Group therapy is one of the most effective and accessible ways to get mental health support and develop skills for coping with difficult emotions and challenges. Unlike individual counseling, group therapy allows people to connect with others who have faced similar problems, reducing feelings of isolation and creating a community of understanding and mutual support.
Edmonton offers many opportunities for group therapy, from specialized group programs at private mental health clinics to free courses organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and other non-profit organizations. However, the process of signing up for group therapy can seem complicated if you don't know where to start and what steps to take. This article will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to sign up for group therapy in Edmonton, including information on different types of groups, costs, locations, and ways to contact them.
Major Organizations Offering Group Therapy
Solace Psychology - Group Therapy from a Private Provider
Solace Psychology, located in south Edmonton, is one of the main private organizations offering a variety of group therapy programs and workshops for children, adolescents, adults, families, and organizations. The Solace team of psychologists offers group therapy throughout the year, specializing in topics such as parenting management, children's groups, groups based on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and groups based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Types of Group Therapy at Solace Psychology
Solace offers two main types of group therapy: conversational (process) groups and psychoeducational (skills) groups. The groups are designed to utilize a variety of evidence-based tools, including DBT, CBT, attachment therapy, and art therapy for children and adolescents.
Groups for children: Groups for young children are primarily skills-based and cover topics such as social skills and friendship, emotional regulation, self-esteem and confidence, coping with anxiety, and coping with grief and loss.
Groups for teens: Groups for teens help young people cope with the common challenges of puberty, such as navigating relationships, developing personal identity, managing stress and anxiety, finding balance and calm, coping with strong emotions, body image, and improving self-esteem and confidence.
Parent groups: Solace offers parenting groups with the most effective parenting tips and strategies. Popular topics include strengthening tantrums, helping children cope with anxiety, navigating ADHD, and emotional regulation.
Adult groups: Adult groups focus on topics such as self-esteem and confidence, self-love and self-preservation, healthy communication and boundaries, stress and anxiety management, coping with depression, adult ADHD, overcoming addiction and relapse prevention, and grief and loss.
How to sign up for Solace Psychology
To sign up for group therapy at Solace Psychology, individuals can contact the clinic in the following ways:
- Call 780-702-1079
- Send an email to [email protected]
- Join the email list by sending an email to receive information about upcoming groups and workshops
It is important to note that children and adolescents must complete a parent intake session before participating in group programs. Space is limited, so it is recommended to register as early as possible.
Cost and payment options
Group therapy at Solace costs approximately one-quarter of the cost of individual sessions. The organization has direct billing with most insurance companies, and groups are covered by most health insurance plans throughout Alberta. For those who do not live in Edmonton, Solace offers virtual groups and workshops (secure video) for anyone living in Alberta.
CMHA Edmonton Recovery College - Free Group Courses
CMHA Edmonton Recovery College is a program that offers free group courses for people interested in their journey of recovery and wellness. Unlike Solace Psychology, all Recovery College courses are completely free, but registration is required before participating.
What Recovery College Offers
Recovery College offers a more structured learning experience than many group programs, designed with the input of qualified and experienced educators and people with personal experience of mental health and addiction. Each course has clear learning outcomes and activities for learning and developing knowledge.
Who can participate
Recovery College is open to anyone aged 16 and over who is experiencing mental health or addiction issues and wants to explore their journey of recovery and self-improvement. People who support a family member or friend with a mental illness, as well as people who work in the mental health field, are also welcome. It is important to note that no referral is required to participate in Recovery College courses.
How to register for Recovery College
There are several ways to register for Recovery College courses:
- Call 780-414-6300
- Send an email to [email protected]
- Call 211 (24-hour service)
- Visit the CMHA Edmonton office at #300, 10010-105 Street NW, Edmonton
Requirements for participation
To participate in Recovery College courses, all you need is an open mind, a willingness to participate, and respect for other students. The courses are friendly, informative, engaging, and enjoyable to help students on their recovery journey. Each course is led by two trained facilitators—one who has personal experience with recovery and shares their experience, and another who is an expert by education.
Course locations
Most courses are held at CMHA Edmonton's offices at Transition Place, but some classes are also offered at other community locations in Edmonton.
Momentum Counselling - Support groups and flexible options
Momentum Counselling is an organization that offers support groups and workshops in Edmonton with flexible participation options and low or no cost. Momentum specializes in groups aimed at helping people overcome specific challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Virtual Coping with Anxiety and Depression Series
Momentum offers a virtual support group for coping with anxiety and depression that is free (thanks to funding) and has a flexible entry format. The group functions as a 6-week series in which people learn about the psychology of anxiety and depression, techniques for regulating emotions, challenging cognitive distortions and core beliefs, building an exposure hierarchy, creating a self-support plan, and developing confidence in managing anxiety and depression throughout life.
Schedule and Requirements
The group is held virtually on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. People will receive a link before the group session, so it is important to check your spam folder for the email with the link. Sessions can be attended with or without registration, but registration is recommended.
How to register for Momentum
To register, people can call the service team at 780-757-0900. Momentum offers groups and workshops that are also drop-in, meaning that people do not need to register in advance, they can simply come to the session.
Prosper Place - Free Groups and Leisure Programs
Prosper Place, part of the Canadian Mental Health Association, is a program located in west Edmonton at 10455-172 Street. Prosper Place offers free group programs and recreational activities for people interested in developing their skills, personal growth, and socialization.
Types of programs
Prosper Place offers daily programs for approximately 30-40 people. Some of the current programs include adapting to life in Canada, parenting, anger management, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, balancing work and family, and many other topics.
Membership and Cost
Membership at Prosper Place is completely free, and members are welcome to participate in any of the programs offered. The organization also offers subsidized daily meals at the café for four dollars per meal.
How to register at Prosper Place
People can register at Prosper Place by calling 780-426-7861 or simply visiting the location. No prior registration is required for most programs, as they are flexible in format.
Hours of operation
Prosper Place is open five days a week and offers programs to promote skill development, personal growth, and socialization.
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) - Specialized Groups
The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) is an organization that offers therapeutic counseling groups for adults and youth who have experienced sexual assault. SACE offers a variety of closed groups specifically designed for people who have already received individual counseling.
Types of Group Programs at SACE
SACE offers several group programs, including ASHA (Adult Survivors Healing from Abuse), a group for men, SASS (Sexual Assault Survivors Support), and other specialized groups. Each group functions as a closed group, meaning that the group remains the same, allowing participants to develop trust and community.
Requirements for participation
To participate in SACE groups, individuals must undergo individual counseling, usually with SACE. It is important to note that SACE does not offer groups in a drop-in format—all groups require registration because the organization wants to manage the number of participants and ensure that participants will benefit from the group.
How to register with SACE
To register for SACE groups, individuals must complete an intake counseling process. You can contact SACE by email at [email protected] or by phone at 780-423-4102 to get information about group programs and start the registration process.
Group Program Schedule
Most SACE group programs run once a week for 15 weeks with one week break.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for Group Therapy
Step 1: Identify your needs and goals
First and foremost, it is important to understand what specific issues or challenges require group therapy. Consider the following questions: Are you looking to develop stress management skills, cope with anxiety, grief, trauma, or other issues? Do you need a more structured treatment program or a more flexible, social group format? Understanding your needs will help you choose the most appropriate group.
Step 2: Research available groups
Once you have identified your needs, research the groups available in Edmonton. You can use the following resources to find groups:
Psychology Today Canada: On this website, you can search for groups by location, type of therapy, and other criteria.
CMHA Edmonton: As mentioned above, CMHA offers free group courses and support programs.
211 Alberta: This is a 24-hour information and referral service that connects people to a database of community and social services, including mental health groups
Private psychology clinic websites: Many private clinics, such as Solace Psychology, have websites with information about groups and how to register
Step 3: Contact the organization and ask about available groups
Once you have selected one or more organizations, contact them for more detailed information about their group programs. Ask the following questions:
- What types of groups do they offer?
- How often do the groups meet and how long do they run (e.g., 6 weeks, 12 weeks)?
- What is the cost of the group (if any)?
- Is the group in-person, online, or hybrid?
- What are the requirements for participation (e.g., is prior individual counseling required)?
- When does the group start and when is the next start date?
- How many spots are available?
Step 4: Complete an intake session (if required)
Some organizations, such as SACE, require an intake process before participating in a group. During the intake session, a mental health professional assesses whether the person is ready to participate in the group and whether the group will help them achieve their goals. Other groups, such as CMHA's Recovery College, do not require a complex intake session—you simply need to register and attend the first session.
Step 5: Register and confirm your participation
After completing any necessary intake processes, finish registering and receive confirmation of your participation. Make sure you have all the necessary information about the group, including the start date, time, location (or Zoom link for online groups), and any materials you need to prepare or bring.
Step 6: Prepare for the first session
Before your first session, make sure you don't have any scheduling conflicts and that you have enough time to participate. For online groups, make sure you have access to a computer or mobile phone with a good internet connection. It's also a good idea to read any information provided by the organization so you have an understanding of what to expect at your first session.
Cost of group therapy and payment options
Free groups
Many groups in Edmonton are completely free, including CMHA Recovery College courses, Prosper Place groups, some Momentum Counselling groups, and other groups sponsored by organizations and centers.
Paid group therapy
For private psychology clinics such as Solace Psychology, the cost of group therapy is approximately one-quarter of the cost of individual sessions. Groups at Solace have direct billing with most insurance companies and may be covered by most health insurance plans throughout Alberta. Some groups can cost anywhere from $75 to $1,945 for a full course, depending on the type of group and type of therapy.
Sliding Fee Scale
Some organizations offer a sliding fee scale for people with limited financial resources. Momentum Counselling, for example, offers pay-what-you-can counseling for individuals on limited budgets.
Contact Information and Resources for Registration
Key Contacts for Group Therapy in Edmonton
Solace Psychology - Private Groups
- Phone: 780-702-1079
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: solacepsych.ca
CMHA Edmonton Recovery College - Free Group Courses
- Phone: 780-414-6300
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Address: #300, 10010-105 Street NW, Edmonton
- 211 Service: Call 211 for information and assistance with registration
Momentum Counselling - Support Groups and Workshops
- Phone: 780-757-0900
- Website: momentumcounselling.org
Prosper Place - Free Groups and Leisure Programs
- Phone: 780-426-7861
- Address: 10455-172 Street, Edmonton
- Website: wellnessnetworkedmonton.com
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) - Specialized groups
- Phone: 780-423-4102
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: sace.ca
YWCA Edmonton - Counseling and groups
- Phone: 780-970-6501
- Email: [email protected]
The Family Centre - Groups and Therapy
- Phone: 780-424-6103
- Website: familycentre.org
Frequently asked questions when registering for group therapy
Do I need a referral to participate in a group?
Most groups do not require formal referrals to participate, especially if the group is offered by a private organization or a free CMHA service. However, some groups, such as SACE, require a preliminary assessment or intake process.
Can I request a review or information about a group before registering?
Yes, absolutely. Most organizations are happy to help people choose the most appropriate group and tell them about the group in detail before registration.
What if I can't find a group that meets my needs?
If none of the available groups meet your needs, it is recommended that you contact 211 or one of the major organizations to request a referral to a more specialized group. Some organizations may advise you to start a new group if there is sufficient demand.
Can I attend a group virtually if I don't live in Edmonton?
Yes, many organizations, including Solace Psychology, offer virtual groups for people living in Alberta. In addition, some groups, such as Momentum groups, are held entirely online.
Conclusions on registering for group therapy in Edmonton
So, registering for group therapy in Edmonton is a simple process that starts with identifying your needs, researching available groups, contacting the organization, and completing the intake and registration processes. Edmonton offers a rich array of groups, from private psychology clinics such as Solace Psychology to free CMHA Recovery College courses and flexible support groups such as Momentum Counselling and Prosper Place.
Whether you are looking for a specialized group to address anxiety, depression, trauma, or other issues, or a more general group for skill development and community, Edmonton has a group that will meet your needs. Most groups are completely free or low-cost, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Don't hesitate to contact one of these organizations today to learn more about the groups available and start your journey into group therapy. Group therapy can be very beneficial and healing for people who are looking to develop emotion management skills, build a community of understanding and mutual support, and achieve better mental health and quality of life. Call, email, or visit the website of one of these organizations to begin the process of registering for group therapy in Edmonton.