Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy: Uses, Benefits & Effectiveness

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, aims to help an individual identify troubling emotions, thoughts, or behaviors using a variety of treatment techniques.¹ It may be utilized as one part of a complete treatment plan or aftercare program to help individuals with a variety of conditions, including mental health disorders and substance use disorder, a medical condition defined by the compulsive use of substances despite negative consequences.

Individual therapy is one type of psychotherapy. It involves a trained professional helping a single individual work through the therapeutic process. Group therapy, on the other hand, involves a group of individuals—all of whom are treated at the same time—by a therapist.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy allows a therapist—who might be a professionally trained psychologist, social worker, counselor, psychiatrist, or marriage and family counselor—to help an individual work through their thoughts, concerns, emotions, and situations. Individual therapy differs from getting advice from friends, family, and acquaintances, since it is a professional service provided by a professional.

Individual Therapy for Substance Abuse Treatment

Research indicates that individual therapy can be an effective component in a treatment plan for a substance use disorder.² Individual therapy helps individuals find the root of their addiction. Individual therapy sessions generally focus on teaching those in recovery the skills needed to navigate a life without drugs or alcohol and include different forms of behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management.³ Each of these behavioral therapies utilizes a different strategy to get the desired outcome. CBT, for instance, teaches individuals how to recognize moods, thoughts, and situations that trigger drug or alcohol cravings.³ The therapist, in turn, teaches the individual how to avoid these triggers and replace the negative thoughts and feelings with positive ones. In addition to using individual therapy to help individuals with substance use disorder, it can help a wide range of co-occurring mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, among others.⁴

Advantages of Individual Therapy

The benefits of individual therapy include:^5-7

• Confidentiality. The information shared during sessions remains completely private.
• One-on-one attention. This allows the therapist to be thorough in understanding the individual’s specific problems and develop an individualized approach to treatment.
• An intense and comprehensive level of analysis and treatment.
• Completely customized to the individual. For example, individuals who can handle more focused and intense interventions may benefit from a quicker therapy pace. On the other hand, individuals who require time to adjust may benefit from a slower-paced therapy.
• A strong therapeutic alliance, which refers to the working relationship between the individual and therapist. Research indicates that the therapeutic alliance is a key component of a successful therapy intervention.
• The development of self-awareness, which comes by discussing issues and getting feedback from the therapist.
• Flexible scheduling. The individual can arrange a time for the therapy sessions that is most conducive to their schedule.
• Quick appointments. Therapy sessions can be arranged rather quickly, if needed.
• The development of better communication skills.
• An effective component in treating a broad range of mental health disorders.

Disadvantages of Individual Therapy

The disadvantages of individual therapy include:

• Cost. It’s typically more expensive than group therapy.
• No peer interaction. It doesn’t allow individuals to identify with others who share similar problems or issues.
• A motivation requirement. Individuals, who are not committed to changing, doing the work, and applying the principles they learn, may struggle in certain situations.

Individual therapy is the most used form of treatment for substance use disorders. However, there is increasing evidence that supports the use of group therapy in substance use treatment.⁸ 

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy means more than one individual is being treated at the same time by at least one therapist. Some groups may have more than one therapist. Group sizes vary depending on the type of therapy. For instance, couples therapy, a type of group therapy that typically treats romantic partners, consists of two individuals; whereas, other groups, such as substance misuse groups, may include 10 to 12 people in one session. Researchers who study the effectiveness of group therapy generally recommend 6 to 12 individuals in a group.⁹

Group Therapy For Substance Abuse Treatment

We are social creatures, and as social creatures, our need to congregate can be a powerful therapeutic tool. Formal therapy groups can be persuasive and supportive. Groups organized around addiction can offer individuals insight, guidance, and comfort. Under a therapist’s guidance, groups can foster healthy attachments as well as teach individuals new social skills. Group therapy is as effective in the treatment of substance use as individual therapy, and, in certain instances, may be even more beneficial.¹⁰

Individuals who engage in group therapy tend to be more committed to maintaining abstinence.¹⁰ Research suggests that group therapy can help with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorder, too.¹⁰

Types and Models of Group Therapy

Therapists might use a variety of group treatment models to meet the needs of the group during the many phases of recovery. The five group models that have proven to be effective in the treatment of substance use include:¹⁰

• Psychoeducational groups. The primary focus of these groups are to educate and inform individuals generally about substance abuse, mental health, related behaviors, and the consequences of those behaviors.
• Skills development groups. This model is flexible. The therapist can adapt the the teaching of skills based on the needs of the individuals in the group. Skills focus on maintaining abstinence from drugs or alcohol and involve more interaction among the group members.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy groups. The therapist works to identify the problematic thinking and behaviors that contribute to the substance use and teaches group members new thinking and behavior patterns. These groups focus on relapse prevention training as well.
• Support groups. Just as the name suggests, the support group model provides support and care for the members while teaching them interpersonal skills through group discussion, shared experiences, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Interpersonal process groups. In this model, the therapist observes group interactions, functionality, and performance. The therapist helps members with their emotional development and addresses their childhood concerns that may lead them to poor decision-making and impulsive tendencies.

These models are fluid. Therapists can employ them based on the needs and goals of the group and can even shift from one model to another in a single group therapy session.

Goals of Group Therapy

Applying what is learned in group therapy to life outside of therapy is the main goal. This means individuals are able to make behavior corrections, implement the interpersonal skills they learned to new and existing relationships, and utilize the preventative measures and coping skills when necessary to avoid relapse.¹¹

Advantages of Group Therapy

The benefits of group therapy include:^12,13

• The assurance that individuals aren’t alone. Other individuals share similar problems and struggles.
• The opportunity to receive and give support. Both of these notions are important in treatment. Receiving support from others is part of the bonding or therapeutic alliance that occurs in groups; whereas, giving support to others allows for growth and learning.
• A broader therapeutic alliance, which allows for the incorporation of different points of view.
• The development of communication and socialization skills, which allows individuals to learn how to express their issues and accept criticism from others.
• The development of self-awareness, which comes from listening to others with similar issues.
• The therapeutic nature that accompanies sharing one’s experiences with others who have similar problems.
• The feeling of having a broad safety net for individuals who may otherwise be hesitant to discuss their feelings and perceived weaknesses.
• The ability to model the successful behaviors of other individuals who have gone through similar experiences. Modeling is a form of learning where individuals learn by copying or imitating the actions of others.
• Cost. Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy.

Disadvantages of Group Therapy

Disadvantages are subjective. As previously mentioned, group therapy has proven to be as effective as individual therapy. However, some may prefer individual therapy over group therapy for reasons that may include:¹³

• Less confidentiality. Although group members are generally instructed that the information and events that occur in the group are to be held confidential and only to be shared with group members during therapy, the potential for a breach of confidentiality is greater.
• A less focused therapeutic alliance.
• Less flexibility. Groups typically meet at specific times. There is less opportunity to fit the therapy into one’s personal schedule.
• Not the right fit. Group therapy may be inappropriate for certain types of individuals, such as individuals who are extremely antisocial, extremely shy, impulsive, and passive-aggressive.

Is Group and Individual Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Group and individual therapy, when used as one component of a formal rehab treatment plan, may be covered by insurance. This depends on the provider and the specifics of the plan. Use our online verification form to see if insurance may be able to cover the cost of treatment.

Is Group Therapy As Effective as Individual Therapy?

Yes. Research indicates that both individual and group therapies are effective in the treatment of substance use disorders and also for a range of co-occurring mental health disorders. Typically used in combination in a formal treatment program, the type and frequency of each really depends on the person and what’s best suited for them and their needs.¹⁰

It’s best to consult your primary care physician, mental healthcare provider, or an addiction care specialist, who can evaluate your needs and goals and determine the therapies and interventions best suited for you.

Finding Therapy That Works For You

If you or a loved one are ready to break the cycle of addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. AAC has treatment centers throughout the United States, providing evidence-based individual and group therapies for substance use disorders as well as co-occurring disorder treatment. Call or text to connect with a knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigator, who can listen to your story, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you begin the process to find lasting recovery.