About 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
Fall 2026 counseling groups
Our Fall 2026 counseling groups will be posted soon!
**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.