Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more mental health professionals working with several clients at the same time. Group therapy often takes place at mental health clinics, private practices, hospitals, and community centers, usually in addition to a person’s individual sessions. Beyond fostering a sense of solidarity amongst group members, group therapy has several benefits for both clients and therapists, some of them so impressive that some psychologists are calling for every private practice to have at least one group offering.
Key takeaways
- Group therapy involves one or more therapists working with several clients simultaneously — it is not the same as a support group, which is typically peer-led rather than clinician-facilitated.
- It is used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders, among others — and is often used alongside individual therapy rather than instead of it.
- The shared experience of group therapy reduces isolation, builds social skills, and allows members to learn from each other’s progress in ways that individual therapy cannot replicate.
- Not everyone is ready for group therapy immediately — some people benefit from individual sessions first to build the foundation for group work.
- On Grow Therapy, you can filter by “Group Therapy” under Treatment methods to find licensed clinicians who offer group sessions and accept your insurance.
When is group therapy used?
Group therapy and support groups offer a supportive environment where members can share experiences and learn from each other, which is particularly powerful in addressing specific challenges. Some applications of group therapy include working with people who have the same or similar mental health conditions, or those with histories of substance use or disordered eating.
Group therapy can be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Not everyone is ready for group therapy right away, and some people may benefit from individual work before joining a group.
But for those who are ready, the shared experiences within a therapeutic group setting can help diminish feelings of isolation, providing members with a sense of belonging and mutual support. Often, group therapy is utilized for people moving through feelings of grief as well.
For those struggling with addiction, whether it’s to substances like alcohol or drugs, group therapy offers a community of support that is vital for recovery. Discussing challenges and sharing success stories within a support group can enhance motivation and provide strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Additionally, conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder can also be effectively addressed in an in-person group setting, where members can share their experiences and coping strategies. As many forms of group therapy are tailored to provide support for specific communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, group members can share similar life experiences and challenges. Similarly, individuals who have experienced life-altering traumatic events can find groups that cater specifically to PTSD interventions.
What’s the difference between group therapy?
These two things look similar but work quite differently. A support group is typically peer-led — people with shared experiences come together to offer each other emotional support, often without a licensed clinician facilitating.
Group therapy is clinically facilitated — a licensed mental health professional leads the sessions, sets therapeutic goals, and guides interventions. This clinical structure is what makes group therapy billable through insurance.
How does group therapy work?
Within the supportive environment of group therapy, members share their stories, listen to others, offer and receive feedback, and engage in therapeutic activities. These activities and interventions collectively contribute to each member’s personal growth and healing.
Group therapy leverages several psychological mechanisms that contribute to its effectiveness:
- Social support – The group setting naturally provides a network of support where members can feel less isolated in their struggles. This social aspect helps to boost members’ morale and provides a sense of belonging and community.
- Group dynamics – Interacting with others facing similar issues offers unique insights and perspectives that can challenge and motivate members to change and grow. Group dynamics also allow for the development of interpersonal skills, such as communication and empathy, which are often pivotal for personal development.
- Feedback and reflection – Members benefit from both giving and receiving feedback, which fosters deeper self-awareness and insight. Reflecting on the feedback provided by peers and therapists can lead to profound changes in how individuals perceive themselves and their problems.
Is group therapy effective?
Group therapy’s effectiveness lies in a variety of therapeutic factors which exist in a setting that emphasizes shared experiences and mutual support. Through structured group interactions, individuals can experience significant improvements in various areas of their lives, making group therapy a valuable modality in the spectrum of mental health care.
- Instillation of hope – Seeing others progress can instill hope and motivate members to engage more deeply in their own therapy process.
- Universality – Learning that others have similar problems reduces personal shame and isolation, normalizing members’ experiences.
- Altruism – Contributing to the healing of others enhances members’ self-esteem and efficacy, enriching their own therapy experience.
- Imitative behavior – Group members can model positive behaviors and coping skills for one another, learning from each other’s successes and setbacks.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Many groups employ CBT techniques to help members identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns and develop healthier cognitive and behavioral responses.
- Psychoeducational groups – These groups focus on educating members about their conditions and teaching specific skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
- Process groups – In these sessions, the focus is more on the experiences and emotions of the members, providing a deeper understanding of underlying personal issues and interpersonal dynamics.
While group therapy is powerful, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional first to see if it’s the right approach for you.
Did you know?
Research comparing group therapy to individual therapy has found that the two produce broadly equivalent outcomes for many conditions — including depression and anxiety. For some people, particularly those dealing with social isolation or interpersonal difficulties, group therapy produces better outcomes than individual therapy alone. The combination of both tends to produce the strongest results.
What is group therapy like?
During a typical group therapy session, group members are encouraged to share their experiences, feelings, and challenges in a safe, confidential setting. The therapist or group leader facilitates these discussions, ensuring that the conversation remains productive and respectful.
Activities in group therapy may include discussion of specific topics, role-playing exercises to practice new skills, and therapeutic exercises that promote self-awareness and insight. These activities are designed to foster group cohesiveness and provide members with practical skills to cope with daily life challenges. Members are often encouraged to reflect on the discussions and apply what they learn in therapy to their personal situations. This reflection can enhance personal growth and the effectiveness of the therapy.
At the start of therapy, the therapist might ask questions to help members articulate their goals for the group, such as, “What brought you to group therapy?” or “What do you hope to achieve by participating?”
Logistical considerations specific to group therapy include confidentiality agreements to make sure that all members feel safe sharing personal information. Therapists also set clear ground rules about participation and interaction to maintain a supportive environment.
Studies have shown that group therapy can be particularly effective for building social skills, improving self-esteem, and learning to manage symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The group setting provides a mirror for individuals to see how others perceive them and offers a forum for receiving feedback and support.
How long does group therapy take?
The structure of group therapy can vary, but it generally includes a series of sessions where members meet regularly, often weekly, for an hour or two at a time. The number of sessions can vary depending on the group’s focus, ranging from a few weeks to ongoing sessions that last for several months or even longer.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
Because group therapy is delivered by a licensed clinician and qualifies as a mental health treatment, it is typically covered by insurance the same way as individual therapy — though coverage depends on your specific plan and whether the provider is in-network. Support groups, being peer-led, are generally not billed through insurance.
On Grow Therapy, you can filter for group therapy specifically to find licensed clinicians who facilitate therapeutic groups and accept your insurance.
How to find a group therapist
If you think group therapy might be right for you, it’s important to speak with a licensed and experienced clinician. There are many types of mental health care providers who practice group therapy, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and more.
On top of finding someone who practices group therapy, you want to make sure they meet your other needs. For example, if you’re struggling with an eating disorder, you’ll want to find a group therapist who also specializes in treating eating disorders. In addition, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can make therapy much more affordable.
You can find a group therapist who accepts your insurance by using Grow Therapy. After filtering for your location, insurance, and needs, you can then select “Group Therapy” from the “Treatment methods” drop-down.
Final thought
Group therapy works through something that individual therapy cannot fully replicate — the experience of being genuinely seen and understood by peers who share similar struggles. For people dealing with isolation, shame, or the feeling that their experiences are unique, the universality of a group setting can be profoundly relieving. And because group members both give and receive support, the process of helping others often accelerates their own healing in ways that feel unexpected.
If you’re curious about group therapy, the first step is finding a clinician who offers it and specializes in what you’re working on. On Grow Therapy, you can filter by “Group Therapy” under Treatment methods, check who takes your insurance, and book directly. Most clients are in their first session within two days.
Find an in-network group therapist
Frequently asked questions
Yes — and for many people, this combination is more effective than either alone. Individual therapy gives you space to work on personal material privately, while group therapy offers the added benefit of interpersonal learning and shared support. Many clinicians recommend both, particularly for conditions involving relationship difficulties, social anxiety, or addiction.
You share at your own pace. Group therapy sessions include confidentiality agreements — what is said in the group stays in the group — and a good therapist will never pressure members to disclose more than they’re ready to. Many people find that comfort with sharing builds gradually as trust in the group develops over time.
Group therapy sessions are typically less expensive than individual sessions because the therapist’s time is shared among multiple clients. Exact pricing depends on your insurance plan and whether the provider is in-network. On Grow Therapy, you can filter by insurance and treatment method to find group therapy options covered under your plan.
It’s okay to try a different group. Group fit matters — the right group for you depends on the focus area, the therapist’s style, and the composition of members. If a group doesn’t feel right after a few sessions, discuss it with your therapist. They can help you find a better fit or adjust the approach.