Abbotts Hill Elementary School
Anxiety During Transitions for 4th & 5th Graders
September 22nd – October 27th
Tuesdays at 1:00pm – 1:45pm
This FREE 6-week group is for students who are struggling with anxiety due to COVID and need coping skills to manage transitions. We will discuss the difference between virtual and in-school learning, social concerns, and differences in the household. We will use CBT/DBT skills to learn mindfulness and how to think “true” thoughts.
Led by: Janie Hortman, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
DBT Life Skills Group for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group is geared towards 4th and 5th graders who need extra support regulating emotions. We will be focusing on social-emotional learning in a group setting where mindfulness will be a key in learning to focus on awareness and feelings in the body. The group will progress in practicing emotion management skills, interpersonal effectiveness strategies, and decision-making skills. We will be learning these skills through activities and game play to help focus attention and have fun! DBT skills are best learned through modeling, practice, and awareness of self, so throughout the group we will be able to process the learned skills. Our goal is to lessen emotional dysregulation and provide tools to use in home and at school.
Led by: Janie Hortman, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Reset the Household for Fall Parent Support Group
Date: October 6th – November 10th
Tuesdays, 8:00am – 9:00am
This FREE 6-week group for parents will discuss how to reset and manage the household through the Fall. We will discuss different behaviors in children that may have developed during social distancing and how to provide structure in the household. We will discuss balancing work, school, and kids during COVID-19. We will utilize calming skills, normalization, and schedules to help!
Led by: Janie Hortman, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Alpharetta High School
Positive Parenting Support Group
September 24th – October 29th
Thursdays, 9:00am – 10:00am
This Free 6-week group will focus on teaching parents tips and tricks to solidify their relationship with their children. The group will go over how to discipline without the drama, how to encourage and connect in a way that builds trust, and how to navigate hard topics and hard conversations as they grow!
Led by: Will Goodwin, MA
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Anxiety & Coping with Stress Group
September 24th – October 29th
Thursdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm
This FREE 7-week group will focus on coping skills to manage anxiety in a school environment. The group will integrate mindfulness techniques as well as concrete coping skills.
Led by: Will Goodwin, MA
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Autrey Mill Middle School
Building Confidence Group for 6th & 7th Graders
Dates TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus on improving confidence in inner strengths and personal identity. We will address stressors that contribute to confidence levels, how to take care of ourselves, and practice sharing our inner voice.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Time to Thrive Group for 7th & 8th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will focus on strengthening interpersonal effectiveness and stress management. It will include focus on assertiveness training and how to manage conflict with parents and peers.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Relief in the Time of Covid Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week support group for parents will focus on relieving stress for the working and now homeschooling parents. We will focus on skills to manage stress, introducing self-care, and supporting your family.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Barnwell Elementery School
Anxiety and Mindfulness Group for 5th Graders
September 15th – October 20th
Tuesdays at 1:15pm – 2:00pm
Anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in our society today. This FREE 6-week group will help kids understand anxiety, learn how it manifests in the body and in the mind, and provide kids with mindfulness and calming skills.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Social Skills Group for 4th Graders
September 15th – October 20th
Tuesdays at 11:30am – 12:15pm
This FREE 6-week group is geared towards 4th graders who need extra support for learning social and emotional life skills. We will be focusing on recognizing and expressing emotions, frustration management, self-esteem, making and keeping friends, and cooperation and teamwork! The group will progress in practicing skills through group activities and games that engage students in a fun and interactive way! Social skills are best learned through modeling, practice, and awareness of self and others. Our goal is to help students improve self-awareness, increase confidence and form better social relationships!
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Helping Kids Thrive & Parents Survive – Parent Support Group
October 20th – December 6th
Tuesdays at 9:00am – 9:45am
This FREE 6-week online group is created to support parents through stressful times and provide parenting tips on how to build resiliency in their children. The group will focus on self-care tips and allow parents to connect with and support each other. In the group, parents will have the opportunity to practice skills that foster growth and connection in their children.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Cambridge High School
Staying Connected Through Covid Group for 9th & 10th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is designed to focus on our relationships with oneself and other people. COVID and quarantine challenged our interpersonal skills and put a strain on all of our relationships that could contribute to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and stress. This group will discuss how to safely connect with others in various environments, foster healthy relationships using boundaries, and manage feelings of anxiety related to relationship stress.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Self-Care & Self-Compassion for 9th & 10th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is developed to encourage self-care and self-compassion as daily activities. We will discuss how to build compassionate routines, identify and alter the negative ways we speak, and encourage self-care through activities and maintaining boundaries.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Virtual Reality 101 Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is designed to support parents and provide resources in transitioning to virtual school for the Fall 2020 semester. Virtual Reality will discuss concerns parents may have related to new challenges for this school year, as well as skills and resources to alleviate these difficulties. Topics include how to transition from “school” brain to “home” brain without changing environments, managing anxiety and avoidance, as well as encouraging problem solving and communication in the school environment.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Chattahoochee High School
Managing Stress & Anxiety Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is for students who are experiencing anxiety or an increased level of stress. Topics will include: challenging negative thoughts, mindfulness, managing school stress, and creating a “toolbox” of skills to manage these feelings.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Navigating Changes Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for students who are having some difficulty with the changes that have occurred due to COVID-19 or have experienced a significant change in their life. Topics will include: identifying strengths and supports, gratitude, and challenging our negative thoughts.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
The Connected Family Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for parents of high school students who want to feel more connected with their child(ren) and learn about this developmental stage. Topics will include: “Is this appropriate?”, building communication skills within the family, and ways to increase family connectedness.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Crabapple Middle School
Be Your Best Self Group for 6th Grade Boys
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week peer support group focuses on character and leadership development, communication/relationship skills, self-worth and coping skills.
Led by Brady Varga, LMSW, School-Based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Shine Bright Like a Diamond Group for 6th Grade Girls
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week peer support group focuses on empowerment, resiliency and self-esteem.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Tips To Survive 2020 (A Parent Webinar Series)
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week webinar series will provide information and tips to parents on a variety of subjects in order to help parents build stronger relationships with their child while managing their own stress.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Creek View Elementary School
Emotions Are Like Waves: Let’s Learn To Surf
Date: TBD
Tuesdays, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
This FREE 6-week group will teach students magic tricks for their brains (aka coping skills for the adults reading this). The dial can turn up on our emotions quickly, but how do we get those dials turned back down? This group will normalize those BIG feelings while redirecting our children to cope with them in healthier and more proactive ways.
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will teach parents tips and tricks to solidify their relationship with their children. We will go over how to discipline without the drama, how to encourage and connect in a way that builds trust, and how to navigate hard topics and hard conversations as they grow!
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Dolvin Elementary School
Anxiety and Mindfulness Group for 5th Graders
September 17th – October 22nd
Thursdays at 10:20am – 11:05am
Anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in our society today. This FREE 6-week group will help kids understand anxiety, learn how it manifests in the body and in the mind, and provide kids with mindfulness and calming skills.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Social Skills Group for 4th Graders
September 17th – October 22nd
Thursdays at 11:15am – 12:00pm
This FREE 6-week group is geared towards 4th graders who need extra support for learning social and emotional life skills. We will be focusing on recognizing and expressing emotions, frustration management, self-esteem, making and keeping friends, and cooperation and teamwork! The group will progress in practicing skills through group activities and games that engage students in a fun and interactive way! Social skills are best learned through modeling, practice, and awareness of self and others. Our goal is to help students improve self-awareness, increase confidence and form better social relationships!
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Helping Kids Thrive & Parents Survive – Parent Support Group
October 22nd – December 8th
Thursdays at 9:00am – 9:45am
This FREE 6-week online group is created to support parents through stressful times and provide parenting tips on how to build resiliency in their children. The group will focus on self-care tips and allow parents to connect with and support each other. In the group, parents will have the opportunity to practice skills that foster growth and connection in their children.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Hopewell Middle School
Calm, Cool & Covid Group for 6th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is for students who may be feeling stressed or anxious with the changes related to online/virtual school days. Calm, Cool, & COVID will discuss types of stress and how to manage and reduce these, provide various coping skills that can be used in different environments, and discuss the difficult battle we have with procrastination and avoidance of certain tasks and assignments.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Self-Care & Self-Compassion Group for 7th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is developed to encourage self-care and self-compassion as daily activities. We will discuss how to build compassionate routines, identify and alter the negative ways we speak, and encourage self-care through activities and maintaining boundaries.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Virtual Reality 101 Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is designed to support parents and provide resources in transitioning to virtual school for the Fall 2020 semester. Virtual Reality will discuss concerns parents may have related to new challenges for this school year, as well as skills and resources to alleviate these difficulties. Topics include how to transition from “school” brain to “home” brain without changing environments, managing anxiety and avoidance, as well as encouraging problem solving and communication in the school environment.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Johns Creek High School
Anxiety and Mindfulness Group for 11th & 12th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will focus on increasing the understanding of anxiety and improving skills to manage and prevent it. We will discuss and practice using mindfulness skills and DBT/CBT skills.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Building Confidence Group for 9th & 10th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus on improving confidence in inner strengths and personal identity. We will address stressors that contribute to confidence levels, how to take care of ourselves, and practice sharing our inner voice.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Relief in the Time of Covid Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group for parents will focus on relieving stress for the working and now homeschooling parents. We will focus on skills to manage stress, introducing self-care, and supporting your family.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Milton High School
Managing Anxiety Group for 9th & 10th Graders
September 28th – November 9th
Mondays, 10:00am – 10:45am
This FREE 7-week group will explore and discuss various topics related to anxiety, including symptoms, behaviors, thought patterns, and stressors. Members will find support through sharing experiences with one another and learning various coping methods and techniques for anxiety management.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
From Burnout to Balance Parent Support Group
October 7th – November 18th
Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Parents will find support and a sense of community through connecting with one another in a supportive group setting. This FREE 7-week group is process oriented and topics of discussion include burnout, stress, overwhelmed, and various changes related to corona virus. Group members will learn, discuss, and practice self-care and stress management skills.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Boundary Setting & Relationships Group for 11th & 12th Graders
October 20th – December 1st
Tuesdays, 11:45am – 12:30pm
Group participants will explore and discuss various types of personal boundaries, boundary implementation techniques, and effective communication. This FREE 6-week process-oriented group will focus on learning about, developing, and maintaining healthy relationships with peers, and establishing clear boundaries and healthy self-care patterns.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Mountain Park Elementary School
Healing Thru Hope Group for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group focuses on helping children understand their feelings of loss and grief, how to manage what they are feeling and provide an opportunity to share their story and find comfort.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Mind Over Mood: DBT Skills for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus primarily on teaching skills to help children regulate their emotions, tolerate distress and live mindfully.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed? Do you feel like your patience is low and continuously being tested? This FREE 7-week parenting group will use principles from Garry Landreth’s Child Parent Relationship Therapy model, to re-engage with your child in a constructive way, help you better understand where your child is coming from and how to manage your own emotions when interacting with your child.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Northview High School
Overcoming Anxiety Group for 9th & 10th Graders
October 9th – November 20th
Fridays, 3:00pm-4:00pm
This FREE 8-week supportive skills-based group is designed to help students recognize anxiety triggers and overcome personal stressors and fears. Group members will have an opportunity to learn about the differences between stress and anxiety. The group will help build confidence in students so that they can manage the storms of life and find peace within themselves.
Led by: Max Merritt, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Healthy Relationships Group for 9th & 10th Graders
Start Date: October 6th – November 10th
Tuesdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm
The teenage years can be filled with challenges, pressures, and questions. It is a time when students begin to discover who they are as individuals, explore who they want to be, and who they want to be with. Developing new relationships, whether dating or “just friends”, offers its own unique challenges. This FREE 8-week group will address these challenges and help students learn how build healthy relationship skills.
Led by: Max Merritt, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Surviving the Teenage Brain Parent Support Group
October 6th – November 17th
Tuesdays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Parents will find support and a sense of community through connecting with one another in a supportive group setting. This FREE 7-week group is process oriented and will discuss the following topics: developmental changes, risk taking in teens, identity formation, the effect of stress and lack of sleep on the teenage brain, being a teen in the age of screens, and what parents can expect after adolescence.
Led by: Max Merritt, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Northwestern Middle School
Building Self-Esteem Group for 6th & 7th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is a supportive skills-based format designed to develop and improve confidence and self-esteem. Group members will learn and practice healthy ways to interact with others, use assertive communication skills, and navigate challenging social situations. Participates will build and foster self-esteem and a positive self-image through both interpersonal and individual activities.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Burnout to Balance Parent Support Group
Dates: TBD
Parents will find support and a sense of community through connecting with one another in a supportive group setting. This FREE 7-week group is process oriented and topics of discussion include burnout, stress, overwhelmed, and various changes related to corona virus. Group members will learn, discuss, and practice self-care and stress management skills.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Ocee Elementary School
Social Skills Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for students who need support with social skills to increase peer relationships. They will learn and practice skills within the group to use with their peers. Topics include: conversation skills, making friends, and managing emotions.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Worry Warriors Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group will work through a series of activities that address their worries and provide coping strategies. Topics include: “what is worry”, coping skills, and circle of control.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
The Connected Family Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for parents who want to feel more connected with their child(ren) and learn about this developmental stage. Topics will include: strengthening boundaries, consequences, building communication skills within the family, and ways to increase family connectedness.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
River Trail Middle School
Overcoming Anxiety Group
October 5th – November 30th
Mondays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
This FREE 8-week supportive skills-based group is designed to help students recognize anxiety triggers and overcome personal stressors and fears. Group members will have an opportunity to learn about the differences between stress and anxiety. The group will help build confidence in students so that they can manage the storms of life and find peace within themselves.
Led by: Max Merritt, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Healthy Relationship Group
October 8th – November 12th
Thursdays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
The pre-teen and teenage years can be filled with challenges, pressures, and questions. It is a time when students begin to discover who they are as individuals, explore who they want to be, and who they want to be with. Developing new relationships, whether dating or “just friends”, offers its own unique challenges. This FREE 8-week group will address these challenges and help students learn how to build healthy relationship skills.
Led by: Max Merritt, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Surviving Planet Middle School Parent Support Group
October 8th – November 19th
Thursdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Parents will find support and a sense of community through connecting with one another in a supportive group setting. This FREE 7-week group is process oriented and will focus on stresses and changes related to children transitioning into “Tweens”. Topics of discussion include developmental changes, social changes and the desire to fit in, parental expectations for themselves and their middle schooler, and how parents can talk to their middle schooler.
Led by: Max Merritt, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Summit Hill Elementary School
Emotions Are Like Waves: Let’s Learn to Surf Group
Date: TBD
Tuesdays, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
This FREE 6-week group will teach students magic tricks for their brains (aka coping skills for the adults reading this). The dial can turn up on our emotions quickly, but how do we get those dials turned back down? This group will normalize those BIG feelings while redirecting our children to cope with them in healthier and more proactive ways.
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
Mondays, 8:00am – 9:00am
This FREE 6-week group will teach parents tips and tricks to solidify their relationship with their children. We will go over how to discipline without the drama, how to encourage and connect in a way that builds trust, and how to navigate hard topics and hard conversations as they grow!
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Sweet Apple Elementary School
Healing Thru Hope Group for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group focuses on helping children understand their feelings of loss and grief, how to manage what they are feeling and provide an opportunity to share their story and find comfort.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Mind Over Mood: DBT Skills for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus primarily on teaching skills to help children regulate their emotions, tolerate distress and live mindfully.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed? Do you feel like your patience is low and continuously being tested? This FREE 7-week parenting group will use principles from Garry Landreth’s Child Parent Relationship Therapy model, to re-engage with your child in a constructive way, help you better understand where your child is coming from and how to manage your own emotions when interacting with your child.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Taylor Road Middle School
Time To Thrive Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will focus on teaching students skills they can implement in social situations that will increase the quality of their interactions. Topics will include: social filter, character and reputation, and “what makes a friend?”.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Navigating Changes Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for students who are having some difficulty with the changes that have occurred due to COVID-19 or have experienced a significant change in their life. Topics will include: identifying strengths and supports, gratitude, and challenging our negative thoughts.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
The Connected Family Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for parents of middle school students who want to feel more connected with their child(ren) and learn about this developmental stage. Topics will include: “Is this appropriate?”, building communication skills within the family, and ways to increase family connectedness.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Partnerships and Financial Support
These groups would not be possible without our partner schools and the financial support from our funders:
- Dekalb County School District https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/
- Fulton County Government https://fultoncountyga.gov/
- Fulton County Schools https://www.fultonschools.org/
- Greater Atlanta Christian School https://www.greateratlantachristian.org/