Groups 4  Kids
A guide to Therapy Groups in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.
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Teen Groups

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Abrams & Associates, LLC

Alvord Baker & Associates, LLC Group Therapy Center

Assessment Associates

The Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington

Center for Group and Family Therapy

The Chrysalis Group Inc.

Expressive Therapy Center

Falls Church Parent-Child Center

Donna Firer, LCSW-C

In Step, PC

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)

McLean Psychotherapy Practices

National Family Resiliency Center

Rathbone and Associates

Laura Rubinoff and Associates, Speech/Language Pathologists

Allison Sibley & Associates, PLLC

Lisa M. Snipper, LCSW

Daniel Turetsky, PsyD, Psychologist

The Wake Kendall Group



Detailed Teen Listings

Abrams & Associates, LLC
Weekly groups for teenage girls. Guided insight and peer support addressing anxiety, identity development, self-esteem, family conflict, anger and other challenges, such as building coping skills for dealing with social and academic stress. Girls, ages 12-17. Group for young women in recovery from anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Emphasis is on self-development, individuation from parents, social relationship skills, money management, assertiveness and emotional resourcefulness. Girls, ages 18-22.

Kay Abrams, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
3841 Farragut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
301-949-2098

www.kayabrams.com

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Alvord Baker & Associates, LLC Group Therapy Center
Alvord, Baker & Associates, LLC has been providing social competence groups for children and adolescents since 1992. The groups focus on enhancing resilience, which we view as the ability to adapt well to life and its challenges. We offer groups for children from pre-kindergarten through high school. We also offer groups for children and teens diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Aspergers and High Functioning Autism. Childrens social competence can be impacted greatly by one or several of the following factors: ability to regulate their behavior; anxiety; ADHD; learning disabilities; low self-esteem; organizational challenges; and/or transition difficulties. Our groups help children identify what they do well, and to build on their social strengths. We use the Resilience Builder ProgramTM which utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral framework (how one thinks impacts how one feels and subsequently, how one behaves with others) and empirically supported strategies. Our middle and high school groups address the social/interpersonal aspects of growing up and focus on: increasing confidence and self-esteem; dealing with issues such as "fitting-in" and setting limits; and finding academic and social success. Groups for middle and high school students also deal with social-skills deficits of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and organizational/transitional difficulties. Didactic, process, and experiential activities, discussions and relaxation/self-control techniques. Boys, girls, and co-ed groups for grades 6 through 12.

Psychologists: Mary Alvord, PhD; Samantha T. Bender, PhD; Lynn F. Bufka, PhD;  Karan Lamb, PsyD; Kelly O'Brien, PhD; Michael Reiter, PhD; Veronica Raggi, PhD; Monica Robb, PhD; Jessica Samson, PsyD; Lisa Sanchez, PhD; Erik Scott, PhD; Edward Spector, PsyD; Marquette Turner, PhD; Bonnie Zucker, PsyD 
Clinical Social Workers: Patricia Baker, DSW, LCSW-C; Erica Berger, LCSW-C; Betsy Carmichael, LCSW; Dorothy Moore, LCSW-C; Thomas Verratti, LCSW-C

Group Coordinator: 301-593-6554 x49
email: groups@alvordbaker.com

3200 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852
301- 593-6554 ext. 49

11161 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 307, Silver Spring, MD 20904
301- 593-6554 ext. 49

www.alvordbaker.com

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Assessment Associates
Process and activity oriented groups geared towards facilitating the development of problem solving and conflict resolution skills, increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy, and improving one's ability to read nonverbal forms of communication. Groups available for children ages 7 through 18 with socialization delays secondary to ADHD, sensory integrations challenges, speech and language delays, learning disabilities, "nonverbal LD's", PDD and Asperger's' Disorder, and other developmental or adjustment related issues.

Joel Adler, PsyD
7013-A Brookeville Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-951-5666

www.assessmentassociates.us.com

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The Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington
We offer a specialized evidence-based group for teens and children with social anxiety. These groups are designed to address common social skills deficits found in children with Social Anxiety Disorder including initiating conversations, maintaining conversations, inviting peers to join in activities, joining groups, phone skills, using appropriate assertiveness, and recognizing social cues.  Each group consists of didactic instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsals (role-plays), and corrective feedback from group leader and peers. We also provide “generalization sessions” in which prior “graduates” of the group return to serve as unfamiliar peers for the current group members when the group engages in typical age-appropriate activities that allow the current group members to practice their newly acquired skills in a more natural setting.  The group meets weekly for 90 minutes for 15 weeks. BTC also offers occasional groups for children and teens who engage in problematic skin-picking and hair pulling.

Charles Mansueto, PhD, Director; Jonathan Dalton, PhD, Director of Group Treatment Program; Lisa Levine, PsyD; Elspeth Neiman Bell, PhD; Courtney B. Ferrell, PhD; Ruth G. Golomb, MEd, LCPC; Brad S. Hufford, LCSW-C.; Jennifer H. Kessler, PhD; David J. Keuler, PhD; Özge Gürel Kırgız, PhD; Sherrie M. Vavrichek, LCSW-C; and Noah Weintraub, PsyD; Andrea Batton, LGPC; Rina Pesce, PhD; Kristin Bianchi, MA

11227 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901
301-593-4040

www.behaviortherapycenter.com

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Center for Group and Family Therapy
Groups for adolescents and young adults led by Certified Group Psychotherapist with 28 years experience leading groups in schools, outpatient, inpatient & residential settings and working with adolescents in individual and family therapy. Graduate of two-year certificate training programs in both Group Psychotherapy and Family and Couples Psychotherapy at the Washington School of Psychiatry. Specializing in trauma-related problems and adolescents with severe symptoms & complex presentations including oppositionality, teens with borderline symptoms, bipolar and mood disorders and dissociative disorders. Groups that may be available: (1) High school girls group focused on general adolescent issues including healthy boundaries, self-care skills, avoiding abusive relationships, managing & expressing emotions & broadening social & emotional resources; (2) Group for adolescent girls ages 12-15 for problems in the areas of social skills, anxiety and depression, and self-esteem, including girls having difficulties adjusting to high school; (3) General therapy group for college/post high school ages 17-22; (4) Trauma support group for girls age 13 to 17 who have received individual trauma therapy and could benefit from peer support and further emotional processing in a group setting.

Jan Freeman, LCSW-C, CGP
Certified Group Psychotherapist
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-657-2292

Email: vjfree@comcast.net
www.janfreemanmsw.com

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The Chrysalis Group Inc.
The Chrysalis Group has been providing the Operation Extinguish program for juvenile fire setters since 1984. In addition to conducting aninitial assessment to evaluate the severity of the fire setting problem and its underlying motive, we provide a series of psychoeducational groups focused on fire prevention, peer pressure, stress and anger management, impulse control, and healthy decision-making. We accept referrals from therapists, parents, schools, attorneys, fire departments, police departments, courts, and other community agencies.

Directors: Jude Setian Marston, LCSW and Joanne Irving, PhD
Clinicians:  Judy Liss, LCSW-C and Kim Piasecki, LCPC

4405 East West Highway, Suite 301
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-1582
email: chrysalisgroup@verizon.net

www.the-chrysalis-group.com

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Expressive Therapy Center
Psychotherapy groups for adolescents with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, eating disorders, academic problems and more. We help adolescents with attention deficit disorder, learning disorders, divorce issues, and autism spectrum establish coping skills to better handle their personal stress. Social skills training is emphasized. Boys and girls, ages 10-22.

Director: Stephanie Natter, MA, ATR, CGP
J. Mark Gallagher PsyD.; Jaclyn Halpern, PsyD.; Heather Norden, PhD.;Gerald Oster, PhD.; Susan Rail, LCSW-C; Nanci Brown, LCSW-C; Veronica Bannon, LPC, NBCC, ADTR; Natalie Selzer, LCPC; Jacy Perkins, APRN PMH

14808 Physicians Lane, Suite 111, Rockville, MD 20850
301-869-1017 ext 1

5910 Goldsboro Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-869-1017 ext 1

1320 Vincent Place, McLean, VA 22101

www.expressivetherapycenter.com

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Donna Firer, LCSW-C
"Shy Girls/Quiet Girls" is a supportive, gentle group for high school girls who struggle with anxiety and feel uncertain about how they fit in with the typical "teen" scene.  This group provides an excellent opportunity for further growth in self-knowledge and self-confidence. Through a range of activities -  including expressive arts, cognitive behavioral concepts and techniques, and role playing  -  girls will learn how to build satisfying relationships with peers and adults and gain specific strategies for managing stress and worries. This group meets weekly during the school year.

Donna Firer, LCSW-C

8811 Colesville Road, Suite 102, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (walk to Silver Spring Metro Red Line)

4405 East-West Highway, Suite 210, Bethesda, MD 20814  (walk to Bethesda Metro)

301-585-8828

email: donnafirer@earthlink.net
www.donnafirer.net

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In Step, PC
In Step, PC - home of Stepping Stones - is a nationally recognized private mental health practice for adolescents and young adults, ages 13-24. For over fifteen years, our team of psychologists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors has been guiding teens and their families towards coping more effectively with life stressors. Our dynamic mental health professionals partner with you to develop a continuum of care plan, in order to ensure that the skills learned with us create long-lasting change. Some of our areas of specialty are: Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Asperger's and Autism Issues, Anger Management, ADD/ADHD Issues, Young Adult Interpersonal Therapy Groups, Teen Interpersonal Therapy Groups (both mixes and same sexed groups) and Teen Drama Therapy Groups.

Cathi Cohen, LCSW, Director

In Step, PC
8320 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-876-8480 ext. 10

In Step, PC West
6 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 200, Sterling, VA 20165
703-433-5771

email: instep_pc@yahoo.com
www.insteppc.com

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JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
Psychotherapy and social skills therapy groups for adolescents, including those with ADHD, social-behavioral disorders, Asperger's Syndrome, and other PDD's. Social skills groups focus on resisting peer pressure, coping with bullying, reading social cues, self-control, cooperative interaction, problem solving, self-esteem, handling stress, social conversation, and positive peer relationships. Other groups: anger management, siblings with disabilities, coping with divorce. Boys, girls, middle and high school. Non-sectarian.

Rockville: Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C; Stanley Fagen, PhD; Jennifer FIrestone, LCSW-C; Zach Lehman, LCSW-C; Jamell White, LCSW-C;
Fairfax: Treona Bateman, LCSW; Larisa Perez deGraffenreid, LCSW; Sarah Ince, LCSW; Andrew McGahan, LCSW; Seth Solondz, LCSW

Headquarters:
200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD 20850
301-838-4200

3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-204-9100

www.jssa.org

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McLean Psychotherapy Practices

The clinicians at McLean Psychotherapy Practices offer numerous ongoing social skills groups for children of varying ages and developmental levels. Each group is specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by the group members. We use a variety of therapeutic interventions, including expressive, art and play techniques. Groups typically run from September to June, with additional summer groups offered as well.  In addition, we work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other treatment providers to ensure positive treatment outcomes. The primary goals of adolescent groups are to provide a safe environment for preadolescents and adolescents to talk about peer pressure, process their feelings about social interactions, develop and maintain friendships, increase self esteem, and improve family relationships. These groups are tailored to address specific issues raised by group members. Past topics have included stress reduction, anxiety management, dream analysis, body image and mood swings.


Clinicians: Lisa Elkin, PsyD, 571-238-6524; Cynthia Mathis, LMFT 703-401-5394; Nicole McGarry, LPC 202-641-8429

1487 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22101

www.mcleanpsychotherapy.com

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National Family Resiliency Center
Teens in grades 9-12 have an opportunity to explore and resolve divorce related concerns, as well as an opportunity to focus on many issues such as dating and decisions about college, friendships, careers, etc. Teens comment about how comfortable it is to talk and be understood by their peers. Parents are involved through individual and multiple family sessions. Groups meet weekly for 12 weeks; 90 minutes per session.

Risa J. Garon, LCSW-C, BCD, CFLE; Susan Bilchik, NBCC; Debra Giuliano, MEd, NCCC; Kim Levone, LCSW-C; Kathleen Sullivan, LCSW-C; Carolyn Wohnsigl, MEd; Elaine Drewyer, LGSW; and Thomas Vassil, PhD, LCSW-C

451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 225, Rockville, MD 20850
301-384-0079

10632 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 121 Columbia, MD 21044
410-740-9553

14350 Solomons Island Road, Suite 202B, Solomons, MD 20688
410-474-8500

www.nfrchelp.org

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Rathbone and Associates
Washingtonian Magazine's "Top Group Therapist". Psychotherapy groups, Social Skills Groups and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Skills Groups for adolescents. Rathbone & Associates specializes in the treatment of adolescents and currently has 20 different groups meeting weekly for adolescents in middle school, high school, and college/post high school. Issues addressed in groups include mood disorders, anxiety, social anxiety, learning disabilities, ADHD, social skills, and the full range of adolescent issues. Specific groups include social skills training for Asperger's Syndrome, "Nails to Knitting" activity based group for adolescent girls, DBT Skills Group for young people who engage in self-destructive behavior when emotionally overwhelmed, as well as many ongoing general psychotherapy groups. Rathbone & Associates provides the highest quality service for teenagers and their families. Additional information and a current listing of all groups available on our website: www.rathboneandassociates.com

Britt Rathbone, LCSW-C, CGP (Certified Group Psychotherapist); John Dunn, LCSW-C; Phyllis Pomerantz, LCSW-C; Gavin Behrens, LCSW-C; Lisa Behrens, LCSW-C; Julie Baron, LCSW-C; JoJo Gaul, LCSW-C;Anu Lukk, LCSW-C; Carla Pappas, LCSW-C; Ludley Howard, LCSW-C

5942 Hubbard Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852 
301-230-9490

4701 Sangamore Road, #210N, Bethesda, Maryland 20816 

www.rathbone.info

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Laura Rubinoff and Associates, Speech/Language Pathologists
The Performing Arts-Language Program (PAL) is designed to improve social interaction through pragmatic language practice, problem solving and role playing. The PAL program is co-led by a speech-language pathologist and an actor who specializes in non-verbal communication and improvisation. Co-ed, boys and girls groups ages 11-15. The PAL program meets weekly for 90 minutes for 16 weeks. The Dinner Discourse Program (dinner is provided) teaches social thinking and relating, pragmatic language functions and engagement in social dialogue while dining.  Co-ed, Ages 12-15. Dinner Discourse meets weekly for one hour for 16 weeks.

6506 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-493-4695

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Allison Sibley & Associates, PLLC
Groups for teens offer an arena in which to practice personal and relational skills related to making and keeping friends. Groups provide opportunities for social skill building and processing experiences in an educational and engaging setting. Emphasis is on playing out and talking through friendship experiences, which may be influenced by a variety of issues including adjustment issues, self-esteem, ADHD, and emotional factors. Current high school girls group and middle school girls groups are available (6th-7th, 7th-8th, 8th-9th, 10th-11th).

Allison Sibley, PhD, Clinical Social Worker; Samantha Dubit, LPC, Professional Counselor; Amanda Good, MSW, Social Worker; Kate Kelly, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Molly Mattison, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Bill McNulty, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Tracy Samuel, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Edith Schatz, MSW, Clinical Social Worker

5236 44th Street NW #4, Washington DC 20015
202-237-1196
202-740-1086 (cell)

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Lisa M. Snipper, LCSW
Lisa M. Snipper offers a variety of psychotherapy groups to children, adolescents and parents. Two adolescent groups are offered currently. One is an ongoing group that is tailored to address the needs of the group and covers topics such as self esteem, body image, anxiety, and relationships/dating. The second group is for adolescent female survivors of sexual assault, which is focused on fostering a safe environment for teens to help support one another and share their experiences with others.

11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 6, Reston, VA 20191
571-230-2349

www.atherapistforyou.com

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Daniel Turetsky, PsyD, Psychologist
Psychotherapy groups focus on the development of successful interpersonal relationships and ways to effectively cope with the emotional and social challenges of adolescence. Groups are designed to improve social interest and skill, self-esteem and regulation, and awareness of self and others. Particular attention is directed to facilitating healthy emotional development including how to effectively work through anger, independence, dependence, shyness, depression and anxiety.  

4809 Saint Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-5947
email: danisaact@aol.com

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The Wake Kendall Group PLLC

The Wake Kendall Group offers groups for adolescents working through challenges relating to emotion regulation, family, peers, romantic interests, identity development, and school demands. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program: For the more emotionally dysregulated teens, particularly teens who may have engaged in self harm behaviors, we offer a Dialectical Behavior Therapy program.  We recommend that interested families review information about Dialectical Behavior Therapy that is offered on our website:  www.wakekendall.com. Weekly individual therapy is required and a parent must attend the Monday evening group along with the adolescent.  Adolescents and parents meet separately for a portion of the time and then new material is taught to both adolescents and parents together in a combined group.  This is not the initial treatment for adolescents involved in drug or alcohol abuse, or eating disorders. However, once students are in an appropriate treatment program for these issues, DBT has been found to be effective in teaching skills of emotional regulation. Ongoing Process Groups Focusing on Adolescent Concerns: In addition to the DBT program, we have a group for high school girls who may be somewhat less intensely dysregulated. This is a small group led by Lenni Snyder, MA, LPC and Sunita Duggal, PhD on Tuesday afternoons. This group follows a process group format, offering a warm and accepting peer group environment in which we facilitate understanding consequences of actions, learning to take different points of view, and developing problem-solving skills.  A variety of coping skills are introduced in the context of issues being discussed in the group. Please contact our Group Intake Coordinator, Adair Fox, MA, LCSW, at 202-686-7699 x 68 to provide preliminary information to determine whether there is an appropriate group for the adolescent.  If there is availability in a group, Adair Fox will refer you to a group leader for an intake meeting to further determine whether the group is a good fit.

Group Coodinator: Adair Fox, MA, LCSW

5247 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 4, Washington, DC 20015 
202-686-7699 x 68
Email: AFox@WakeKendall.com

www.wakekendall.com

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