Our Consultation Approach
At HEAL Psychotherapy Group, we partner with colleges and universities to expand access to trauma-informed, community-based support for student survivors through the development and implementation of survivor support groups and healing retreats for students impacted by sexual violence. We help institutions create programming that is both clinically grounded and sustainable within each institution’s existing structure. Our consulting approach is informed by over a decade of experience providing trauma-focused care and developing survivor-centered programming within higher education settings.
Consultation for Colleges and Universities
Healing in Community for Student Survivors of Sexual Violence
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We begin by understanding your campus, its culture, existing resources, and the needs of your student population. The HEAL model provides a structured, established framework that can be implemented across campuses. We work collaboratively with your staff to integrate the model within your existing systems, with thoughtful, modest adaptations to ensure fit while maintaining the elements that make it effective. Ongoing guidance and consultation are provided as your program takes shape.
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All HEAL programming is rooted in trauma-informed principles, with a strong emphasis on safety, pacing, and participant choice. The model supports healing without retraumatization, focusing on present-day impact, connection, and skill-building. Clinical expertise guides all aspects of the work to ensure programming is appropriate and responsive to student survivors’ needs.
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Our work is guided by a commitment to meaningful, measurable impact. Participants in HEAL programs frequently report an increased sense of belonging, reduced isolation, greater understanding of trauma and recovery, and strengthened coping skills. We encourage the use of brief pre- and post-program evaluations to help institutions assess outcomes and communicate program impact to stakeholders. Through our consultation services, we aim to strengthen each institution’s long-term ability to sustain survivor support programming, develop internal expertise, and expand a campus-wide trauma-informed response to supporting student survivors.
Why Partner with Us?
College and university counseling and support offices are often balancing increasing demand, limited resources, and the complex needs of student communities. Developing specialized trauma-informed programming from the ground up can require substantial time, training, coordination, and ongoing refinement. HEAL Psychotherapy Group helps institutions expand support for student survivors through structured consultation packages for both survivor support groups and healing retreats that are informed by years of clinical experience, program development, and work within higher education settings.
Rather than starting from scratch, institutions receive access to thoughtfully developed, trauma-informed frameworks, implementation guidance, and best practices designed specifically for college and university environments. Our approach is intended to complement existing campus resources while helping institutions build sustainable, community-based programming that can strengthen campus capacity, expand access to support, and provide meaningful healing experiences for students.
If you are a college or university staff member who is interested in HEAL Groups and/or Retreats, contact us at consulting@healpsychgroup.com
The HEAL Model
The HEAL Model is a structured, trauma-informed, survivor-centered framework that guides all HEAL support groups and retreats. Developed by Johanna Malaga, Psy.D., and informed by more than a decade of clinical work with student survivors of sexual violence in higher education settings, the model is grounded in research highlighting the importance of healing in connection with others.
The HEAL Model is designed to:
• Create a trauma-informed environment that prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment
• Foster meaningful connection and reduce isolation among survivors
• Support the unique developmental and relational needs of undergraduate and graduate students
• Provide colleges and universities with a structured, clinically informed approach to survivor support and trauma programming
• Promote sustainability and long-term integration within campus communities
The HEAL Model has been recognized for its impact and innovation in supporting student survivors, earning three institutional awards, including Boston College’s Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Collaboration Award (2018), Excellence in Service Award (2021), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Change-Maker Award (2026).
Expected Outcomes
While each support group and retreat experience is unique, participants commonly report:
• Increased feelings of connection and community among survivors
• Reduced feelings of isolation and stigma
• Greater understanding of the impact of trauma and pathways toward healing
• Strengthened coping and self-understanding
• Increased awareness of and connection to campus support resources
Institutions may also observe:
• Greater visibility of institutional commitment to survivor support
• Expanded access to trauma-informed programming
• Increased capacity to sustain survivor-centered support efforts over time
What Students Are Saying
"This has been probably the single most impactful thing for me over the course of my PhD and I’m including the PhD in that."
- Student Survivor, 2026 Support Group
“I am absolutely certain this retreat will have a lasting impact for the better in my life. I’m beyond grateful for it.”
- Student Survivor, 2026 Retreat
“I’m so so grateful I was able to go. I think this will be an inflection point for me that encourages me to commit to my own healing and try new strategies.”
- Student Survivor, 2025 Retreat
“The support group is amazing! I was expecting it to be beneficial, but it was way better than I imagined. I am so much more comfortable feeling my feelings related to anything in life, including but also beyond SA.”
- Student Survivor, 2023 Support Group
“I don’t have to explain myself when I’m in here and I don’t worry about being judged. The people in this group just get it. “
- Student Survivor, 2021 Support Group
HEAL Support Groups
HEAL Groups are weekly support groups for survivors of sexual violence, designed specifically for undergraduate and graduate students seeking healing in community. These groups provide a supportive space where survivors can connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of navigating academic life while carrying the impact of trauma. Through this consultation service, colleges and universities receive guidance and support in implementing trauma-informed, survivor-centered programming grounded in the structured HEAL framework. Consultation includes support around program development, implementation planning, facilitator preparation, outreach considerations, and long-term sustainability.
Please visit our HEAL Groups page for additional details about these groups.
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HEAL Psychotherapy Group offers consultation services for colleges and universities seeking to implement HEAL Support Groups on their campuses. This structured consultation package supports institutions from initial planning through early implementation and ongoing program development.
Consultation services include:
• Program planning and implementation guidance
• Facilitator preparation and support
• Consultation around outreach and referral considerations
• Ongoing consultation following program launch
• Guidance to support sustainability and long-term integration within campus systemsPlease note: HEAL Psychotherapy Group provides consultation and training services and does not directly facilitate campus support groups.
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HEAL Support Group Consultation Package-
Starting at $2,500
Packages are tailored to the needs, size, and goals of each institution. Please contact HEAL Psychotherapy Group to discuss your campus and consultation needs.
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Click here to view HEAL Support Group Consultation Package Brochure
HEAL Retreats
HEAL Retreats are structured experiences designed for undergraduate and graduate student survivors of sexual violence. Offered in both overnight and single-day formats, they provide dedicated time set apart from students’ daily academic demands to reflect on their healing, engage in trauma-informed programming, and connect with peers who have had similar experiences. Each retreat integrates trauma-informed experiential activities, reflective exercises, and guided group process to foster connection, empowerment, and hope. Our consultation packages include a structured, trauma-informed curriculum grounded in the HEAL model.
Please visit our HEAL Retreats page for additional details about this retreat.
If you are a college or university staff member who is interested in HEAL Groups and/or Retreats, contact us at consulting@healpsychgroup.com
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HEAL Retreat Consultation Packages
HEAL Psychotherapy Group offers two structured retreat options for colleges and universities seeking trauma-informed healing experiences for student survivors of sexual violence. Institutions may select the format that best aligns with their goals, resources, and campus needs.
24-Hour Off-Campus HEAL Retreat
A comprehensive retreat experience in which HEAL Psychotherapy Group manages retreat design, facilitation, venue coordination, transportation, and meals. Partner institutions are responsible for student outreach, recruitment, and participant selection.
This option is ideal for campuses seeking an immersive retreat experience with extensive logistical support from HEAL Psychotherapy Group.
One-Day On-Campus HEAL Retreat
A structured, trauma-informed retreat experience delivered on campus in a single-day format. HEAL Psychotherapy Group provides retreat design, facilitation, and coordination of participant meals, while the institution provides the retreat space and manages student outreach and participant selection.
This option is well suited for campuses seeking a more accessible format while maintaining the core principles of the HEAL model.
Included With Both Retreat Options
All HEAL Retreat packages include:
Consultation with university stakeholders
Retreat planning and implementation support
A structured retreat experience grounded in the HEAL framework
Facilitation by Dr. Malaga and the HEAL clinical team
Ongoing collaboration to support a safe, trauma-informed experience
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HEAL Retreat consultation packages are structured as a program fee. In addition to the program fee, partnering institutions are responsible for retreat-related expenses, which may include venue costs, transportation, meals, and other logistical expenses. These costs vary based on factors such as location, time of year, group size, and retreat format.
24-Hour Off-Campus HEAL Retreat
Program fees typically begin at $6,500 and vary based on group size, location, and program needs.One-Day On-Campus HEAL Retreat
Program fees typically begin at $3,500 and vary based on group size and program needs.We are happy to provide a customized proposal based on your institution's goals, resources, and retreat format.
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Click here to view HEAL Retreat Consultation Package Brochure
Clinical Consultation & Supervision
HEAL Psychotherapy Group offers clinical supervision and consultation for early-career mental health professionals seeking to deepen their skills in trauma-informed care, work effectively with young adults, navigate complex clinical presentations, and grow in their professional development. Consultation may be particularly valuable for clinicians interested in trauma treatment, emerging adult mental health, university counseling center work, and professional identity development.
Johanna Malaga, Psy.D., has provided supervision to postdoctoral fellows and early-career clinicians since 2014 and brings extensive experience supporting therapists as they build clinical confidence, refine their skills, and develop a strong professional identity.
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Consultation may be provided on a one-time or ongoing basis for clinicians seeking guidance on specific cases, trauma-informed treatment, professional development, or work within higher education settings. Supervision offers a more structured and ongoing relationship focused on clinical growth, skill development, reflective practice, and professional identity formation.
Dr. Malaga’s approach is reflective, supportive, and grounded in evidence-based practice, creating a collaborative space where clinicians can think deeply about their work, navigate complex clinical presentations, and further develop their trauma-informed clinical skills.
These services are well-suited for clinicians seeking thoughtful, structured support as they establish themselves in the field or expand their expertise in working with young adults and trauma survivors.
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Clinical consultation and supervision are available on either a one-time or ongoing basis at a rate of $250 per hour.
For clinicians participating in ongoing consultation or supervision, services are billed monthly based on the number of sessions conducted during that billing period.