Groups at CAPS

CAPS support group

CAPS welcomes all enrolled students at UNL.

What is group therapy?

Group therapy is an evidence-based treatment option where students can come together with their peers in a confidential space to discuss a variety of topics and treatment goals. Most groups at CAPS have one or two CAPS facilitators. The additional advantage of group is having long-term therapy on a weekly basis. 

Groups at CAPS are not intended for journalistic, research, or course credit purposes.

 

How do I join a group at CAPS?

Interpersonal Process Groups and Support Groups:

Before a student may join an interpersonal process group or support group, they need to complete an Initial Evaluation and a Group Screen appointment. If you are interested in joining a group, you may call the front desk and make this request. The front desk will schedule you for an Initial Evaluation and Group Screen with a group facilitator. If you already have an individual therapist at CAPS, please discuss your interest in group with them, and they can help you determine if scheduling a Group Screen fits with your treatment goals. The Group Screen is an appointment that gives you and the group facilitator a chance to discuss your personal goals and the focus of the group. It is the job of the group facilitator to make a clinical recommendation about what group would be the best fit for you or if another service is recommended. 

Drop-In Groups, Discussion Groups, and Workshops: 

Drop-In Groups, Discussion Groups, and Workshops do not require a group-screen appointment, you may join this group at the time listed within the group description or contact CAPS for more information.

 

What are group expectations?

Interpersonal Process Groups and Support Groups: Students interested in these groups are expected to commit to 90-minute, weekly meetings and to honor group confidentiality. These groups typically last for the duration of a semester. Groups typically have 5-8 students and are closed to new membership after they are full. In most cases, students need to commit to either group or individual treatment.

Drop-In Groups, Discussion Groups, and Workshops: Engagement expectations vary for each group in this area. Please read group descriptions to learn about time and session commitment .

 

Which groups are available?

The groups that are offered at CAPS change from semester to semester, based on student interest and clinic availability. Most groups are open to new members at the beginning of each semester and typically close once membership is full. Please call CAPS to inquire about a group for the current semester. 

 

Fall 2025 groups

Drop-In Groups, Discussion Groups and Workshops:

  • College Unpacked - College Unpacked is a group for first year students to talk about the ups and downs of transitioning to college. Each week we will talk about topics like making new friends, managing academic stress, dealing with homesickness, and figuring out who you are in this new chapter. This is a welcoming space to connect, share, reflect, and grow. Workshops and Drop-In Groups do not require a group-screen appointment, you may join this group at Abel Residence Hall on Tuesdays at 4 pm.  
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Workshop for Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation - This psychoeducation and skills development group is open to any UNL student who is interested in learning more about mindfulness practices and emotional regulation strategies and skills.  Throughout this 8-week course students will be introduced to mindfulness skills, learn and understand the purpose and function of emotions, increase awareness of factors that influence and impact emotional responses and develop skills and strategies to better regulate unwanted/difficult emotions.  Each of the 8 sessions will provide students with an in-depth look at DBT emotion regulation concepts and skills.  Modules are designed to build and expand on each other but can also serve as a singular opportunity for specific skill building focus.  You can join us for all 8 sessions or drop-in for one or a few of the sessions. This group will incorporate psychoeducation, discussion and in session, hands-on practice to make the concepts approachable and practical for students who attend. All students are welcome at CAPS. Workshops and Drop-In Groups do not require a group-screen appointment, you may join this group at CAPS on Wednesdays from 2-3 pm.  
    • Taking Hold Of Your Mind: Understanding States of Mind - 9/17/2025
    • Introduction to Mindfulness: "What" and "How" Skills - 9/24/2025
    • Understanding Emotions - 10/1/2025
    • Changing Emotional Responses: Check the Facts and Opposite Action Skills - 10/8/2025
    • Changing Emotional Responses: Problem Solving Strategies - 10/15/2025
    • Reducing Vulnerability to Emotion Mind: Short Term Solutions - 10/22/2025
    • Reducing Vulnerability to Emotion Mind: Long Term Solutions - 10/29/2025
    • Skills for Emotional Situations: Build Mastery, Cope Ahead, PLEASE Skills - 11/5/2025
  • Grief Group - Grief can be an isolating experience. You don’t have to go through it alone. CAPS is hosting a weekly, 8-week Grief Group where all students can find a safe and supportive space to process the death of a friend, family member, or loved one with peers who have had similar experiences. Grief Group will learn about grief, explore and process grief’s complex emotions, and learn healthy ways to cope. There is no pressure to share or engage, as we are all at different stages in our grieving journey. All students are welcome at CAPS. This Drop-In Group does not require a group-screen appointment, so you may join this group at CAPS on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 pm starting October 7th, 2025.
  • International Student Discussion Group - The group, which is free and open to any enrolled UNL student, provides an opportunity to discuss the international student experience at Nebraska. It also provides an opportunity for students to gain knowledge of living in a new country and practice English in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Workshops and Drop-In Groups do not require a group-screen appointment, please call the front desk for information about when this group is held.  
  • Students Affected by Others’ Alcoholism/Addiction Support Workshop - Caring for someone with an alcohol or drug problem can create serious challenges in our lives. We hope this group will offer insight, guidance, and support in addressing these challenges. All students are welcome at CAPS. Workshops and Drop-In Groups do not require a group-screen appointment, please call the front desk for information about when this group is held.  
  • The Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Group - The Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Group is offered to anyone that wants to make positive changes to their substance use.  Abstinence is not required in this group, although individuals committed to a sober lifestyle are welcome to attend, as well.  If you are somebody who is trying to cut down on your frequency or amount of your use, you are a great fit for this group. If you are trying to use in ways that are more in line with your values, are having difficulty navigating peer pressure, or simply avoiding other risk factors with substance use, such as blackouts or drinking and driving, this is a perfect group for you. If you notice that your alcohol or drug use is getting in the way of your mental health, academic goals, work, and personal relationships, we welcome you to our group. Whatever your goals are, the choice is yours for how you want to engage in the group. We foster the philosophy that every person is unique and may be in different places with their alcohol and drug use. Therefore, respect and openness to these differences is paramount to how the group is conducted. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and if you are interested in attending our group. All students are welcome at CAPS. Workshops and Drop-In Groups do not require a group-screen appointment, please call CAPS about when this group is held.  
  • WRAP Drop-In- Wellness Recovery Action Plan or WRAP is an evidence-based practice that helps individuals develop a personalized wellness and crisis plan. WRAP takes a strengths-based approach to help individuals take control of their well-being and increase awareness and management of health concerns. Through the course of the group, members will develop their own WRAP and learn skills to support their wellbeing. This is an open group, and members can join at any session. Members are encouraged to continue until all sections of their WRAP are completed. All students are welcome at CAPS. Workshops and Drop-In Groups do not require a group-screen appointment, you may join this group at CAPS on Tuesdays at 10:30am – 12pm. 
    • Oct. 7 - Week 1: Introduction to WRAP, Wellness Tools
    • Oct. 14 - Week 2: “What I’m Like When I’m Well,” “Things I Need to do Every Day to Stay Well,” “Things I Might Need to Do”
    • Oct. 21 - Week 3: “Triggers,” “Triggers Action Plan”
    • Oct. 28 - Week 4: “Early Warning Signs,” “Early Warning Signs Action Plan”
    • Nov. 4 - Week 5: "When Things Are Breaking Down,” “When Things Are Breaking Down Action Plan”
    • Nov. 11 - Week 6: "Crisis Planning” Part 1
    • Nov. 18 - Week 7: “Crisis Planning” Part 2
    • Nov. 25 - Week 8: “Post Crisis Plan”

 

Support Groups:

  • LGBTQIA+ Community Support Group - This is a weekly support group for any undergraduate or graduate student experiencing conflict internally and/or socially concerning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  This is an affirming group led by CAPS therapists that focuses on support and community resilience. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs. 
  • Raíces  - This is a mental health support group for undergraduate and graduate students facilitated by Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at UNL. Raíces translates to "roots" in Spanish. The term represents the deep cultural heritage and ancestry that is a fundamental part of Hispanic and Latinx identities. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe space for students to receive and offer support, process their experiences, thoughts, feelings and build community with others who can empathize. Raíces provides a sense of belonging and connection for participants of all identities who are interested in engaging, acknowledging, and unpacking the unique mental health struggles that individuals of diverse Hispanic and Latin American identities face during their undergraduate studies. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs.  
  • RENO & BIPOC support group – This support group is open to students of all identities and acknowledges the unique circumstances that diverse Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and ethnic and marginalized identities face during their higher education journeys and their potential impact on mental health. The purpose of this 6-session group is to provide support in navigating topics such as race, ethnicity, identity, and intergenerational trauma. It is a safe space to receive and offer support, speak about and process experiences, share feelings, and build community with others who can empathize. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students at UNL. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs.  

 

Process Groups:

  • East Campus Graduate Interpersonal Process Group   A supportive space for graduate students as they balance demands of graduate school and navigating interpersonal relationships. Goals and topics are determined by the group, but common themes include relating to peers, family, and friends, transitioning to and from graduate school, identity concerns, and managing mental health while balancing work and academic concerns. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs.  
  • Graduate Interpersonal Process Group A supportive space for graduate students as they balance demands of graduate school and navigating interpersonal relationships. Goals and topics are determined by the group, but common themes include relating to peers, family, and friends, transitioning to and from graduate school, identity concerns, and managing mental health while balancing work and academic concerns. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs. 
  • Undergraduate Interpersonal Process Group A supportive space for undergraduate students as they balance demands of school and navigating interpersonal relationships. Goals and topics are determined by the group, but common themes include relating to peers, family, and friends, transitioning to and from graduate school, identity concerns, and managing mental health while balancing work and academic concerns. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs. 
  • Voices Unfolding Interpersonal Process Group - This therapy group is open to student of all identities and acknowledges the unique circumstances that graduate women face in their academic, professional, and personal lives. The group provides a space for graduate students to process the stressors of graduate school in a safe, open, and supportive setting with peers. Topics of discussion are set by the group members and typically focus on the experience of being a woman in graduate studies. Members develop insight, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness through peer interaction. This is a weekly group to discuss issues and life events. All students are welcome at CAPS. Please call CAPS to schedule a group-screen with one of our counselors to discuss which group would best meet your needs.