Key facts
- Group therapy is led by one or more licensed therapists and usually includes about five to fifteen members.
- Research shows it is generally as effective as individual therapy for many concerns.
- A key benefit is universality: realizing you are not alone in what you are facing.
- Groups run under confidentiality agreements, and you share at your own pace.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which one or more trained therapists work with a small group of people at the same time. A typical group has around five to fifteen members who meet regularly, often weekly, for sessions that usually run an hour to two hours. Members may share a common concern, such as depression, grief, or addiction, or the group may bring together people with different issues who can still learn from one another.
The therapist's role is to create a safe, structured space, guide the conversation, and help members notice patterns and support one another. Much of the value comes from the interactions between members, not just from the therapist. Hearing how others cope, getting honest feedback, and practicing new ways of relating all happen naturally in a group. As the American Psychological Association notes, a well-run therapy group can feel like a supportive community where change is possible.
Group therapy is a recognized, evidence-based treatment, not a budget version of "real" therapy. It is offered in private practices, clinics, hospitals, and community settings, and it can be a complete treatment on its own or used alongside individual counseling.
Types of groups
Groups come in several forms, chosen to fit the goal:
- Psychoeducational groups: teach skills and information about a condition, such as managing anxiety or understanding depression.
- Skills-development groups: focus on practicing specific tools, for example coping or communication skills.
- Process or interpersonal groups: use the relationships within the group itself to explore patterns and grow.
- Support groups: center on shared experience and mutual encouragement, often around grief, illness, or addiction.
- Cognitive behavioral groups: deliver structured CBT in a group format for concerns like anxiety or low mood.
Groups may be open (members join and leave over time) or closed (the same members start and finish together), and they may be time-limited or ongoing.
Benefits and what it helps with
Group therapy helps with a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma recovery, social difficulties, and addiction. Its distinctive benefits flow from the group itself:
- Universality: discovering that others share your struggles, which reduces shame and isolation.
- Support and belonging: a built-in network of people who understand.
- Perspective: hearing different viewpoints and seeing how others handle similar situations.
- A safe place to practice: trying out new ways of communicating and receiving honest, caring feedback.
- Hope: watching others make progress can be deeply encouraging.
For many people, the experience of being accepted by a group, and of helping others in turn, is healing in itself.
What to expect in a session
Most groups begin with a private screening session, where the therapist learns about your situation and explains how the group works, including the ground rules around confidentiality and respect. This is also your chance to ask questions and decide if the group feels right.
In a typical session, members sit together, often in a circle, and the therapist may open with a check-in. From there, conversation flows as members share what is on their minds, respond to one another, and work through challenges with the therapist's guidance. You are never forced to speak, and it is common to spend early sessions mostly listening. Over time, as trust builds, most people find it easier to open up. What is shared in the group stays in the group, which helps create the safety that makes honest work possible. Many people find mindfulness or grounding skills useful for managing nerves before a session.
Group vs. individual therapy
Neither format is better in general; they offer different things. Individual therapy gives you one-on-one attention, full privacy, and a pace set entirely around you, which can be ideal for deeply personal work or for getting started. Group therapy adds the perspectives, support, and accountability of others, and it can be especially powerful for concerns that involve relationships, isolation, or shame.
Research supports both. Reviews of the evidence generally find group therapy to be about as effective as individual therapy for many conditions, including depression and anxiety. Cost can also differ, with group therapy often more affordable per session. Many people combine the two, using individual therapy for private issues and a group for connection and practice. A clinician can help you decide which fits your needs.
Finding the right group
Look for a group led by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or clinical social worker, ideally one with training in group work. It helps to find a group whose focus matches your concern, whether that is grief, anxiety, addiction recovery, or general support. Ask about the group's size, how long it runs, whether it is open or closed, and what the screening process involves.
Fit matters, so it is fine to ask questions before committing and to give a group a few sessions before deciding. If you are unsure where to start, your doctor or a therapist can point you toward reputable groups in your area, and our therapist directory can help you find providers who run them.
Frequently asked questions
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Research finds group therapy is generally as effective as individual therapy for many concerns, including depression and anxiety. The two formats work differently, and some people benefit from doing both.
Do I have to share personal details in front of strangers?
You share at your own pace. There is no requirement to disclose anything before you are ready, and groups operate under confidentiality agreements. Many people find that listening first helps them feel safe enough to open up.
How is group therapy different from a support group?
Group therapy is led by a licensed mental health professional and follows a treatment approach. A peer support group is usually run by members or a facilitator and focuses on shared experience rather than formal therapy.
Related
Therapists who specialize in group therapy
Connect with a licensed therapist on Psychology.com who works with group therapy.
- Advance Thru Psychotherapy and Family Development
- Amy Keller
- Arlyn P. Stern LCSW
- Candice Edelbaum
- Caring Counseling Center
- Cheri Albertson
References
- American Psychological Association (APA): Psychotherapy: Group therapy
- American Psychological Association (APA): The benefits of group therapy
- HelpGuide: Group Therapy
- SAMHSA: National Helpline and treatment resources
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): What is Psychotherapy?