Group therapy is considered a good option for teens seeking mental health support, but what is group therapy, and is it really right for everyone?

At The Ridge RTC, group therapy is used alongside individual counseling and holistic therapies to help teens overcome issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma disorders, co-occurring disorders, and other serious mental health conditions. Research shows that group therapy can be just as effective as traditional therapy (or sometimes even more effective) at treating a range of mental health conditions and symptoms.

Learn about group therapy for teens below, including how it works and its unique benefits in adolescent treatment.

How Does Group Therapy for Teens Work?

Teen group therapy brings together a small group of adolescents in a supportive setting to discuss the various challenges they may be struggling with. 

Under the guidance of a licensed therapist, members of the group share their experiences while giving and receiving support amongst their peers. The idea is to offer an effective and efficient alternative or supplement to individual counseling, with group therapy playing an important part in residential teen mental health care and outpatient programs.

Group Therapy Benefits for Adolescents

There are many reasons why group therapy is part of the evidence-based approach to teen mental health treatment. Some of the most notable group therapy benefits for teens include (but are not limited to):

Peer Support

Group therapy for teens brings together young people who are going through similar experiences at the same time, including the sorts of challenges that are very unique to this stage of life. 

Relationship Building 

Group therapy encourages active participation from its members. Many teens who attend learn to be comfortable talking openly about their feelings while also developing active listening skills that are crucial to future relationships and endeavors. 

Less Stigma

Teens attending group therapy can see firsthand that they’re not alone in struggling with their mental health or in seeking out treatment for their troubles. The result is a reduction in stigma around their care, both self-stigma and perceived stigma from others. 

Positive Peer Pressure

Peer pressure isn’t always a bad thing. Group therapy acts as a positive peer influence for teens, providing motivation and accountability that might not be present otherwise. 

New Perspectives

Teens spend a lot of time in the same places and with the same people, which can limit the perspectives they’re exposed to. Group therapy offers an opportunity for new ideas and viewpoints, and these can foster the type of growth that’s necessary for sustained recovery. 

Guided Support

The best group therapies for teens are led by mental health professionals with specific training in this type of therapeutic work. The role of this professional is generally more passive than in a one-on-one setting, but the therapist is instrumental in guiding discussions and making sure everyone is getting what they need. 

Can Your Teen Benefit From Group Therapy?

We’ve tackled the first question – what is group therapy? – so now let’s get to the second: is it right for everyone?

Group therapy can be profoundly helpful for any teen who is struggling with their mental health, and there are plenty of options regarding the location, intensity, and frequency of meetings. So the question is less about would your teen benefit, and more about finding the right teen group therapy program.  

The Ridge RTC is a residential treatment center for youth with campuses in Maine and New Hampshire. Here, teens receive qualified mental health support alongside their peers in a home-like environment. Each resident is given a completely tailored treatment plan based on their needs, with treatment modalities that rely heavily on group therapy and support. We’d love to help you find out if The Ridge RTC is right for the teen in your care. Explore our website for additional resources on teen mental health treatment, and call us at (603) 634-9665 for 24/7 support.