Mental Health Counseling and Support

Group counseling is a natural extension of the way you live your daily life, interacting with others. But instead of talking to your family, social networks or classes, you talk with similar students and with counselors who can help.

During group counseling, you will likely find that you have a lot in common with other group members, and that other people may have the same types of difficulties that you are facing. We work hard to create a strong level of trust, so everyone in the group can talk openly and honestly.

A typical group includes 6-12 students and 1-2 therapists, and meets once per week. Under the skilled direction of the group therapists, the group is able to give support, and offer alternative perspectives and new skills. By following this process, you can address your concerns, learn alternative behaviors, and develop new ways of relating to people.

How much you talk about yourself depends upon what you are comfortable with. You control what you share with the group; in fact, we encourage you not to share until you’re ready. Group leaders are there to help develop a safe environment and facilitate the conversation.

Different types of groups are offered each semester with the following focus/themes:

Wednesdays 2:30-4:00 p.m. - In-person (Richmond, North Campus)

The Black Student Support group is a space dedicated entirely to the experience of being Black. We invite members of the African diaspora to come together to create community and dialogue around what it means for you to be Black. In this group we will discuss various topics including culture, racial/ethnic identity, colorism, intersectionality, family, the diversity of Blackness, and navigating UB as a Predominately White Institution. The group will be co-led by 2 Black therapists and our goal is to create a safe and brave space for you to feel heard and supported.

Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 p.m. - Online

The LGBTQ+ Support Group is a safe space for students of all LGBTQ+ identities to build a sense of community. The group serves as a place to discuss and explore topics related to these identities, which may include coming out / not coming out, relationships with family and friends, dating and intimate relationships, transitioning, and other life experiences related to being an LGBTQ+ person. Topics may also include non-identity related life stressors that students want to discuss.

Fridays 1:00-2:30 pm – In-person (Richmond, North Campus)

This group provides a safe, supportive, and comfortable place for international students to discuss adjustment stressors and cross-cultural experiences in the U.S. The group also creates a safe and confidential environment for group members to share information and support each other.

Wednesdays 12:00-1:00 pm – In-Person

A weekly psychoeducational workshop series for UB Law students addressing a different mental health and wellness topic each week. Feel free to bring your lunch since all workshops take place at noon.

Tuesdays 2:30-4:00 pm –  Online

This group provides a warm and supportive environment where members can experiment constructively in a confidential environment with new ways of relating to others, share personal experiences, express fears and concerns, and get support and feedback. People participate in this group for a number of reasons including having difficulties in relationships, finding their relationships are not satisfying, being curious about how others perceive them, and seeking support when experimenting with new relational behaviors.

Tuesdays 2:00-3:30 pm – Online

This support group is designed for students who have lost a loved one through death.  The overall mission is to provide space, acceptance and support for students to mourn the loss of their loved one and to acknowledge the many feelings associated with grief and loss. This semi-structured support group will provide information on unique and different styles of grieving, as well as challenges of grieving. The group will also provide a space to discuss helpful strategies to support each student in their unique grief journey.

Mondays 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Online

This structured group will teach skills to live in the present, deal with stress, manage difficult emotions, and handle interpersonal conflict in effective ways. 

Mondays 2:00-3:00 pm - Online

A structured group for women who want to explore their relationship with body image, food, and emotions. This group is for individuals who are in various stages of preoccupation with food and body image concerns. Skills will be taught to live more intentionally and mindfully in the present, deal with stress, manage difficult emotions, and handle interpersonal conflict. Participants will also learn to connect with and live in their bodies more effectively.

TBD –  Online

This structured group will provide students with education and coping strategies to help with stress, anxiety, and mood management.  Some of the topics covered may include self-care, relaxation and effective stress management, coping with anxiety in healthy ways, and increasing positive emotions. 

Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 pm – In-Person

A 4-week structured group for injured varsity athletes that will provide education and coping strategies to help with common struggles of managing an injury. Some of the topics covered are the stages of grief of an injury, the athlete identity, building connections and support, and returning to participation confidently. Offered twice during the semester.

Thursdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm – Online

This group is for students who experience symptoms of and/or have been diagnosed with ADHD. This 5-session structured group aims to help students enhance their ability to manage their attention and difficulties by teaching behavioral strategies and skills to improve their organization and reduce distractibility and procrastination, and by incorporating attention training (e.g., mindfulness) and other skills.

Thursdays 3:00-4:30 pm – Online

iRest meditation recognizes that we interpret our human experiences through our constantly changing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This yoga-based meditation practice incorporates psychology and neuroscience in training group members to welcome, connect with and engage these changing (and sometimes strong) states, while in a relaxed state. Members will learn to focus and release attention in a way that cultivates concentration, letting go when feeling stuck and tapping into wholeness of Being; which is always present, despite the ups and downs of life. This can lead to a stronger sense of feeling secure and safe with ourselves, while also feeling more connected to ourselves and others.  No previous meditation experience needed.