Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of talk therapy in which one or two professional psychotherapists treat multiple people with the same diagnosis at the same time. It may be in-person or online (virtual). It’s different from a support group.

The mental health providers lead conversations. These conversations look for patterns of problematic thinking or behavior. You share your problems or concerns. As you learn new skills and strategies for these problems, you learn from and with other members of the group.

Group therapy may be an option if you have a mental health or neurocognitive diagnosis, like:

• ADHD
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder
• Mood disorders, like depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Substance use disorders

This treatment may help you cope with certain physical diagnoses, like cancer, obesity or chronic pain. And some therapy groups teach you about specific skills, like social skills.

You may do group therapy along with individual therapy and/or medication. Or you may do it as a standalone treatment. Your healthcare team can help you find the best approach for you.

What happens before group therapy?

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a therapist leading a group. It’s the therapist’s role to make sure you’re a good fit for the group. They’ll ask you questions about your history and treatment needs.

The lead therapist will tell you about the structure, function and goals of the group. They’ll explain the cost, timing and attendance policy.

You can also ask questions about the process. It may be helpful to ask:

• How do you think I’ll benefit from group therapy?
• Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting?
• How much should I share about my life?
• How private is group therapy?
• What if I don’t like others in the group?
• Is this an open or closed group?
• What are your qualifications as a therapist?
• Do you have special training related to my condition?

What happens during this treatment?

Group therapy is an evidence-based treatment. You’ll meet regularly with other members in a safe, judgment-free space. A licensed mental health professional will lead the session and teach the group members about their diagnosis. They’ll teach skills to reduce symptoms or severity.

Together, group members learn strategies for better managing their diagnosis or difficulties. The therapist will provide structure to the therapy. Groups typically have seven to 10 members. But this can vary.

During sessions, you can talk about your personal experiences, difficulties and wins. You’ll listen while others do the same. Together, you’ll learn how to better manage symptoms of your diagnosis.

Therapists use one of many psychotherapy approaches for group therapy. Some examples include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy

How long does group therapy last?

It varies. Most groups last a specific number of sessions. Others may be open-ended. Each session is typically 60 to 120 minutes long.

What are the potential benefits and risks of this treatment?

Several studies suggest that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy. But the group setting may offer certain benefits, like:

• A sense of belonging: Relating and connecting with other members can make you feel less alone. It may give you more confidence to manage your symptoms.
• Increased self-worth: Helping other members in the group may make you feel better about yourself.
• Learning from others: Seeing how others work through their problems can expand your skills and self-awareness.
• Improved social skills: You can learn effective communication techniques in a group environment.
• A sense of hope: Seeing others succeed may give you hope for your own success.
• Cost savings: Group therapy is often less expensive than individual therapy. But this can vary.
• More frequent visits: Group therapy is often weekly. Many times, it’s hard to get as frequent appointments with a behavioral health provider for individual therapy.

Potential risks

Support groups can be helpful. But they may not be right for everyone. Potential risks include:

• Trouble opening up: It can take time to feel safe sharing personal things, especially in a group.
• Feeling overwhelmed: When you hear others’ stories, it might bring up strong emotions or memories.
• Conflict with members: You may not get along with members or vice versa.
• Privacy issues: Typically, every member of a group must sign a confidentiality agreement to protect the privacy of its members. But members may not be held to the same legal standards that licensed therapists are.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

The time it takes to notice an improvement in your symptoms varies based on many factors. It typically takes several sessions of therapy to see results.

You may consider being “done” with therapy when you, with the help of your therapist, have solved the problem that brought you into the group. You’ll have new skills to manage challenges that come up in the future.

Many people do therapy multiple times throughout their lives — whether for the same issue or different issues.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If you’ve been doing group therapy for a while and it’s not helping your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend a different type of therapy or taking medication.

If you’re experiencing a crisis, go to your local emergency room or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Someone will be available to talk with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.