Men's groups and circles are gaining traction across the country, and San Diego is no exception. These groups provide a safe space for men to connect, share experiences, and explore what it means to be masculine in the modern world.

Benefits of Men's Groups
For many men, traditional social gatherings may not offer a platform for open and honest communication. Men's groups or circles address this by fostering emotional vulnerability and creating a space for men to express themselves authentically.
Here are some of the reported benefits of joining a men's group or circle:
- Improved communication skills
- Stronger emotional connection with other men
- Increased self-awareness
- Exploration of healthy masculinity
- Development of coping mechanisms for stress and challenges
Many men's circles also incorporate aspects of holistic health and wellness practices, including breathwork, cold plunges, meditation, yoga and more.
Finding a Men's Group in San Diego
There are several options available for men in San Diego interested in joining a men's group – some are therapist-led, others are led by peers or support coaches. Here's a look at a few:
The Center for Men's Excellence (Sorrento Valley)
Led by licensed psychotherapists, The Center for Men's Excellence's weekly support groups are for male adults aged 18+ who are interested in working on some type of interpersonal issue such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and social isolation, and who want to improve skills for creating and deepening relationships with others. Participants take turns sharing their issues, challenges, and concerns in a safe and supportive environment mediated by a therapist. Members benefit from the varied perspectives of their fellow group members.
The Center for Men's Excellence, 5830 Oberlin Dr. Suite 204, San Diego
Dads Corps (San Diego)
Dads Corps follows a nationally recognized parenting curriculum, and highlights the pillars of fatherhood through dialogue, shared experience, and parental modeling. It’s a FREE program and community that’s open to all fathers, including Civilian Dads, Active Duty Dads, Veteran Dads, and Dads-To-Be.
Dads Supporting Dads (San Diego)
Dads Supporting Dads (DSD) provides a growing list of resources and access to one of the largest and most engaged dad communities in the United States and beyond — offering meaningful connection and support to dads from all walks of life.
Dads Support Group (Mission Valley / Online)
This support group helps dads navigate stress, relationships, and daily demands in a supportive space. Connect with other fathers, share experiences, and build coping tools for balance, growth, and resilience.
Common Ground Therapy Group, Mission Valley
The SD LGBT Center (Hillcrest)
This weekly Men's Discussion Group is a peer-led, open topic discussion group for GBT+ men of all ages. Gather in a supportive space to discuss issues both personal and topical.
The San Diego LGBTQ Center, 3909 Centre St, San Diego
The Mankind Project (San Diego)
The Mankind Project supports a global network of free peer-facilitated men's groups and supports men in leading lives of integrity, authenticity, and service. The San Diego group meets monthly on the 2nd & 4th Mondays 7:00-9:00p PT
Mental Health Center of San Diego (Pacific Beach)
The Mental Health Center of San Diego offers support groups for men that help men navigate through difficult situations, manage their emotions, cope with trauma, and address mental health issues or disorders they are experiencing.
Mental Health Center of San Diego, 960 Grand Ave, San Diego
Reach Yoga (PB)
Offers men’s circle workshops featuring breathwork, primal movement, and honest group discussion. Men will leave the circle with a stronger understanding of their internal drive, a deeper connection to brotherhood, and practical strategies to utilize their passion to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.
Reach Yoga, 1319 Garnet Ave, San Diego
ReUnify Yoga (OB)
Hosts free monthly "man for man" men's group meetups centered around ritual, movement + a circle of trust.
ReUnify Yoga, 4893 Voltaire Street, San Diego
San Diego Men's Empowerment Group (Various Locations)
The San Diego Men’s Empowerment Group aka "The Work" is built for men who are actively willing to put in the hard work required for true personal evolution. Meeting bi-weekly a month as a large collective, the group also utilizes smaller peer support circles centered around the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework to facilitate deep, structured self-reflection.
Organizer: @neighborhoodterry
Tantra for Men (Old Town)
Tantra for Men is a monthly meeting for the man who is seeking deeper spiritual and personal growth, a profound connection with himself and others, and a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Trilogy Sanctuary (La Jolla)
Home to monthly meetups for men's and women's circles, and is also host to Sacred Sons immersion events.
Trilogy Sanctuary, 7650 Girard Ave, La Jolla
Valkyrie Yoga (OB)
Hosts monthly men's community gathering with meditation, a tea ceremony, and a welcoming space to share.
Valkyrie Yoga, 4876 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego
W1SE Castle (Solana Beach)
WiseCastle partners with Alchemy of Men co-founder Alex Terranova to host Men's Fire Circles. These circles create space for men to release daily pressures and connect beyond surface-level job titles through real conversation, a guided mindfulness practice, cacao, and prompt-based sharing around a fire. Open to newcomers and seasoned group-goers alike, it is designed for anyone looking to laugh, share, or just listen, leaving participants feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected.
W1SE Castle, Solana Beach
YMCA San Diego (Various Locations)
Hosted at various YMCA locations across San Diego County, the Men's Perspective Group offers free discussion sessions for adult male YMCA members ages 18+ looking to become the best versions of themselves. This supportive community focuses on encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, while helping members navigate the balance between family life, employment responsibilities, and personal goals.
YMCA San Diego, Various Locations
Your Safe Place - A Family Justice Center (Online)
Open to men ages 17+ who have experienced domestic violence, family violence, sexual assault, or trafficking. Online, 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, 5 PM - 6 PM.
Your Safe Place, San Diego
Is a Men's Group Right for You?
If you're a man looking for connection, support, and a chance to explore your emotions in a safe space, then a men's group might be a perfect fit. There's no pressure to join discussions, and simply being present can be a valuable experience.
Remember, there's no single type of men's group or circle. Do some research to find a group that aligns with your interests and comfort level. Take the first step and explore the possibilities – you might be surprised by the positive impact it can have on your life.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
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