Group Therapy for Mental Health Disorders

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

18 minutes read
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If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

Group therapy can be a powerful and validating treatment experience for those living with a variety of psychological disorders and behavioral disorders. This form of treatment allows you to connect with others who have had similar experiences, which can decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness. A Mission For Michael Treatment Centers offers group therapy in California, Washington, and Virginia.

We treat a variety of mental health conditions, including dual diagnosis conditions. Our treatment programs are tailored to each individual and utilize evidence-based approaches. Group therapy is a common, and effective, form of treatment for mental health conditions.  We are going to take time to explore group therapy benefits and discuss what mental health disorders are treated with this approach. 

What is Group Therapy for Mental Health Disorders?

Group therapy is when a group of individuals meets with one, or two, mental health professionals in a joint session. Group therapy can come in several formats, including process groups, support groups, and psychoeducational groups. There are pros and cons to each of these groups, both of which provide a safe and supportive environment.

Process groups tend to focus more on group dynamics, your relationships with others, and practicing new skills. You can expect to interact with others and explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. These groups can help you gain valuable insight into your mental health concerns, and receive feedback from others and your group therapist. Psychoeducational groups are focused on increasing mental health awareness. This can include knowledge about a specific mental health concern, or related topic like boundaries and effective communication skills. It is not uncommon for process groups to provide you with psychoeducation during your treatment. Support groups are focused on providing you with a safe place to build connections and establish relationships with others. This can be an impactful experience for those who have struggled with loneliness and isolation because of their mental health. Both of these groups can help you connect with others with similar experiences, which can decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Mental health disorders are conditions that can affect your mood, the way you think, your behaviors, and your overall sense of well-being. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a resource used by mental health professionals that has outlined various conditions and their symptoms.

The DSM-5 is divided into categories with conditions that have shared characteristics or features. The causes of mental health conditions vary and can include genetics, environmental factors, personal experiences, and other psychological factors. Similarly, effective treatments can vary for different psychiatric disorders. Even with their differences, early intervention can improve your quality of life and overall level of functioning. Your treatment can include individual therapy, various types of group therapy, medication management services, or a combination of these treatment options.

There are several group therapy benefits that group members can experience. Many individuals find themselves feeling supported and validated for the mental health symptoms that they’re experiencing. For many, isolation and separation from friends and loved ones are common experiences that are decreased with group therapy.

Support group therapy can provide you with a sense of understanding that you may not get from others in your life. This can be the result of your family or loved ones not being familiar with the concerns affecting your emotional well-being. Group therapy activities allow you to hear different perspectives from your peers, which can help you find solutions to concerns and new coping skills. Group therapy can also help you learn and practice new life and coping skills that you can then apply to real life. Additionally, support group therapy tends to be a more cost-effective treatment option compared to individual therapy.

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Group Therapy Programs Near Me?

Many private health insurance companies provide group therapy for adults. Your coverage can include group therapy techniques for mood and affective disorders, personality disorders, and other common mental health disorders. It is important to verify your insurance coverage because insurance plans often have varying rates and coverage options.

We encourage you to complete the online insurance form available with AMFM so that we can help you understand your coverage rates for the different types of group therapy.

Common Mental Health Disorders Treated Through Group Therapy

Group therapy can be a beneficial, and cost-effective treatment option for various mental health conditions.  Various group therapy techniques can be used for different mental health conditions to ensure that proper care is provided. Some of the common mental disorders treated with group therapy include:

Depression is a mental health condition that is known for causing a low mood, fatigue, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in enjoyable activities. Several things, including genetics, your environment, and specific events or stressors, can cause depression. This condition can range in severity from mild to severe, and often responds well to psychotherapy and medications.

Group therapy for depression is an effective treatment option for those experiencing depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder. Group sessions can focus on coping skills for common depressive symptoms as well as exploring triggers so that you can work to improve your mood.

Common types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Hallmark symptoms associated with anxiety disorders include persistent worry or fear that is challenging to control and find relief from. Group therapy for anxiety may be used in addition to individual therapy and medication management services. 

You can access social anxiety disorder group therapy in addition to GAD and phobias. Groups can help you learn to manage chronic worry, fear, and avoidance symptoms that are tied to your anxiety disorder. These group sessions can occur in residential and outpatient treatment environments.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after a traumatic event. Common symptoms associated with PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. PTSD often benefits from specialized treatment approaches, as this is a complex and often individualized mental health condition.

Group therapy for PTSD can help you learn and practice mindfulness skills, and utilize cognitive restructuring techniques to find relief from your symptoms. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others who have had similar mental health experiences.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) generally begins in childhood and can continue into adolescence and adulthood. ADHD can create challenges at work, at home, and within social settings. For an accurate diagnosis, impairment from symptoms must occur in more than one setting. Not all children have their ADHD progress into adulthood.

Group therapy for children can help them work on managing impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity in a supportive environment. Group therapy for adults can have similar focuses, but with a more in-depth approach that is age appropriate.

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and a consistent fear of having additional panic attacks. This can have a significant impact on your daily life, and come with severe avoidance symptoms. Panic attacks often include physical and psychological symptoms, which can make them uncomfortable and scary.

Panic disorder group therapy can include cognitive therapies and exposure techniques to help you learn to navigate panic-induced situations. Peer support can normalize your struggles, and decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Bipolar disorders are known for intensive mood swings including depressive, manic, and hypomanic episodes. There are several types of bipolar disorder, each of which has its features and treatments. Psychotherapy, educational groups, and medication management services. Depending on the severity of symptoms, bipolar disorder can be treated in an inpatient and outpatient treatment setting.

Group therapy for bipolar disorder can provide you with knowledge about mood swings and other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Learn skills to help you manage your moods and recognize the early signs of various mood episodes. Group therapy can provide you with a sense of validation for experiences that others in your life may not have been able to understand or relate to.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is known for causing persistent and unwanted thoughts, known as obsessions. This often leads to an intense urge for behaviors, known as compulsions. Compulsions may provide some relief for the anxiety caused by obsessions, though this relief is usually temporary. OCD can cause significant impairment, and be time-consuming.

Obsessive compulsive disorder group therapy can help you reduce your engagement in compulsions with the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Cognitive behavioral group therapy may also be used to address the symptoms associated with this mental health condition.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is known for causing intense emotions, impulsivity, and patterns of unhealthy relationships. Those living with BPD often experience mood swings, fear of abandonment, and struggle with their identity. This condition can create challenges within their personal and professional life.

Borderline personality disorder group therapy can be used to target emotional dysregulation and relationship concerns. Dialectical behavioral therapy group may be a recommendation and introduce emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness practices.

How to Find a Group Therapy Program Near Me

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides mental health treatment options for a range of conditions, ranging from psychological distress to severe mental illnesses. Our comprehensive care includes a range of therapies, including specialized group therapy options. We encourage you to dial (866)478-4383 to explore available treatment options!

Potential Types of Group Therapy Treatment Available Near Me

Group therapy sessions can be based on a variety of therapeutic interventions. This allows mental health professionals to provide specific options for therapy that are evidence-based and effective. Below are examples of group therapy types, though this is not an exhaustive list.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) groups can be used for a variety of mental health disorders including depressive disorders, phobias, and anxiety disorders. These conditions are responsive to cognitive behavioral therapy in individual sessions, which has shared techniques with group therapy sessions.

CBT group therapy sessions can focus on addressing negative thought patterns that contribute to unhealthy, or unwanted, behaviors. These group sessions may be available in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) groups are commonly used to help individuals who are struggling with self-harm behaviors, borderline personality disorder, and emotion dysregulation. These conditions can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life and often benefit from DBT treatments.

DBT sessions can focus on skills training including emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills. Group sessions can allow you to connect with others who have similar mental health symptoms, which can be a validating experience for those who have always felt different from those around them.

Trauma and PTSD groups can be helpful for those who have a history of one or more traumas, and those who have developed PTSD. This can include those who experienced abuse and neglect in their childhood, domestic violence and assault at older ages, and combat. Trauma and PTSD can cause intense symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life.

Group therapy for trauma and PTSD can focus on trauma processing, emotion regulation, and finding safety within the group setting. Shared group activities can help you establish rapport with other group members, and decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Career and vocational groups can take place within a workplace or in a treatment facility. These groups can be offered by an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or by mental health professionals supporting those who are experiencing a range of workplace challenges. These individuals may find themselves with lower productivity or poor work performance.

Vocational group therapy sessions can focus on job-related skills, stress management strategies, and receiving support and validation from your peers. These groups can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness within the workplace.

Interpersonal therapy groups are intended for those who are interested in strengthening their current relationships and their social skills. Several reasons can contribute to relationship distress and discomfort in social settings, including anxiety and previous experiences. In a supportive group environment, you can focus on gaining the skills you need to reach your goals.

Interpersonal therapy groups can focus on improving communication patterns, how to express emotions, and conflict resolution skills.

Family group therapy sessions can help individuals work to improve their relationships with family. This can be important for individuals who struggle with effective communication, conflict, and unhealthy relationship patterns such as enabling and codependency. These groups are commonly offered in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Family group sessions can include psychoeducation, role-playing, and psychoeducation about healthy boundaries within relationships.

Art therapy in groups is a creative approach to therapy that can help members find new ways of expressing their thoughts and feelings. This can also introduce new ways to cope with psychological distress. These groups can be helpful for those who are struggling with trauma, grief, and emotion regulation.

Art therapy can include painting, writing, clay work, and other versions of creative arts. After you complete your art, time is spent processing your experience and what you gained from the activity.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) groups use mindfulness and meditation practices to help individuals learn to cope with and reduce psychological distress. This can be helpful for those who have a difficult time staying in the moment and are distracted by fear and worries.

MBSR groups can introduce you to breathing exercises, grounding practices, and mindful observations.

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    More Resources

    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    How Much Does Group Therapy for Mental Health Disorders Cost With Insurance?

    The cost of group therapy when you’re using health insurance can vary greatly. Insurance companies often have a variety of brands and services that often have varying treatment level costs. It is difficult to provide an estimate for treatment without knowing the details associated with your policy.

    Your expenses are going can include copayments, deductibles, and premiums. They can also be affected by limitations or exclusions about working with out-of-network providers. Complete our insurance verification form to receive a personalized quote for group therapy with your specific insurance coverage.

    Group therapy session.

    How Much Does Group Therapy for Mental Health Disorders Cost Without Insurance?

    The cost of group therapy is dependent on several factors and can vary greatly. Group therapy is more cost-effective than individual therapy, and can cost between $50 to $300 per session. Price variations are due to the level of care being provided, if it’s a specialty group and the location of the treatment center.

    If you would like to receive a personalized treatment quote for specific treatments like narcissistic personality disorder group therapy or group therapy for dissociative identity disorder, we encourage you to dial (866)478-43838 to speak with an AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center admission counselor. Our counselors can review options for how to pay for treatment.

    The admission process for A Mission For Michael has shared steps among our different mental health treatment centers. Our streamlined approach is designed to streamline this process to be efficient and straightforward. To begin, you can call us today to speak with an admission counselor about your symptoms.

    Our team will then schedule an assessment for your current symptoms, challenges, and mental health history. Once your information is collected, we can determine if our program is a good fit for you. We can then verify your insurance to provide you with the financial information you need to make an informed decision about your care.

    The next step is to develop your personalized treatment plan, arrange your admission date, and travel to the treatment facility. We will provide you with a structured treatment schedule and actively monitor your progress throughout your treatment experience.

    The process for group therapy is dependent on the type of group you’re engaging in, and your mental health concerns. Some group therapy sessions are 50 minutes once per week, whereas other groups can have multiple groups each week. Variations can be found among groups that follow a structured therapy, and those that don’t.

    At A Mission For Michael, we offer a wide assortment of group therapies. Our group therapy options can vary in intensity and frequency, allowing for personalized care. We encourage you to contact us to learn about specific group therapy offerings at our locations. Some of the common therapies available at AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers include:

    • Music Therapy
    • Art Therapy
    • DBT Group
    • CBT Group
    • Somatic Therapy

     

    Our clinical team will work with you to determine which groups align with your needs. To get started with your admission process, we encourage you to contact AMFM and complete your confidential and free assessment.

    • Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for some mental health concerns.
    • Research has shown that group therapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms.
    • On average, individuals who participate in group therapy are 72% better off compared to those who receive no mental health treatment.
    • A study that explored the outcomes of a CBT group therapy found that depressive symptoms decreased on average, and remained lower 3 months after treatment.
    • Group therapy for addiction is a common intervention in substance use disorder programs. Additionally, group therapy is the most commonly used treatment within the Veterans Health Administration. 

    There are several steps that you can take to find your ideal group therapy provider. It is important to know if you’re looking for inpatient or outpatient treatment, as this will have a significant impact on your search. We encourage you to try using some of the following steps:

    • Online Search: You can start with an online search using popular search engines. We encourage you to be specific in your searches, with key phrases like “Group therapy for social skills near me,” “Antisocial personality disorder group therapy,” or “Group therapy for Veterans”.
    • Therapist Directories: Review counselor directories such as Psychology Today and the Group International Association (EMDRIA) directory. You may be able to narrow down your results by location.
    • Contact Your Insurance Provider: You can contact your insurance provider directly and ask for a list of in-network mental health treatment providers offering various types of group therapy.
    • Community Mental Health Resources: Reach out to your local community mental health centers and nonprofit mental health agencies in your area. They may be knowledgeable of in-person or online group therapy opportunities in your area.
    • Online Forums: You can look for online forums where individuals provide insight into local mental health treatment options and providers.
    • Local Healthcare Directories: Spend time looking through local healthcare directories, including online and print options, for local listings of group therapy providers in your area.
    • Social Media: Spend time looking through social media platforms for reviews and insights into group therapy treatment providers.
    • University and Medical School Centers: Local universities or medical schools may provide group therapy options within their clinics for residents or current students. This can be a low-cost option for treatment.
    • Online Reviews and Ratings: Spend time looking through online reviews and ratings for Group therapy centers and therapists. This can provide you with insights into the care that others have provided.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.

    Our Approach

    At AMFM, our group therapy sessions are warm and positive, and we focus on making sure that every participant feels valued and understood. They’re designed to complement individual therapy and other interventions clients are receiving. Group therapy provides a much-needed broader, community-based perspective on recovery. 

    In group therapy, you’ll have a chance to practice new skills in a supportive setting, get perspective from the experiences of others, and build relationships that reinforce your personal growth. AMFM’s group therapy aims to encourage you as you navigate the complexities of recovery with the support of a compassionate, understanding community.

    Benefits of Group Therapy

    Here’s how group therapy can be a catalyst for positive change:

    Accelerated Growth:

    As you watch others navigate similar challenges or achieve milestones, you’ll gain motivation, propelling your own growth.

    Emotional Support:

     A group therapy session gives you an unmatched emotional lift. Support and validation from other members can help you heal.

    Behavioral Insights:

    In group therapy, you get a mirror to your own behavior through other people’s actions and stories, which encourages change and personal growth.

    Sense of Belonging:

    One of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is the sense of community it fosters. Connecting with others who understand your journey reminds you that you’re not alone in your challenges.

    Real-World Practice:

    Group therapy isn’t just about talking; it’s about doing. It offers a safe space to practice new skills, from communication to coping strategies, so that you’re better prepared to apply these skills in your daily life.

    The Dynamics of Group Therapy

    Before we dive into the various forms depression can take, let’s remember: diagnoses are tools for understanding. They group common symptoms together to guide treatment, but they don’t define your experience. Each person’s journey with depression is unique, and these categories simply help us start the conversation about finding the best path forward:

    Fostering Engagement

    The therapist facilitator of a therapy group has an important job in sessions: they make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Social settings can be uncomfortable for some people, so therapists are careful to encourage active participation in a way that feels comfortable and respectful to everyone. With guided discussions, shared activities, and reflective exercises, facilitators keep sessions dynamic and interactive, allowing members to engage at their own pace.

    Peer Interaction

    Mental health struggles often come with a lie that says, “you’re alone.” Group therapy is a powerful way to combat that lie. In fact, it’s peer relationships that make group therapy so special. In the therapy room, structured activities and spontaneous conversations create opportunities to build deep connections between group members. Members see their own experiences reflected in others, leading to empathy, understanding, and shared insights.

    Safety and Trust

    Without safety and trust, group therapy doesn’t work. Therapist facilitators know just how to establish and maintain a space where members feel safe to share their deepest thoughts and listen to others. Confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental listening are non-negotiables in group therapy sessions. This foundational safety and trust allows the group to flourish.