Group counseling

Group counseling is one of the most effective tools for addressing issues common among college students. For many students, group counseling can be as effective or more effective than individual counseling. Learn more about the documented benefits of group counseling.

CAPS groups offer a safe environment to discuss problems with others who are dealing with similar concerns. Most students report that they find the group experience to be helpful far beyond their expectations. 

• Group counseling is FREE and available to:
  • Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in Ithaca and on the nearby Geneva campus
  • Groups that meet by Zoom are also available to students studying at Cornell Tech (and some other NYC-based programs)
• Each group is led by one or more CAPS counselor
• Groups usually meet weekly for a 90-minute session; some meet in person and some by Zoom
• Groups are private and confidential; all members must agree that what is disclosed in sessions cannot be shared outside of the group
• Most groups require a group orientation; learn more below about how to join a group

Group Counseling Schedule (Summer 2025)

NOTE: Students must be in Ithaca (or on the Geneva campus) for the semester to participate in counseling groups.  Additional summer groups will be added soon. Check back for updates.

== WEDNESDAYS ==

Graduate & Professional Student Summer Support Group

• Wednesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, June 11 to July 30
• 8 weekly sessions; group orientation required
• Open to graduate / professional students
• Facilitator: Shinong Ji, MHC-LP

This summer support group offers graduate and professional students a dedicated space to reflect, connect, and navigate the unique challenges of academic and personal life. Meeting weekly, participants will engage in open, facilitated conversations around topics such as:

• Career-related stress and uncertainty in a shifting academic and professional landscape
• Navigating power dynamics and advocating for oneself across cultural and institutional contexts
• The toll of perfectionism and internalized pressure
• A desire for meaningful peer connection and a sense of belonging during a quieter time of year

The group aims to provide a supportive environment where students can share experiences, gain insight, and find community during the summer months. Orientation required to join. [How to join]

== THURSDAYS ==

AOD: Discover Recovery

• Thursdays, 3:15 – 4:45 pm, in-person at Cornell Health, June 5 to August 14 (excluding June 19 for Juneteenth)
• Open to undergraduate and graduate / professional students
• Orientation required; open enrollment
• Facilitators: Jacob Parker Carver, LCSW and Brett Jakobson, LCSW

Recovery from Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) can mean a lot of different things. For many people it's about giving up a specific substance that has caused a lot of problems, for others it's a commitment to full sobriety. It's common to quit using for weeks or months at a time to improve physical and mental health, and some people decide that ongoing abstinence is an important part of their long-term wellness. Whether you're dropping one substance or many, planning short-term or long-term, this group is for you... because we believe you're in recovery when you say you are.

We know that AOD Recovery is about a lot more than sobriety... It's about understanding your values, enhancing motivation, and building a life you don't need to escape from. Each week we'll help identify common triggers, develop strategies for responding to cravings/urges, and explore experiences that provide genuine fulfillment - so you can lead your best life while maintaining abstinence from one or more substances. Most importantly we'll hold a safe space for each other, and work to establish a community of authentic mutual support. This is primarily a process group, with room for education and skill building as requested by participants. [How to join]

**How to join (or learn more about) a group** 

Most groups require potential members to have a brief group orientation with the group leader(s) to see if the group is the right one for you. (Group descriptions below indicate whether an orientation is required.)

Here's how to schedule a group orientation, or to learn more about a group you're interested in:

• If you’re already seeing a counselor at Cornell Health, you may ask them about joining a group.
• You can schedule a "group counseling orientation" directly by calling us at 607-255-5155, or by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Appointments>Mental Health Appointment>Group Counseling orientation.
• You can schedule an "Access" appointment if you want to learn about group counseling as well as other options for mental health support at Cornell Health.