YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEN’S GROUP THERAPY IN NYC 

From Campus to Career. The Transition into the “Real World”

You’ve got your degree, you’re living in New York City, and yet, you still haven’t quite hit your stride. You thought your job would be more exciting, or you find yourself still sending out résumés into the black hole–who knows if anyone is even reading them. 

Your old college friends are scattered across the country. Social media makes it look like everyone else is crushing it in their big jobs, cool apartments, effortless relationships. It’s like they all got the manual to being in their early 20s except you. 

It’s a messy, stressful, disorienting transition you’re in. The clearcut expectations of college are gone and now you’re left with an open-ended life map and a mostly empty fridge save for a few sad condiments. 

People say this should be the time of your life. No more homework! No more awkward run-ins with your ex! No more dragging yourself to an 8 am lecture you’re destined to fall asleep in!
But it’s still just not that great. 

That’s why we created the Young Professional Men’s Group. It’s a virtual therapy group designed for guys in their 20s looking to connect with others who are going through similar challenges as them. This involves sharing what this phase of life feels like, building practical skills, and finding support in community.

Life After Graduation

There are few transitions in our lives that are immediate and intense as moving from college life to the working world. Even if you graduated a few years ago, you might still feel like you haven’t yet found your footing in NYC. 

College gives you built-in connection. Your friends live down the street, activities and community everywhere you look, and typically few “real world” responsibilities. Then, that safety net disappears and in its place is the much less fun checklist: land the job (and start an actual career?), pay NYC rent, start dating like an adult, keep your family off your back, and look like you’re holding it together even when you’re not.

For many young men, this transition brings challenges like:

Rent in the city is brutal. Student loans loom in the background. And you hear people talking about how now is the time to save, invest, etc etc. Enough already. It’s a constant tug-of-war between what you “need” to do and maintaining anything resembling a social life.

Money stress that never seems to let up

Landing that first job can feel like winning the lottery, but keeping up with deadlines, bosses, and 60-hour workweeks is another story. And if you’re unemployed or underemployed, it feels like every résumé you send out is swallowed whole by the internet abyss, never to be seen again.

Work stress

When life doesn’t feel as good as it’s “supposed to,” the self-doubt kicks in. The feeling of being stuck or left behind is common, especially when everyone else looks like they’re thriving.

Anxiety and depression creeping in

The friends you saw every day in college are now scattered across the country. Group chats are fun, but just not the same as talking in real life over a midnight meal. Plus, making friends without the classes and community of college is hard! How do people do this?

Friendships shifting or fading away

Navigating apps, ghosting, figuring out what you want (or what the other person wants) is a giant time and energy suck. Even in relationships, questions about commitment and timing are stressful in their own right.

Dating pressure and relationship uncertainty

Living in New York means being surrounded by millions of people, all hustling, all who seem to be looking out for themselves. This group is meant to change that and provide a close-knit community that proves this feeling wrong.






Loneliness, even in a crowd

(or struggling to find work that actually means something beyond a paycheck)

The Benefits of Group Therapy for Young Men

Here’s where group therapy comes in. Think of it like a gym for your mental and emotional muscles. Sure, you can work out alone, but something powerful happens when you’re in a room with other people who are simultaneously on their own journey and also doing the exact same thing as you.

Group therapy gives you:

A break from isolation. You realize you’re not the only one navigating this.

A place to practice honesty. You get to say the things you’ve been holding in, taking up your internal space and weighing on you. 

Fresh perspective. Hearing others talk about their challenges can shift the way you see your own.

Real-life skills. From managing anxiety to setting boundaries at work or in relationships, you’ll walk away with strategies you can actually use.

Community. A small group of guys who are also figuring out adulthood. Plus, friends?!

If you’re hesitant about group therapy, we don’t blame you. It’s a bit of a weird concept–a bunch of people sitting in a circle (i.e. in front of their computers) talking about their feelings. But if you allow yourself to consider that it could be something beyond, that it could be be transformative (even just a little bit), it can be a powerful experience.

The American Psychological Association notes that group therapy can be more efficient and effective than individual therapy in some cases. And research shows that men are less likely than women to seek support for mental health struggles. Joining a group like this is a chance to upend that narrative for yourself.

What This Group Is

This isn’t a lecture and it’s not a class. If you’ve never been in group therapy before, it’s going to be very different from most other social experiences you’ve had. 

This is a skills-oriented, discussion-based therapy group for young men in NYC who are adjusting to life after college. Each week, you’ll:

  • Check in with how you’re doing and what’s on your mind.

  • Take part in a guided activity or discussion focused on a specific theme. This could be managing certain kinds of stress, building relationships, or finding a work/life balance.

  • Process what comes up with the group, learning from each other’s experiences.

  • Close with reflection so you leave with a takeaway you can carry into the week.


You’ll walk away not just with more insight, but with practical tools and the support of a group that actually understands what you’re going through.

Group Goals


The heart of this group is simple:

to give you the space, skills, and community you need to navigate this stage of life.

Skills that matter.

You’ll learn tools for resilience, relationships, and emotional health that ease the weight of anxiety and depression.



Community and connection.

Humans are social creatures and we thrive on authentic connection. But that can be hard to come by without spaces like this. 



A safe space to talk.

A place where you can drop the mask and admit what’s actually hard about growing into adulthood.

What to Expect in Men's Group Therapy

This group is rooted in conversation. You bring in your real experiences. We talk about them. We challenge each other (respectfully, of course). We support each other.

At the same time, it’s not just a free-floating chat. You’ll also learn evidence-based skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—things like how to challenge negative thought patterns, shift your perspective, and build healthier habits.

Think of it as a balance: deeper conversation plus practical skills you can use in the real world.

Men are often told to tough it out, keep quiet, or just fix the problem (and don’t have too many feelings about it). This group flips that script. It’s proof that strength can look like honesty, vulnerability, and showing up.

In the first session, there will inevitably be some nerves, some awkwardness. That’s normal in any new situation and everyone will be feeling it. But in our experience that shifts pretty quickly. Someone says something you’ve been thinking about but never voiced. Someone else affirms a deep-seated fear you have. 

Soon, that strange therapy group you went out on a limb to join is a small group of other guys who get it (and get you). When the group ends, you can expect to feel clearer, more grounded, and more confident navigating the messy parts of adulthood.

Who This Group Is For

This group is designed for men in their 20s, or who are transitioning from college into the next phase of life. You might be a fit if:

  • You’re starting a job and battling imposter syndrome.

  • You’re looking for work and feeling stressed about the future.

  • You’re struggling with dating or relationships in NYC.

  • You miss the built-in friendships of college and feel disconnected.

  • You want a healthier work-life balance but aren’t sure how to find it.

  • You’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or loneliness and want support.


If you see yourself in these examples, you’ll find value here.

Logistics

Here are the basics:

  • Number of Sessions: 10

  • Length: 1 hour each

  • Frequency: Weekly

  • When: Starting in mid-January on weekday evenings

  • Group Size: 5–7

  • Format: Virtual, accessible anywhere in NYC

Facilitated by:

Andrew Levey, LMSW

FAQs

 Is group therapy really effective compared to individual therapy?

According to research by the American Psychological Association, group therapy is just as effective as individual therapy for many concerns, especially for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. In some cases, group therapy offers unique benefits because you get immediate feedback and support from peers who are walking a similar path. While individual therapy gives you one-on-one attention, group therapy adds the power of shared experience. Many people find that combining the two is especially impactful.


 Is group therapy really effective compared to individual therapy?

What if I feel uncomfortable sharing in a group?

Feeling nervous is normal, especially if you’ve never done group therapy before. You won’t be pressured to share more than you’re ready for. Many people start by just listening, and that’s completely okay. Over time, as trust builds, you’ll likely feel more comfortable opening up. The group is structured to be supportive, not judgmental, so you can go at your own pace.

What if I feel uncomfortable sharing in a group?

 How do I know if this group is right for me?

This group is for young men who are post-college or about to graduate, navigating the transition into adult life. If you’re dealing with stress at work, struggles in relationships, loneliness, or a general sense of being stuck, this group can help. If you’re seeking a space that balances real conversation with practical skills, you’ll likely find it useful. If you need more intensive support (like for severe trauma or active addiction), individual therapy may be a better first step.

 How do I know if this group is right for me?

Can I join if I’m still in college but about to graduate?

Of course, and in fact, joining before you graduate can be a powerful way to prepare for the transition. You’ll get to explore the challenges ahead before they hit full force. Many men find that this kind of preparation helps them feel more grounded and confident stepping into adult life.

Can I join if I’m still in college but about to graduate?

What if I miss a session?

Life happens. If you miss a session, you won’t be kicked out of the group. That said, consistency matters and part of the group’s power comes from showing up week after week and building trust together. Missing too many sessions can make it harder to feel fully connected. We encourage members to prioritize attendance as much as possible.

What if I miss a session?

Do I need prior therapy experience?

Not at all. Some group members will have been in therapy before, and others won’t. Both are welcome. You don’t need to know “how therapy works” to benefit. All you need is a willingness to show up and engage.

Do I need prior therapy experience?

 Will this feel like a support group or a class?

To be honest, it’s a little of both, but really, it’s its own thing. There’s structure (themes, skills, guided activities), but also open space for conversation and connection. You’ll learn practical strategies like you would in a class, but you’ll also experience the relational support of a group. That mix is what makes group therapy so effective.

 Will this feel like a support group or a class?

How private is group therapy?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, including group therapy. Everyone in the group agrees to keep what’s shared private. As facilitators, we set clear expectations and boundaries to protect that. While absolute guarantees aren’t possible (because people are people), trust and respect are taken very seriously. The APA’s ethical guidelines emphasize the importance of confidentiality, and we follow them closely.

How private is group therapy?

 I already have friends…why would I need a group like this?

Friends are great, but they’re not the same as a therapy group. With friends, you might hold back because you don’t want to burden them, or because you’re afraid of being judged. In group therapy, you’re in a space where honesty is the norm, and where everyone is working toward growth. It’s a different kind of support: deeper, safer, and more intentional.

 I already have friends…why would I need a group like this?

How do I sign up and reserve a spot?

Just click the “Sign Up Now” button and fill out the contact form. We’ll reach out to answer any questions and make sure the group is a good fit for you. Because group size is limited to 5–7 men, spots fill quickly. If you’re interested, secure your place now.

How do I sign up and reserve a spot?

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