What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a structured and supportive treatment setting where multiple participants work together under the guidance of a licensed clinician. At Anxiety Institute, our groups are designed specifically for adolescents and young adults who are navigating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. Unlike general support groups, our treatment model is rooted in evidence-based care. Clinicians draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness practices to help participants build lasting skills.
Group therapy is also a cornerstone of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Within the IOP, group sessions provide consistent opportunities for participants to connect, practice exposure work, and integrate new skills in a structured setting. This group component strengthens the therapeutic process, ensuring that clients receive both individualized care and the benefit of peer support.
How Does Group Therapy at Anxiety Institute Work?
Our group programs balance clinical structure with peer connection. Sessions meet weekly for 60 to 90 minutes, creating a regular rhythm for practicing skills and sharing experiences. Each group includes six to ten participants, which allows for meaningful interaction while ensuring that everyone feels supported. We offer groups for adolescents ages 13 to 17 and for young adults ages 18 to 25. In every session, participants learn to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and engage in exposure exercises within a safe, affirming environment.
For those enrolled in our IOP, group therapy is integrated with individual therapy, family sessions, and psychiatric support. This multi-faceted approach allows adolescents and young adults to progress in a comprehensive, well-rounded program while benefiting from the accountability and connection that groups uniquely provide.
Contact us to see if group therapy is a fit for your child.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
Group therapy offers advantages that go beyond individual sessions. Adolescents and young adults often feel less isolated when they realize that their peers are facing similar challenges. This shared experience fosters connection and helps reduce shame or stigma. Within the group, participants build confidence, practice coping strategies in real-world contexts, and reinforce CBT and ERP skills outside of one-on-one therapy. Over time, the supportive and structured environment of group therapy encourages resilience and a greater sense of self-efficacy.
Who Should Consider Joining a Group Therapy Program?
Group therapy is well-suited for adolescents and young adults experiencing moderate anxiety, OCD, or related disorders. It can be especially helpful for individuals who feel stuck in traditional therapy, for those stepping down from intensive programs, or for students who need extra support managing school and social pressures. Common diagnoses include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.
Is Group Therapy Right For My Child?
If your child is struggling with anxiety or OCD, group therapy may provide the structure and encouragement they need to thrive. Whether accessed on its own or as part of our Intensive Outpatient Program, group sessions at Anxiety Institute give adolescents and young adults a safe space to learn, connect, and practice skills that empower them to move forward with confidence. We invite you to reach out to learn more about whether group therapy is the right fit for your child.
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Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy
FAQs
The terms group therapy and support groups are sometimes used interchangeably, but they serve very different purposes. At Anxiety Institute, our group therapy programs are clinician-led, structured, and therapeutic, meaning that every session is guided by a licensed mental health professional trained in evidence-based treatments such as CBT and ERP. The clinician sets clear goals, introduces specific skills, and ensures that participants practice those skills in a safe, supportive environment. Group therapy is a formal part of treatment designed to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and create lasting change.
Support groups, on the other hand, are typically peer-led. They can provide valuable connection and encouragement, but they usually do not include structured treatment or evidence-based interventions. The focus of a support group is often on sharing personal experiences and providing mutual understanding rather than skill-building and clinical progress.
Both settings can be meaningful, but the goals are different. Group therapy is treatment, while support groups are supportive spaces. For adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety or OCD, group therapy at Anxiety Institute offers the therapeutic framework and professional guidance needed to build coping strategies, practice exposures, and make measurable progress toward recovery.
The length of group therapy depends on the needs of each participant and the structure of the program. At Anxiety Institute, group therapy is offered both as a core component of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
When group therapy is part of the IOP, it typically runs for 6 to 12 weeks, providing a concentrated period of skill development, exposure practice, and peer connection. This timeframe allows adolescents and young adults to make meaningful progress while still maintaining the flexibility to return to school, family routines, and social activities.
For those participating in group therapy outside of the IOP, the duration may vary. Some individuals benefit from a shorter course of treatment focused on targeted goals, while others choose to continue in a group setting over a longer period to reinforce skills and sustain progress. In every case, our clinicians work closely with families to determine the most effective length of treatment for each individual.
Yes. Research consistently shows that group therapy is highly effective for treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly when it is rooted in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
In group therapy, participants practice the same therapeutic skills they would in individual treatment, but with the added benefit of peer connection and support. Adolescents and young adults often find it especially powerful to work on exposures and coping strategies alongside others who share similar struggles. This combination of clinical expertise and peer accountability helps participants reduce avoidance, face fears, and build resilience in ways that extend into everyday life.
At Anxiety Institute, group therapy serves as a cornerstone of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Within the IOP, group sessions are integrated with individual therapy, family work, and psychiatric support, creating a comprehensive treatment plan that maximizes progress. For many teens and young adults, group therapy provides both the structure and encouragement they need to move forward with confidence.