Is Group Therapy Right for Me?

Educational resource · not a diagnostic tool

Group therapy may be worth considering if its purpose matches your goals and you are willing and able to participate with others. It is not a universal substitute for individual therapy. The best format depends on your needs, preferences, symptoms, safety, and the specific group. A brief conversation with the group leader can help you decide. [1] [4] [5]

What is group therapy?

Group psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy delivered with other patients in a group setting. The group itself—including interactions among members—can be part of the treatment. Groups vary: some teach skills or provide education; others focus on interpersonal learning, insight, or changing patterns. A group may be open to new members or closed, time-limited or ongoing, and in person or online. [1] [3]

A therapist-led treatment group is not the same as a peer support group or a class. Ask who leads the group, what clinical credentials they hold, what approach they use, and what evidence supports that approach for your concern. [3]

What group therapy may offer

Depending on the type of group and your goals, participation may give you opportunities to:

• notice how you respond to closeness, disagreement, attention, feedback, and vulnerability;
• practice communication, listening, and boundaries in a structured setting;
• hear perspectives from people with related experiences; and
• feel less alone or ashamed when others describe similar struggles.

These are possible experiences, not promised outcomes. Evidence for psychotherapy is specific to the condition, treatment model, clinician, and group. Some clinical guidelines include group treatments among options for depression, while others recommend an individual treatment first for particular conditions, such as social anxiety disorder. Do not assume that any group is effective for every diagnosis. [4] [5]

When another option may be better right now

Group therapy may not be the best immediate fit if you cannot reliably attend or participate, the group’s purpose does not match your goals, or symptoms or a crisis make it hard to use the group safely. This does not mean group therapy will never help; a different group, individual therapy, a higher level of care, or added support may fit better. Suitability depends on the person and the particular group—not on a single label. [1] [2]

Tell the leader about access needs, privacy concerns, current safety concerns, substance use that may affect sessions, and other treatment you receive. Talk with your prescribing or treating clinician before stopping or changing medication or an existing treatment plan. [7]

Questions to ask before joining

• What is the group’s purpose, treatment approach, and evidence base?
• Who is the group for, and how do you decide whether someone is a fit?
• Is it open or closed, in person or online, and time-limited or ongoing?
• How many people usually attend? How long and how often are sessions?
• What are the expectations for attendance, punctuality, participation, self-disclosure, and contact between members outside sessions?
• What are the fees, cancellation policy, and insurance or telehealth requirements?
• How will progress be reviewed? What happens if I am not improving, want to leave, or need more support?
• What are the confidentiality rules and limits? How are urgent safety concerns handled?

Privacy: important, but not absolute

The clinician has professional and legal duties to protect health information, with exceptions that depend on law and circumstances. Group members should agree not to reveal another member’s identity or what that person shares. However, the clinician cannot guarantee that every member will keep information private, and other members may not have the same legal confidentiality duty as the clinician. Ask for the group’s written privacy rules and the leader’s explanation of the limits before you share sensitive information. [1] [2]

For online groups, ask where you may join, whether headphones are required, how the platform protects information, whether recording is prohibited, and what to do if the connection fails. Join from a private place when possible and do not record or capture another member’s information.

A fit conversation is not an exam

Many groups use a pre-group meeting or call. Its purpose is usually to learn about your goals, explain how the group works, discuss risks and expectations, and decide together whether this particular group is appropriate. Be honest about what would make participation difficult. It is reasonable to ask for time to think or to discuss other options. [1] [2]

During the first few sessions

Some nervousness or uncertainty can occur when starting any therapy. You should not be pressured to disclose more than you are ready to share. If feedback feels shaming, boundaries are unclear, symptoms worsen, or the group feels unsafe, tell the leader promptly. Ask what changes are possible and whether another treatment setting would be safer or more useful. Do not stop prescribed medication or another treatment solely because you joined a group; discuss changes with the relevant clinician. [7]

Urgent help

Group therapy is not emergency care. If you may act on thoughts of suicide or seriously harming yourself or someone else, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States and its territories, call or text 988 or use chat at 988lifeline.org. If you are outside the United States, use your local emergency number or crisis service. [6]

References

1. American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy.
2. American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), Ethics in Group Therapy.
3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Psychotherapies.
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Depression in adults: treatment and management.
5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment.
6. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, About 988.
7. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Mental Health Medications.

Disclaimer: This general educational resource does not diagnose a condition or recommend treatment for an individual. A qualified clinician can help you compare options based on your goals, health, and safety.