Group Offerings

Outpatient group therapy is a treatment modality in which members meet together in a group for a dedicated time period, and connect around a shared topic, experience, stressor or acquisition of a desired skill. Groups are typically held weekly, during the academic year (September - June). Some groups may be structured by topic and include formal learning of skills or practice with the goal of achieving enhanced mental, emotional, and/or physical well-being. Other groups may be less structured and more supportive and interpersonal in nature.

 

Weekly Groups

  • ACCEPTING REFERRALS

    Meets weekly on Mondays from 1- 2:00pm

    NOTE: This Group meets IN-PERSON

    ▸ Young Adults (18-26yo)
    ▸ Maximum of 6 members

    ▸ Cost: $120/group

    What you’ll get:

    • A supportive peer community of other young adults who “get it”

    • Guided practice using real-world situations (relationships, work, school, independence, emotions)

    • Help translating therapeutic skills into daily habits

    • Accountability and encouragement to stay on track

    • A safe space to problem-solve, reflect, and grow

    Requirements:

    ▸ Members have been or are in a skills-based treatment

    ▸ Complete individual intake prior to joining group to identify personalized goals

    Led by: Alayna McGarty, LMHC

  • ACCEPTING MEMBERS

    Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 4-4:50pm

    NOTE: This Group meets IN-PERSON

    ▸ High School age group
    ▸ Maximum of 8 members
    ▸ Cost: $120/50min

    Description:

    This weekly highly interactive group introduces members to all four modules of DBT skills:

    • Mindfulness

    • Distress Tolerance

    • Emotion Regulation

    • Interpersonal Effectiveness

    Each group meeting includes a mindfulness practice, review of home practice, teaching of a new skill with accompanying activity, an activity and assignment of the new home practice

    Requirements:

    ▸ Completing an intake prior to the start of group to assess fit and define individualized goals
    ▸ Willingness to commit to the full 24-weeks of the curriculum
    ▸ Currently participating in individual therapy

    Led by: Symone Bennett, LMHC

  • ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR: September 2025 - June 2026

    Meets weekly on Mondays, 4 - 4:50p

    NOTE: This Group meets in-person

    ▸ High School age group
    ▸ Maximum of 8 members
    ▸ Cost: $120/50min

    Description:

    • This member agenda-based group is for individuals who have completed an introduction DBT Skills group and are looking to “level up” their application of the skills in their life.

    • Each member is asked to put themselves on the agenda to discuss DBT skills used or assistance with using DBT skills in the future.

    Requirements:

    ▸ Willingness to make a commitment of at least 12 weeks
    ▸ Completing the full DBT Skills curriculum and demonstrating an understanding of the skills
    ▸ Currently participating in individual therapy

    Led by: Alayna McGarty, LMHC

  • ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR: September 2025 - May 2026

    Meets weekly on Thursdays from 4-4:50pm

    NOTE: This Group is held IN-PERSON (preferred) with a HYBRID option if needed

    Ideal for adults looking to build skills in:

    • Managing intense or challenging emotions

    • Reducing stress, and tolerating painful experiences

    • Maintaining healthy relationships with others, including boundary setting and communication skills

    Details:

    ▸ Adults (18+)
    ▸ Maximum of 8 members

    ▸ Cost: $120/50min

    Description:

    • This adult group runs on a 24 week curriculum - New members may join at the start of a new module during the cycle

    • This structured group focuses on providing members with a comfortable environment in which to learn the DBT skills from the modules of: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness

    • Groups include experiential skills and activities, as well as home practice with an accompanying workbook

    Requirements:

    ▸ Completion of individual intake session with leader prior to start to establish fit for outpatient level
    and individualize treatment goals

    ▸ Commitment to attend a minimum 4 groups for group cohesion
    ▸ Established in individual therapy

    Led by: Kristin Rajala, PsyD

 

Group Intensives

Our Program “Intensives” offer members an opportunity to connect around a shared topic, experience, stressor or acquisition of a desired skill, in a more consolidated time frame (Full or half days over 1 week, versus 1 hour weekly over multiple weeks, as with a typical outpatient group). Intensives tend to be highly structured/curriculum-based, though like our weekly groups, we emphasize activity-based learning and connection (not just knowledge acquisition).

Intensives are often a good fit for adolescents or young adults who struggle to make weekly commitments due to scheduling needs, extra curricular activities, or preferred learning styles. Members also benefit when referred by primary therapists who recommend a “skills boost” to support their existing treatment. Our team is always willing to offer complimentary consultations to see if an Intensive is the right fit.

  • ENROLLMENT OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2026

    Join us for our annual week-long intensive introduction to the core DBT skills!

    ▸ Lovingly referred to as “Goat Week,” this immersive experience is available to teens and young adults (ages 14-19) looking to build skills in the areas of Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
    ▸ Participants will cover all of the skills and activities of our 24-week outpatient DBT group program in 1 week, with an emphasis on experiential (activity-based) learning.

    Included Offerings:

    ▸ Animal-assisted group therapy with Positively Goats
    ▸ Yoga and mindfulness groups with a certified instructor
    ▸ Mindfulness activities in MA Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
    ▸ Food and beverage catered daily

    Intensive Details:

    ▸ June 22 - June 26, 2026
    ▸ Teens and young adults; ages 14-19
    ▸ Privately owned farm in South Natick

    ▸ Cost - $300 intake, $4100 for 5-Day Intensive

    We do award one participant a Scholarship that pays for the entirety of the experience (applications due May 1st), as well as sliding scale opportunity.

    For eligibility and questions email Admin@BirchHillBH.com

  • ENROLLMENT OPENS MARCH 1, 2026 FOR: AUGUST 2026 INTENSIVE

    ▸ This group aims to support college-aged students (incoming or returning) in the development of the necessary skills for managing the stressors associated with both being a student and in adjusting to the college environment. Members will leave this group with concrete skills that set them up for personal, social/relational, and academic well-being.
    ▸ This intensive 12 hour group program over 4 days will include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment (ACT) skills-foundations with experiential (activity-based) practice.
    ▸ The 60-minute Intake session will assess fit for the group, and assist members in developing their individualized goals for the program and their school year.

    Included Offerings:

    ▸ Experiential and Interactive activity-based learning
    ▸ Skills workbook provided + Tailored goals/planning at Intake session
    ▸ Breakfast and beverages catered daily

    Intensive Details:

    ▸ August 10 - August 13, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm)
    ▸ Incoming or returning college students
    ▸ Birch Hill Behavioral Health group room & outdoor area

To join a group or learn more please contact our office.

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