Group Therapist In NYC: Group Psychotherapy

Connect, Heal, and Grow Together

Shared experiences make personal struggles easier to carry. At Simona Shokrian Psychotherapy, you’ll find a safe, confidential space to process life’s challenges alongside people who truly understand what you are going through.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, relationship hurdles, or major life transitions, working with an experienced group therapist in NYC helps you build deeper connections and lasting emotional resilience.

Meet Your Group Therapist

Simona Shokrian, LCSW-R

Licensed Psychotherapist & Practice Director

25+ Years of Clinical Experience | Multilingual (English, Farsi, French)

Simona understands how daunting it can feel to share your story with others. For over 20 years across New York and California, she has helped people navigate life’s heaviest moments with patience, warmth, and deep cultural empathy.

Rather than giving cold, clinical advice, Simona sits with you as a collaborative partner. Her approach combines gentle psychodynamic insight with family systems training, creating a safe, grounded space where you can let your guard down, process complex emotions, and build meaningful connections at your own pace.

Clinical Credentials & Highlights

25+ Years of Clinical Practice

Psychotherapeutic experience across Midtown Manhattan and Los Angeles

4,000+ Post-Grad Hours

Rigorously trained across thousands of clinical client hours

Ackerman Institute Graduate

Two-year specialized externship in family and couples therapy

USC Master of Social Work

Advanced clinical degree earned at the University of Southern California (2001)

Dual-State LCSW-R License

Fully licensed for in-person and telehealth therapy in New York and California

How Group Therapy Helps You Grow

Simona carefully screens every member to protect the group dynamic and ensure a supportive fit. By bringing together individuals facing similar life challenges, she fosters an atmosphere where sharing feels natural, safe, and empowering.

Through expert guidance, Simona helps you:

Break Through Isolation:

Realize that others share your exact fears, relationship hurdles, and anxieties

Express Complex Emotions:

Gain clarity on your feelings without fear of criticism or judgment

Build Relationship Skills:

Practice healthy communication and boundary-setting in real-time

Gain Fresh Perspectives:

Receive honest, constructive feedback from peers who genuinely care

Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy

This space is ideal if you are navigating:

Inside a 50-Minute Group Session

Building presence and connection

We start with a quick round of updates to bring awareness to how everyone is feeling coming into the space.

Deep work and shared insights

Members dive into specific challenges, offering mutual support and exploring healthy ways to communicate and cope.

Leaving with clarity

Simona wraps up the group with actionable reflections, ensuring everyone leaves feeling grounded and safe.

What Brings Members to Our Group

Throughout life, we all encounter obstacles. By listening closely to your story, she works collaboratively with you to identify your needs, clarify your path forward, and encourage every step of your growth, whether you join the group or start with individual therapy.

Simona provides focused, empathetic support to help you process and resolve core life challenges:

Building stronger emotional bonds:

Repairing communication gaps, resolving recurring conflicts, processing breakups or divorce, and fostering deeper emotional connections.

Navigating generational dynamics:

Managing multi-generational relationships, balancing cultural traditions, and easing the stress of major family transitions.

Restoring confidence and inner calm:

Reducing chronic stress and social isolation while building genuine self-worth and emotional balance.

Finding clarity in moments of change:

Navigating major milestones with confidence, including career shifts, moves, aging, loss, or entering parenthood.

Bridging different worlds:

Overcoming acculturation stress and navigating the unique experience of balancing diverse cultural expectations.

Your Path to Joining Our Group

Reach out by phone, text, or online message

Let us know what brings you here today. Simona will personally follow up within one business day to say hello and guide your next step.

A complimentary 15-minute introductory call

Explore your hopes for therapy and ask questions so both you and Simona can feel confident that this group is the right match for you.

Attend your first group gathering

Meet your peers at our Midtown Manhattan office or log in via secure telehealth anywhere in NY or CA to start creating lasting change together.

Understanding Your Care & Coverage

In-Network Coverage

Simona is an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. You are only responsible for your standard co-pay at the time of your visit, and our office handles the billing directly with your carrier.

Before your first session, we recommend calling the customer service number on your insurance card to confirm:

Out-of-Network Coverage

If you carry other coverage (such as Aetna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, or GHI), Simona operates as an out-of-network provider. You will receive a detailed monthly superbill to submit directly to your insurer for reimbursement.

Key questions to ask your insurance provider:

Fees, Payment & Scheduling

Care designed to fit your life

Therapy fees are established transparently before your first visit, with sliding-scale options offered to keep care accessible based on financial need. Connect directly at 310-963-8349 or simonashokrian@gmail.com for current rate details.

Simple, hassle-free transactions

Your balance is settled at the end of each 50-minute session. We accept convenient digital and traditional options, including Zelle, Venmo, personal check, and cash.

Building a steady routine

Initial consultations are usually arranged within the same week. Once enrolled, you will lock in a regular weekly time slot that fits naturally into your personal calendar.

Important Details About Our Practice

Respecting your dedicated time

If you need to pause or change your appointment, let us know at least 48 hours in advance so you won't be billed for the missed session.

A safe space built on trust

Everything shared in our sessions stays completely private, except in rare legal circumstances involving immediate safety, required reporting for vulnerable individuals, or official court mandates.

Finding Your Group Community in NYC

In-Person Group Sessions

Located centrally for quick access via major subway lines, ideal for working professionals and residents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens looking for an accessible NYC office setting.

Virtual Group Sessions

Participate in your small group from the comfort of your home or private workspace. Available to residents anywhere in New York State and California.

Take the First Step Toward Shared Healing

Taking this step is a meaningful investment in your well-being. Whatever feels easiest for you is the right way to start.

Whether you prefer to fill out the form below, send a quick text, or leave a voicemail, Simona is here to help you find the right group fit.

Get in Touch Directly

Find the NYC Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is group psychotherapy?

It is a therapist-led session where a small group meets regularly to process challenges, build skills, and support each other’s growth.

Q2: How do I find the best group therapist in NYC?

Look for a licensed clinician specializing in your needs who offers small group sizes and an initial consultation call to ensure a strong fit.

Q3: What happens in a group therapy session?

Members gather in a safe, confidential space to share experiences, work through challenges, and offer mutual support with guidance from the therapist.