Counseling Services Groups

The group schedules may change throughout the semester, and these changes may not always be reflected on this website. For questions about group offerings, please contact the Group Coordinator, Dr. Kseniya Zhuzha, at kzhuzha@unr.edu.

Please note:

  • Counseling Services groups are open to all current, eligible University of Nevada, Reno students.
  • Students’ interests and clinical needs are considered by our clinicians when determining recommendations and enrollment in a group. Please contact counseling@unr.edu if you would like to request a group that is not currently being offered. Development of new groups is subject to student enrollment, clinical judgment, clinical resources and availability, and other factors.
  • All groups are held in person at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer 2026 groups

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Group

    When: Wednesdays 3-5 p.m.
    Who's leading: Amy O'Brien, LCSW and Holland Blackstock, M.A.

    This six-week group is intended for students who want to increase their self-awareness, ability to tolerate distress, and improve emotion regulation and relationship skills. Group is structured like a class where group leaders teach skills and provide handouts to assist with the development of coping skills. Students must be referred by a mental health professional to this group.

    Interested?

      • If you are a current client of the University Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
      • If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session.
      • If you are a mental health professional interested in referring a student to this group, please contact Christina Cendejas at ccendejas@unr.edu
  • Interpersonal Group

    When: Tuesdays 3-4:30 p.m.
    Who's leading: Jodi Thomas, Psy.D. and Lee Pradell, M.S.

    This group focuses on building awareness of self in relationships with others and practicing new ways of interacting with others within a safe and therapeutic environment. Common issues addressed in this group include forming and maintaining relationships, communication styles, boundaries, self-awareness, emotional expression, intimacy, assertiveness, empathy and trust. Group sessions generally have little to no structure and students have freedom to bring up concerns pertinent to their lives. In the process, they are encouraged to explore and express their emotions, practice effective ways of communication, and notice how meaningful interpersonal connections are formed in the group.

    Interested?

    • If you are a current client of the University Counseling Services, please ask your clinician about this group.
    • If you are NOT a current client with us, please see how to schedule a same-day session or email Lee Pradell at lpradell@unr.edu.

    Related resources:

  • Success Pizza: International Student Support Group

    When: One Friday a month, 12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m. (Jul 5, Jul 10 and Aug 7)
    Who's leading: Jodi Thomas, Psy.D., Edwin Tang, M.C., and Holland Blackstock, M.A., and OISS staff

    Being a student is stressful and can be made even more difficult when adjusting to a different culture. This support group is best suited for students who want to discuss adjustment to the U.S. culture and academic stress with fellow University international students in a supportive space. The group is run by Counseling Services therapists along with OISS staff.

    Interested? Please contact Adilia Ross at adiliab@unr.edu to register.