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
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ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR: FALL 2026
This weekly group helps young adults bridge the gap between therapy and everyday life.
Your Group Leaders
Alayna McGarty, LMHC
What You’ll Gain
Supportive peer community
Practical skills for relationships, work, school, and independence
Confidence applying therapy skills to daily life
Accountability and support for lasting change
Details
Mondays from 1:00p.m - 2:00p.m
$120/60 Minute Group
6 Members
18-26 years old
Requirements
Members have been or are
Currently in a skills-based treatment
Individual intake prior to joining
Ability to attend in-person
Please contact us to learn more:
admin@birchhillbh.com | 617.286.5002
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ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR: FALL 2026
This weekly group introduces members to all four modules of DBT skills through highly engaging activities and discussions.
Your Group Leaders
Symone Bennett, LMHC
Megan Knetemann, LICSW
What You’ll Gain
A foundational understanding and practice of Mindfulness
Practical Distress Tolerance skills
Effective Emotion Regulation strategies
Interpersonal Effectiveness skills for healthier communication and relationships
Details
Wednesdays from 4:00p.m - 5:00p.m
$120/50 Minute Group
8 Members
High School Age
Requirements
Commitment to 24 week curriculum
Individual intake appointment
Currently in individual therapy
Ability to attend in-person
Please contact us to learn more:
admin@birchhillbh.com | 617.286.5002
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ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR: FALL 2026
Designed for graduates of our introductory DBT Skills group, this weekly agenda-based group helps participants strengthen their application of the skills in everyday life.
Your Group Leaders
Alayna McGarty, LMHC
Symone Bennett, LMHC
What You’ll Gain
Advanced practice applying DBT skills to real-life situations.
Increased confidence using skills effectively in the moment
Collaborative problem-solving and support from peers
Details
Tuesdays from 4:00p.m - 5:00p.m
$120/50 Minute Group
8 Members
High School Age
Requirements
12 Week Commitment
Previously completed the full DBT
skills group curriculum
Currently in individual therapy
Please contact us to learn more:
admin@birchhillbh.com | 617.286.5002
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ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR: FALL 2026
This weekly skills group provides a supportive and structured environment that introduces all four modules or DBT skills through activities and guided practice.
Your Group Leaders
Dr. Kristin Rajala, PsyD
Megan Knetemann, LICSW
What You’ll Gain
A foundational understanding and practice of Mindfulness
Practical Distress Tolerance skills
Effective Emotion Regulation strategies
Interpersonal Effectiveness skills for healthier communication and relationships
Details
Tuesdays from 5:00p.m - 6:00p.m
$120/60 Minute Group
8 Members
Adults (+18)
Requirements
Commitment to 4 group minimum
Individual intake appointment
Established in individual therapy
Ability to attend in-person or Telehealth
Please contact us to learn more:
admin@birchhillbh.com | 617.286.5002
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.
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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 dailyIntensive Details:
▸ August 10 - August 13, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm)
▸ Incoming or returning college students
▸ Birch Hill Behavioral Health group room & outdoor area -
Open Enrollment for Our Next Intensive Will Be Announced Soon
Our annual Goat Week DBT Summer Intensive is a week-long, immersive introduction to the core DBT skills for teens and young adults.
Participants build skills in Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness through a highly interactive, experiential program featuring animal-assisted therapy, mindfulness activities, and other engaging experiences.
Interested in joining our next intensive?
While we're still finalizing details for our upcoming program, we encourage interested families to reach out early to be added to our waitlist. We'll notify waitlist members as soon as enrollment opens and additional information becomes available.
For questions or to join the waitlist, email: Admin@BirchHillBH.com