Free Online Support Groups and Psychoeducation Skills Workshops (Nationwide)
Last Updated: January 2026 Status: Open for Enrollment
Looking for free support?
This page provides access to free online, psychoeducation-based support groups and skills workshops for adults nationwide.
These are non-clinical, educational spaces focused on practical coping skills. They are not therapy and do not involve diagnosis or trauma processing.
Choose your path:
Join a group: Register below for upcoming sessions focused on immigration-related stress, job loss, or major life transitions.
Learn the science: For deeper educational and clinical context, read my articles on Immigration and Refugee Trauma and Why It Is So Difficult to Focus After a Layoff.
Quick Facts
Format: Live, online
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Adults nationwide
Approach: Psychoeducation and ACT-informed, skills-based
Clinical care: Not therapy, no diagnosis, no trauma processing
What This Is
Free, live psychoeducation-based support groups
Skills-focused sessions teaching practical coping tools
Structured learning with optional discussion
Groups are developed and facilitated by Dr. Sheila Vidal, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist, using evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy skills adapted for psychoeducation.
Designed to support stress, uncertainty, and major life transitions
What This Is Not
Not individual therapy
Not group therapy
Not a substitute for clinical care
Not diagnostic or evaluative
Not crisis intervention or emergency services
Who This Is For
Adults seeking free, skills-based support
Individuals navigating immigration-related stress
People recovering from layoffs or job loss
Veterans seeking non-VA, non-clinical support
Anyone wanting practical coping tools without entering therapy
How to Join
Review the group options listed on this page
Select the group that best fits your needs
Complete the registration form
You will receive confirmation and next steps by email
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No. This is a free, non-clinical psychoeducation support group focused on skills and education, not treatment.
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Adults nationwide seeking practical coping tools for stress, major transitions, or uncertainty.
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Grounding skills, stress education, and ACT-informed coping strategies you can practice between sessions.
Quick Answers
Immigration Support Group (Non-Clinical)
Status: Open for enrollment (waitlist available when full)
Format: Live, online
Eligibility: Nationwide
Cost: Free
Schedule: Multiple formats available; see session options below
Session Format Options
Option 1: Flexible Drop-In Psychoeducation Sessions
Day/Time: Thursdays at 12:00pm PT
Duration: 6 weeks (75 minutes each)
Format: Open, drop-in; no weekly commitment
Schedule: Upcoming cohort dates are listed in the registration form
These sessions do not build on one another. You may join when available and skip weeks without falling behind. Each session focuses on grounding, nervous-system education, and coping with immigration-related stress and uncertainty.
Option 2: Structured Closed Cohort
Day/Time: Thursdays at 4:00pm PT
Duration: 8 weeks (75 minutes each)
Format: Closed cohort; cumulative curriculum
Schedule: Upcoming cohort dates are listed in the registration form
This structured group follows a progressive curriculum, with each session building on the last. Attendance at early sessions is required to continue, as these establish shared language, structure, and trust.
These groups are offered on a recurring basis throughout the year. Please complete the short form below to register for the next Immigrant Support Group session. When space is limited, registrations are added to the waitlist and you will be contacted as openings become available.
Layoff and Job Loss Recovery Support Group (Non-Clinical)
Status: Open for enrollment (waitlist available when full)
Format: Live, online
Eligibility: Nationwide
Cost: Free
Schedule: Multiple formats available; see session options below
Session Format Options
Option 1: Flexible Drop-In Psychoeducation Sessions
Day/Time: Tuesdays at 9:00am PT
Duration: 6 weeks (75 minutes each)
Format: Open, drop-in; no weekly commitment
Schedule: Upcoming cohort dates are listed in the registration form
These sessions allow flexible attendance and do not build cumulatively. Each meeting focuses on grounding, rebuilding structure, motivation after layoffs, and coping with uncertainty.
Option 2: Structured Closed Cohort
Day/Time: Thursdays at 12:00pm PT
Duration: 8 weeks (75 minutes each)
Format: Closed cohort; cumulative curriculum
Schedule: Upcoming cohort dates are listed in the registration form
This structured cohort follows a progressive skills-building sequence. Weekly attendance is required to maintain group cohesion and continuity.
These groups are offered on a recurring basis throughout the year. Please complete the short form below to register for the next Layoff and Job Loss Recovery Support Group session. When space is limited, registrations are added to the waitlist and you will be contacted as openings become available.
Veterans Support Group (Non-VA, Non-Clinical)
Status: Limited availability (waitlist may apply)
Format: Live, online
Eligibility: Nationwide (Veterans)
Cost: Free
Schedule: Multiple formats available; see session options below
Session Format Options
Option 1: Flexible Psychoeducation Sessions
Day/Time: Tuesdays at 12:00pm PT
Duration: 6 weeks (75 minutes each)
Format: Open, skills-focused psychoeducation
Schedule: Upcoming cohort dates are listed in the registration form
These sessions focus on stress, transition, grounding skills, and values-based coping following military service. Sessions are educational and non-clinical.
Option 2: Structured Closed Cohort
Day/Time: Tuesdays at 4:00pm PT
Duration: 8 weeks (75 minutes each)
Format: Closed cohort; cumulative curriculum
Schedule: Upcoming cohort dates are listed in the registration form
This structured group supports veterans seeking consistency, shared language, and cumulative skills development outside VA systems. Attendance expectations apply to protect group cohesion.
These groups are offered on a recurring basis throughout the year. Please complete the short form below to register for the next Veterans Support Group session. When space is limited, registrations are added to the waitlist and you will be contacted as openings become available.
Choosing the Right Type of Support
Each option serves a different purpose. You are welcome to choose the level and type of support that best fits your needs right now.
Request a Custom Support Group for Your Community
Don’t see a group that fits your community’s needs? If your neighborhood, cultural community, faith group, or organization is navigating stress, uncertainty, or sudden change, I can offer a free, non-clinical psychoeducation session tailored to your needs. Complete the short form below, and I’ll follow up with next steps and available dates.