Group therapy activities for adults
Summary
Learn how group therapy development can expand private practice reach by showing how group psychotherapy is equally effective as individual therapy for many conditions, while increasing access and efficiency of care.
Understand practical steps in structuring and launching groups, including therapeutic group creation considerations such as group type, composition, size, format, and seasonal timing to maximize engagement and outcomes.
Discover how to implement successful group programs by applying guidance on pricing models, insurance vs self-pay structures, online delivery options, and ethical preparation including screening, consent, and marketing strategies.
While many of us clinicians may be experienced individual or couples therapists, we may not be as well-versed in group program development. However, it may be a missed opportunity.
Research shows that group therapy is equivalent to individual therapy for many mental health conditions.
This article provides a therapeutic group creation cheat sheet, including how to structure groups, popular group topics, pricing, and how to market effectively.
What topics are most needed?
At a time when the demand for therapists is increasing, groups may be underutilized. However, group program development is important for treating conditions like:
Depression
Borderline personality disorder
Eating disorders
Schizophrenia
Grief
Trauma and stress-related disorders
Some clinicians argue that group program development and therapeutic group creation is also more efficient than individual therapy, as a single therapist can reach more people in a single session and have a greater impact.
Not only do groups help alleviate symptoms, but groups also offer participants a sense of belonging, hope, purpose, and solidarity. Group program development also provides an opportunity to destigmatize mental health by humanizing those who live with these conditions.
Given their efficacy, cost savings, and benefits to clients, psychologists affiliated with the American Psychological Association encourage private practice clinicians to offer group psychotherapy. According to a recent study, group therapy could save over $5.6 billion and require 34,473 fewer therapists.
Popular group psychotherapy formats include:
Groups to process life transitions, such as divorce, grief and loss, and chronic illness.
Skills-based groups, such as DBT for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, CBT for anxiety, coping skills for depression, ACT to develop mindfulness and psychological flexibility, trauma coping skills, and relapse prevention groups.
Relational groups, such as for individuals living with a partner with a chronic illness, attachment-focused groups, and groups focused on improving boundaries and communication in intimate relationships.
How to structure groups
Key considerations for group program development and structuring groups include:
Group purpose and goals: Define the type of group and problem you are attempting to solve. For example, identify if the purpose is psychoeducational, process-oriented, or support-based.
Group composition: When considering how to structure groups, think about its composition, such as whether it is composed of participants with the same presenting concern (homogeneous) or members with different diagnoses but the same goal of acquiring new skills (heterogeneous). You’ll also want to consider participants' stages of change or readiness.
Size: Define the group size, aiming for between five and ten participants.
Duration/frequency: Consider how often you can facilitate the group. Should your group meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? How long will sessions run? Typically, groups last 90 to 120 minutes, running roughly six to eight weeks.
Open/closed: Closed groups are usually for therapy and processing, whereas skills-based groups may be open.
Format: When developing a group program, set an outline. For example, week one may include a welcome activity, housekeeping items, icebreaker, program review and syllabus, program goals, expectations, introductions, and community agreements. Week two may include a recap of week one and an introduction to a new topic before breaking into groups to practice a skill or work on a group discussion. Each week should build on the previous week’s curriculum, with the goal of reminding participants of what they have learned, practicing, providing feedback, and providing support and encouragement to use their skills or knowledge outside the group.
When to launch new groups
Similar to individual therapy, group therapy attendance may fluctuate seasonally, with lower engagement often observed during the summer months. As a result, new programs are commonly launched during periods of higher motivation, such as the fall, winter, or the new year.
When launching a new group, complete the following tasks:
Prepare a clear marketing strategy: Devise marketing copy for your website and social media profiles that clearly outlines the group's purpose, goals, outcomes, and ideal participants. Identify the marketing channels you’ll target, such as network referral groups and provider offices.
Pre-screen participants: Before enrolling, assess risk and readiness—it may be helpful to include screening criteria in your marketing copy when developing a group program. Ensure you record your screening assessment in the client’s electronic health record.
Documentation: Just like other intake preparation, you will also need to prepare and obtain signed documentation as part of informed consent, including a clear description of the purpose and format of the group, risks and benefits of group therapy, practice policies, telehealth consent (if appropriate), confidentiality agreement (including limits to confidentiality in a group forum), attendance requirements, cancellation policy, termination agreement, and how you will handle conflict or crises.
How to price groups
Group pricing is usually determined by whether you are billing insurance. If billing insurance, clients may pay a small copay per group session.
Self-pay groups are charged as either a flat fee for the duration of the group or a per-session fee. These typically range from $45 to $75 per session, depending on the location, clinician experience, and demand for the group.
What about online groups?
Group psychotherapy is commonly offered both in person and via telehealth, with virtual groups becoming increasingly popular due to accessibility and convenience. Online groups can make therapy more reachable for clients who face transportation barriers, mobility challenges, or scheduling constraints.
Virtual groups are often structured slightly differently than in-person groups. For example, they may use shorter sessions, more structured activities, or co-facilitation to support engagement and group cohesion in a digital format.
Group program development is one of the most effective ways to expand your practice's reach while delivering evidence-based care to more clients. Whether you're launching a skills-based group for anxiety or a process-oriented group for grief, the key is thoughtful planning—from structure and pricing to screening and marketing. With the right foundation in place, group therapy can benefit your clients, your community, and your practice.
Sources
Marmarosh, C. L., Sandage, S., Wade, N., Captari, L. E., & Crabtree, S. (2022). New horizons in group psychotherapy research and practice from third wave positive psychology: a practice-friendly review. Research in Psychotherapy.
Mars, J.A., & Baker, J. (2024). Group therapy. StatPearls Publishing.
Pappas, S. (2023). Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy and more efficient. Here’s how to do it successfully. American Psychological Association.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice. Pearson Education.
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