The Benefits of Group Counselling and Support in Hong Kong

While I love counselling individuals, I acknowledge that group therapy can be a powerful alternative to achieve therapeutic results. Group counselling offers unique benefits—working through challenges collectively can reduce feelings of isolation and shame, provide access to shared resources, and often be more affordable than individual therapy.

Who Leads Group Therapy?
Groups can be led by qualified mental health professionals, such as counsellors or psychologists, or facilitated by individuals with lived experience. When choosing a group, consider the facilitator’s qualifications and experience. Some with lived experience are highly capable of guiding others, especially when they have received appropriate training.

Cost and Accessibility
Group sessions vary in cost—some are free, while others charge a fee. Typically, group therapy is significantly less expensive than individual sessions, making mental health support more accessible.

Effective Group Dynamics
Successful groups are run by competent leaders who establish clear rules regarding privacy and respect, share the group’s goals, and manage members who may disrupt progress—such as those experiencing emotional dysregulation, refusing to participate, or bringing unrelated issues to the group.

Below is a list of current English-language groups in Hong Kong covering various topics. Please note I haven’t personally experienced all of these groups, so this information isn’t an endorsement but a resource guide.

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Counselling & Support Groups in Hong Kong

Iron Fairies
A therapeutic support group for women navigating divorce, run by RED DOOR Counselling. Led by an experienced psychologist and counsellor, it has been active since 2017. The group meets fortnightly at RED DOOR’s Central office, with additional support via a mobile app.
Fee: HKD 300
Contact: WhatsApp 93785428 | Email: angelaw@reddoor.hk

The Care Bridge

The Care Bridge is an online group run by counsellors and counsellors in training from RED DOOR Counselling. The group supports adults as they care for relatives at a distance. It can be stressful and worrying looking after people who you are far apart from. The group meets via zoom. Attendance at the group is free.

Contact: WhatsApp 93785428 | Email: angelaw@reddoor.hk

Talk Hong Kong
Offers support groups for survivors of sexual abuse and assault, for both men and women. Facilitated by peer leaders with lived experience, these monthly groups aim to build coping skills, understand personal trauma, and establish healthy boundaries.
More info: https://www.talkhongkong.org/

St. John’s Counselling (Young Adults)
A peer-support group for young adults facing mental health challenges, facilitated by counsellors. Suitable for those seeking an alternative to face-to-face individual counselling, with weekly meetings held at St. John’s office.
Contact: 2525 7207 | Email: kimberly.ho@sjcc.hk

Special Needs Network Hong Kong
A longstanding support group for parents of children with disabilities, providing education, support, and community connection. Open for over 20 years, it meets monthly—ideal for parents of children with special educational needs.
Website: https://www.snnhk.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
A global organization focused on overcoming alcohol addiction through the 12-step program. Meetings are held weekly both in person and online. AA’s approach may not suit everyone, but it remains one of the most effective programs available.
More info: https://www.aa-hk.org/

SMART Recovery
An alternative to AA that does not involve spirituality. It employs a science-based, four-point program empowering individuals to manage cravings, change thoughts and behaviors, and lead balanced lives. Meetings are weekly, available both face-to-face and online.
Instagram/Facebook: @smartrecoveryhk | Website: https://smartrecovery.org/

OCD and Anxiety Support
Monthly group therapy for individuals experiencing severe anxiety, led by qualified counsellors. A donation is requested, with discounted counselling options available. For OCD.
More info: https://www.ocdanxietyhk.org/

The New Normal
A charity offering monthly mental health support groups on topics like grief, cancer, and unemployment. Led mainly by trained volunteers, these sessions are usually free.
Website: https://www.thenewnormalcharityhk.org/

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Final Thoughts

Trying a support group can be highly beneficial—you may find it complements individual therapy or serves as an effective standalone approach. If a group isn’t suitable or available, individual counselling remains a valuable option.

About the Author
Angela Watkins is a private practice counsellor and psychologist based at RED DOOR Counselling Hong Kong. She supports adults through divorce, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, abuse, and career transitions. Angela also leads the Iron Fairies group for women navigating divorce.

Note: If you operate an English-language mental health support group and would like your information

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