Wellness Support Groups for Students

Immigrants Rising’s Wellness Support Groups help undocumented people stay grounded and connected with the community.

Wellness Support Groups are designed to help undocumented students in postsecondary education tend to their well-being, find a support network, and feel a sense of belonging while navigating their postsecondary education journey. Each group is led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians and meets weekly for 6 weeks in a closed virtual space.

Advance registration is required to ensure a confidential space where 10-12 participants can feel grounded, find community, and share their unique experiences, challenges, and successes with one another. Click here to register and join a support group.

Note: Though participation can be therapeutic, the groups are not a form of therapy.

Groups Starting in January 2026

Building Sustainable Habits (Wednesdays)

Registration has closed. If your campus is interested in collaborating with us in the future Wellness Support Groups, please contact Naja at [email protected].

Dates: Six consecutive Wednesdays from January 21 to February 25, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. MT / 4 p.m. PT

About the Group: This group focuses on creating routines and practices that support your long-term well-being, while honoring the realities and challenges you face as undocumented students. Together, we will explore how small, consistent actions, like self-care rituals, mindful decision-making, and healthy coping strategies can grow into habits that help you thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. We will reflect on how systemic pressures and social inequities affect our daily choices, and work to build sustainable practices that are realistic, empowering, and culturally affirming. By sharing, supporting one another, and practicing self-compassion, students will leave with tools to foster balance, resilience, and lasting wellness in their lives.

About the Facilitator: Kissu Taffere, LCSW (she/her), is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas and California with experience spanning international organizations and community-based settings across multiple continents. Born in Ethiopia to Eritrean parents and raised in the U.S., her lived experience informs a clinical approach rooted in cultural identity, intergenerational dynamics, and family attachment. In addition to her clinical practice, Taffere facilitates support groups with immigrant rights organizations, consults with refugee resettlement agencies, and contributes to academic programming focused on refugee and immigrant mental health.

Creative Expression for Healing (Wednesdays)

Registration has closed. If your campus is interested in collaborating with us in the future Wellness Support Groups, please contact Naja at [email protected].

Dates: Six consecutive Wednesdays from January 21 to February 25, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. CT / 12:30 p.m. MT / 11:30 a.m. PT

About the Group: “Art is the intentional act of creating something to connect” (Author unknown). As an undocumented student, you may feel disconnected from yourself and others to meet the demands of a busy schedule and amazing aspirations. This group is designed to provide undocumented students with a safe and supportive space to explore their creativity. No formal training or expensive supplies are required—just bring something to write, draw, and color with, and your curiosity and willingness to connect with yourself and others through art*. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and engage in ongoing healing practices. Whether you are new to art or have been creating for years, this group welcomes you to join and express yourself.

*Please bring the following items: something to write with (such as a pen or chalk), something to write or draw on (like a piece of paper, envelope, or even cardboard), and something to add color (such as crayons or watercolors).

About the Facilitator: Akiah T. R. Selwa (she/her) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified SoulCollage® facilitator, certified Group Spiritual Director, and mixed-media artist passionate about integrating art into mental health practices. With extensive experience as a therapist, Akiah believes in the transformative power of creativity. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals heal and connect through the power of artistic expression. Akiah’s approach is deeply personal, drawing from her journey and ancestral lineage of artists and healers. She will encourage participants to explore their creativity, share their stories, and engage in ongoing healing practices. Akiah’s warm and inviting presence inspires others to find their voice, continue on their healing journeys, and tap into their artistic potential.

Creative Expression for Healing (Fridays)

Registration has closed. If your campus is interested in collaborating with us in the future Wellness Support Groups, please contact Naja at [email protected].

Dates: Six consecutive Fridays from January 23 to February 27, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT / 1:30 p.m. MT / 12:30 p.m. PT

UndocuLGBTQ+ (Thursdays)

Registration has closed. If your campus is interested in collaborating with us in the future Wellness Support Groups, please contact Naja at [email protected].

Dates: Six consecutive Thursdays from January 29 to March 5, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. PT

About the Group: Navigating life in the U.S. can be difficult when holding intersecting identities of being an LGBTQIA+ person of color who’s also undocumented. The UndocuLGBTQ+ Support Group is open to all individuals who are LGBTQIA+ seeking a safe space. Regardless of how you explore and express your LGBTQIA+ identity, this support group is created so you can show up as your authentic self and share personal experiences, discuss relevant issues, and build community in a safe and non-judgmental environment with other undocumented LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the spirit of community, participants will determine what themes will be discussed over the six weeks.

About the Facilitator: Jose Perez, LMFT (he/him/el), is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has the privilege of leading the mental health department at Samaritan House in San Mateo, where he works to expand access to mental health services for uninsured immigrants. In addition, Jose maintains a private practice specializing in immigrant mental health, with a focus on trauma, depression, anxiety, and acculturation challenges. As a proud gay man, Jose is deeply committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for individuals from all backgrounds. Jose takes a collaborative, strength-based approach to care, helping clients cultivate resilience, self-actualization, and healing. In his spare time, Jose is completing his Psy.D. in clinical psychology and enjoys hiking and exploring new foods and eateries.

Sorry for not texting back, I was Coping with Uncertainty (Tuesdays)

Registration has closed. If your campus is interested in collaborating with us in the future Wellness Support Groups, please contact Naja at [email protected].

Dates: Six consecutive Tuesdays from January 20 to February 24, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. MT / 2 p.m. PT

About the Group: This group is a supportive space for students navigating the uncertainties of higher education. Participants are invited to share their challenges, triumphs, and the sometimes chaotic, messy moments of their educational journey. From navigating financial aid hurdles and limited scholarship opportunities to managing the pressures of balancing multiple responsibilities, this group offers understanding, solidarity, and a bit of humor.

Inspired by the playful reminder of being “in goblin mode,” this is a space to step back from perfectionism and show up as your authentic self. We’ll explore how uncertainty impacts our choices, relationships, and sense of self. Together, we confront the pressures often placed on students in challenging circumstances, while fostering a supportive environment where participants can find solace, share resources, and celebrate resilience. This will also be a space to embrace strength, creativity, humor, and community support.

A meme style image shows a chihuahua dog wearing a bandana headscarf with text overlayed reading: sorry for not texing back, i was in goblin mode and could not human.

About the Facilitator: Mayra Almanza, LMFT (she/her), is a formerly undocumented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California. She has worked in the non-profit mental health sector for over 10 years in various roles, ranging from administrative coordination to clinical work and supervision. Her lived experiences guide the way she engages clients in therapy. Mayra’s commitment to providing mental health services that are equitable, accessible, and affordable led to the creation of her business, Contigo Counseling Inc., which is focused on serving the undocumented community.

Are These Groups for You?

If you’re wondering whether our Wellness Support Groups are the right fit, here is what you need to know. These groups are right for you if:

You are a student in a postsecondary education institution (e.g., a 2-year or 4-year college or university, trade or technical school, or vocational program). Note: If you are enrolled in a 4-year college or university, you must be an undergraduate student to participate.
You are attending an educational institution in one of the following states: California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, New York, or Florida.
You are undocumented.
You are 18 or older.
You feel comfortable conversing in English.
You have a tool to join virtual meetings (phone, laptop, etc.).

Note: This round, we’re celebrating our partners who helped get the word out!

For groups meeting from January to March 2026, priority registration will be given to students connected to one of the following educational institutions or nonprofit organizations: Scholarship A–Z, Undocumented Student Resource Center at Northern Illinois University, and Dream Center at Reedley Community College.

If your organization or institution is not on the list, please reach out to explore a partnership for this round or future iterations of the Wellness Support Groups. Email Naja at [email protected].