emerging adults (ages 18-28) who are having difficulty managing the transition into adulthood. The main aim of the group is to assist young adults with gaining independence and mastering daily tasks.
• Middle School Social Anxiety Groups
Leaders: Jeneane Solz, Lauren Hoffman, PsyD, and Steve Mazza
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: 10-13 (grades 5-8)
Meeting Times: 1x per week (90 minutes) for 10-12 weeks
Insurance/Cost: Columbia University Employee Insurance Plan Accepted, otherwise $175/session
Other Notes: Open group, outside therapist or psychiatrist required
Description: Groups are ideal for middle school students who have difficulty in social situations due to anxiety resulting in distress, avoidance of interacting with peers and adults, and/or feeling comfortable in school, family, and extracurricular activities.
• High School Social Anxiety Groups
Leader: Lauren Hoffman, PsyD
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: 14-17 (grades 9-12)
Meeting Times: 1x per week (90 minutes) for 10-12 weeks
Insurance/Cost: Columbia University Employee Insurance Plan Accepted, otherwise $175/session
Other Notes: Open group, outside therapist or psychiatrist required
Description: Groups address anxiety in social situations (e.g., making new friends, participating in class), avoidance, and fear of being negatively evaluated by others.
• Adult Social Anxiety Groups
Leaders: Ali Mattu, PhD, Sarah Frankel, PhD, Blake Zakarin, PhD, and Anne Marie, PhD, ABPP
Location: 3 Columbus Circle
Age Range: 28+
Meeting Times: 1x per week (90 minutes) for 10-12 weeks
Insurance/Cost: Columbia University Employee Insurance Plan Accepted, otherwise $175/session
Other notes: Open group, outside therapist or psychiatrist required
Description: Groups are for adults who experience anxiety in social situations. Groups focus on building coping skills, cognitive reframing to challenge anxious thoughts, and exposure exercises in session and in-vivo to reduce anxiety in social situations.