Everything You Need to Know About Online Group Therapy

Group therapy can help people gain a new perspective on their mental health concerns.

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We often associate psychotherapy with one-on-one counseling sessions, but data shows that more and more people are considering group therapy to meet their mental health needs. Group therapy may seem daunting at first, but many people find comfort in connecting with others who understand what they’ve been through and can provide feedback and support. And with online group therapy, you can connect with people who share similar experiences regardless of their location. If you’re considering online group therapy, here’s what you should know to make the most of your group therapy sessions and where to find a virtual group therapy program that works for you.

What is group therapy?

Group therapy, also known as group counseling or group psychotherapy, is an opportunity for people to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive setting. This type of psychotherapy typically involves weekly or bi-weekly group therapy sessions led by a mental health professional (or two) with five to 15 group members. 

“The goal of group therapy is to continue the processing efforts, as well as the support efforts, that clients need to continue their progress,” explains Julie Eggleston, CTRS, MS, an experiential therapist with Charlie Health. “The group process is important for the clients to feel connected to another person or people and to feel like they are all going through this together, therefore, not feeling alienated,” she says.

Similar to individual therapy, there are different therapeutic techniques used in group sessions, so the exact approach will vary based on a group’s therapy needs. For example, psychoeducational groups focus on educating people about a specific mental health condition, while support groups provide people with the coping skills to navigate significant life changes. 

Other common types of therapy groups include: 

• Cognitive behavioral groups where a mental health professional helps people identify and challenge negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Skills development groups, which provide people with the tools to improve daily functioning, including emotional regulation skills, socialization techniques, and healthier coping method
• Interpersonal groups that allow people to discover coping strategies to help improve communication, confidence, and setting healthy boundaries

4 benefits of online group therapy

The goal of group therapy is to provide people with a supportive space to learn, grow, and manage their mental and behavioral health challenges. And when it’s virtual, people can access peer support and develop new skills right from their couch—among other evidence-based benefits. Some of the other leading benefits of online group sessions are as follows:

1. They provide a safe space

Group sessions offer a safe place for people to open up and receive judgment-free support from others who understand their experiences and struggles. And since it’s online, some people find comfort in that additional layer of privacy.

2. They’re effective

Research suggests that virtual group therapy can be an effective tool for managing a range of mental health conditions, such as depression and substance use disorders.

3. They offer diverse perspectives

Online group therapy brings people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to the “same room.” Listening to others with similar concerns may provide new ways of viewing or coping with your challenges. 

4. They may be more affordable

In many cases, group therapy is more cost-effective than an individual session. Joining a group therapy session via your computer, instead of driving to an office setting, may also make services more affordable for people who don’t have access to local care. 

Who should try group therapy?

Online group therapy is considered an effective form of therapy by clients and providers alike. It can be used to manage a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions, including: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Emotional trauma
• Phobias
• Substance use disorder 
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Group therapy can also benefit people who are looking to connect with people who share similar experiences, such as those who identify with the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. Additionally, it’s been shown to help people who are struggling with a specific issue, such as grief, anger, or social anxiety.

That said, group therapy might not be the right fit for everyone. “Crisis clients would not be group appropriate,” says Eggleston. Other experts note that people who may have many triggers (or have not been able to work on their triggers independently) may not benefit as they may be continuously triggered by hearing others share in a group therapy session. It also might not be as effective for people who don’t feel comfortable discussing their experiences in a group setting.

What to know before starting group therapy

Group therapy provides people with a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings, improve their social skills, and discover healthier ways to cope with difficult situations. If this sounds promising, then group therapy might be an effective option for you.

With Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), each person participates in weekly group sessions as part of their treatment plan. Through the program, you’ll be matched with expert behavioral health professionals who will lead group discussions and guided reflections to help you meet your treatment goals. 

If you’re exploring group therapy outside of a program like Charlie Health’s IOP, here are a few factors to consider when choosing a therapist and group. 

• Group size and whether you’d prefer an intimate group or a larger support group
• Whether the group is closed (meaning it’s the same people for a set period of time) or open (new members join at any time)

• Your mental health needs and the severity of your symptoms
• Length of treatment and whether you’re looking for a long-term or short-term option

3 tips for making the most of online group therapy

Once you and your provider identify the right group for you, here are three tips to make the most of your experience.

1. Be present

This means arriving on time and staying on video for the entire group session. While it may be tempting to multi-task, try to remain engaged and focused on the facilitators and other group members. 

2. Be honest

Vulnerability can be scary, but you’ll get the most out of your therapy sessions by being honest with yourself and others. Opening up about your mental health care needs can help you create meaningful change in your life. 

3. Be respectful

Group therapy should be a safe space for respectful and productive conversation. When connecting via the internet, it’s more important than ever to refrain from interrupting others when they’re speaking and to listen without judgment. 

Online therapy with Charlie Health

If you or someone you know are looking for mental health support, know that group counseling is an option. In fact, it’s an integral part of Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Charlie Health’s IOP provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental illness, including anxiety, depression, and more. Our expert clinicians incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapies into group sessions (as well as individual and family therapy) so that you can address your mental health concerns while connecting with others who are going through something similar. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start your healing journey today.