Group Therapy for Teens & Kids

What Is Group Therapy?

When children and teens are struggling emotionally, socially, or behaviorally, families often assume support has to happen one-on-one. In many cases, however, group therapy for teens and kids can be just as effective—sometimes more so—by giving young people the opportunity to learn and practice skills alongside peers facing similar challenges. Group therapy offers a supportive setting where teens and children can build confidence, connection, and coping skills together.

The purpose of group therapy is to:

• Reduce feelings of isolation
• Build emotional and social skills
• Practice coping strategies in real-time interactions
• Normalize challenges through shared experience

Group therapy may be used on its own or alongside individual therapy, depending on a child’s needs and comfort level.

How Does Group Therapy Work?

Group therapy sessions typically include a small number of children or teens who meet regularly with one or more clinicians. Groups are often organized by age, developmental stage, or shared focus area, such as anxiety, social skills, or emotional regulation.

A typical group therapy session may involve:

• Guided discussion
• Skill-building activities
• Role-playing or practice scenarios
• Group exercises and reflection
• Supportive peer feedback

Clear expectations and structure help create a safe, respectful environment for all participants.

Types of Group Therapy

There are many types of group therapy, each designed to address specific needs.

Group Therapy for Anxiety

Supports children and teens in learning coping strategies, managing worry, and reducing avoidance in a peer-supported setting. These groups often complement individual therapy or teletherapy services.

Group Therapy for Addiction Recovery

Includes group therapy for addiction recovery and group therapy for drug addiction, focusing on accountability, coping skills, and peer support for youth impacted by substance use.

Autism Group Therapy

Autism group therapy focuses on social communication, emotional understanding, and peer interaction in a structured, supportive environment.

Eating Disorder Group Therapy

Eating disorder group therapy supports emotional regulation, body awareness, and recovery-focused skills under clinical supervision.

Group Therapy for Teens

Group therapy for teens provides a structured, supportive environment where adolescents can connect with peers, build coping skills, and navigate challenges common during this stage of development. Teens often benefit from group settings where they can see they’re not alone and practice skills in real-time social situations.

Teen group therapy may focus on:

• Emotional regulation and stress management
• Anxiety and social pressure
• Peer relationships and communication
• Academic stress and expectations
• Identity development and self-confidence

Because adolescence is a time of growing independence, group therapy for teens often balances peer interaction with clinician guidance, helping teens build skills they can carry into school, relationships, and daily life.

Group Therapy Topics and Techniques

Group therapy topics vary depending on the focus of the group and participant needs. Common topics include:

• Emotional regulation
• Social skills and peer relationships
• Anxiety and stress management
• Communication and problem-solving
• Coping with change or loss

Clinicians may use a variety of group therapy techniques, such as structured discussion, behavioral skill-building, role-playing, and guided practice.

Some groups incorporate CBT group therapy strategies to help children understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When CBT is appropriate, NJCMO helps families coordinate access to cognitive behavioral therapy for children and teens as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Benefits of Group Therapy

There are many well-recognized group therapy benefits, especially for children and teens who learn through interaction.

Benefits of Group Therapy Include:

• Reduced feelings of isolation
• Opportunities to practice social skills
• Learning from peers with shared experiences
• Increased confidence and self-awareness
• Supportive accountability
• Emotional normalization

For many children, group settings make skills feel more real-world and easier to apply outside of therapy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Participating in Group Therapy

Families often want to understand both the strengths and limitations before choosing group therapy.

Advantages of Group Therapy

• Encourages peer connection and empathy
• Provides opportunities to practice skills in social settings
• Often complements individual therapy
• Helps children feel less alone in their experiences

Disadvantages of Group Therapy

• Less individualized attention than one-on-one therapy
• May feel intimidating at first for some children
• Group pace may not fit every child perfectly

NJCMO helps families weigh these factors when deciding between individual therapy vs. group therapy, or whether a combined approach is best.

Individual Therapy vs. Group Therapy

Families often explore individual & group therapy together as part of a care plan.

• Individual therapy offers one-on-one support and personalized focus.
• Group therapy emphasizes shared learning, peer connection, and real-time skill practice.

Many children benefit from using both formats together, depending on their needs.

Online Group Therapy

Some services offer online group therapy, allowing children and teens to participate remotely. Online groups may be helpful when transportation, distance, or scheduling creates barriers.

NJCMO helps families determine whether in-person or online group therapy fits best within their overall support plan, including teletherapy services when appropriate.

How NJCMO Helps Families Access Group Therapy

NJCMO does not provide therapy directly. Instead, we help families access group therapy for kids and teens by coordinating care across community-based providers.

NJCMO supports families by:

• Identifying appropriate group therapy options
• Coordinating services across providers
• Balancing group therapy with individual therapy or teletherapy
• Integrating group therapy into wraparound services when needed

For children with more complex needs, group therapy may be one part of a wraparound services plan that brings together multiple supports around the child and family.

What to Expect When Starting Group Therapy

When families connect with NJCMO, Care Managers work closely with caregivers to understand the child’s needs and recommend appropriate group therapy options.

Group therapy services may include:

• Regularly scheduled group sessions
• Age-appropriate group placement
• Ongoing communication with caregivers
• Coordination with schools or other supports

The goal is to support emotional growth, social development, and long-term well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions