How Group Therapy Boosts Recovery for Addiction and Mental Health

Struggling with addiction or mental health issues can leave you feeling isolated and misunderstood. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 23.1% of adults aged 18+ experienced a mental illness in the past year, and 17.3% of individuals aged 12+ faced a substance use disorder (SUD). While these statistics reflect the widespread nature of these conditions, it’s important to know that you are not alone. One powerful way to connect with others and gain valuable insight is through group therapy.

At Buckhead Behavioral Health, our outpatient programs in Atlanta incorporate several types of group therapy. This blog post will explain how group therapy works, the types of groups we offer, and how they can help you on your path to long-term recovery.

What Is the Purpose of Group Therapy?

Group therapy brings together a small group of peers to work on similar issues—whether it’s addiction, mental health disorders, or specific life challenges—under the guidance of a trained therapist. In addition to professional counseling, group members learn from each other’s experiences, benefiting from different perspectives and real-time support.

Is Group Therapy the Same as a Support Group?

While group therapy and support groups both foster peer connection, there’s a key difference:

• Support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) are primarily peer-led and often discourage cross-talk.
• Group therapy is therapist-led, with structured goals and professional guidance. Participants can offer feedback, but the therapist ensures it’s helpful and respectful.

Both approaches have their merits, but if you need professional oversight and more direct feedback, group therapy might be the perfect fit.

Types of Group Therapy at Buckhead Behavioral Health

We recognize that everyone’s path to recovery is unique. That’s why we offer several types of group therapy, each designed to meet different treatment goals:

1. Psychoeducational Groups
   These sessions resemble a classroom setting, where the group leader presents on specific topics like managing emotions, understanding the disease model of addiction, or recognizing relapse triggers. Sharing is typically minimal, and the focus is on education and skill-building.
2. Skill Development Groups
   These groups focus on practical skills you can use in daily life—from coping with stress to communicating effectively. Role-play exercises may be used so participants can practice these new skills in a supportive environment.
3. Process Groups
   Often considered “traditional” group therapy, process groups are less structured. Participants share current challenges, and the conversation flows organically under the therapist’s guidance. This format encourages spontaneous discussion and mutual support.
4. Support Groups
   While not identical to group therapy, Buckhead Behavioral Health does encourage and help connect clients to peer-led support groups in the Atlanta area, such as those hosted at the Atlanta Triangle Club. These groups complement professional treatment by broadening your support network.
5. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups
   DBT is a specialized type of therapy focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In a DBT group, you’ll work from a structured workbook, with each module helping you develop healthier coping strategies.
6. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups
   CBT groups center on identifying unhealthy thought patterns, challenging core beliefs, and building positive affirmations. Peers collaborate to understand how these thought processes contribute to addictive behavior or mental health symptoms.

Topics We Cover in Group Therapy

During your time in our group sessions, you’ll explore a wide variety of subjects, such as:

• Disease Model of Addiction
• Coping with Uncomfortable Emotions
• Relationships and Family Dynamics
• Communication Skills
• Grief and Loss
• Goal Setting and Motivation

By tackling these subjects in a supportive group setting, you learn real-world strategies for handling the obstacles that often accompany recovery from addiction or mental health disorders.

Our Programs That Offer Group Therapy

At Buckhead Behavioral Health, group therapy is a central component in several of our outpatient treatment programs:

1. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
   • Ideal for clients stepping down from residential care.
   • Offers full-day therapy sessions, including group therapy, with evenings spent at home or in a sober living environment.
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
   • Provides 3–4 hours of treatment daily, making it more flexible than PHP.
   • You still get structured group sessions alongside weekly individual therapy.
3. Evening IOP
   • Similar to standard IOP, but sessions are held after normal work hours.
   • Ideal for those who need to maintain jobs, school, or family responsibilities.
4. Outpatient Program (OP)
   • The least restrictive program, typically involving hourly therapy sessions once a week or less.
   • Suitable for those who have completed higher levels of care or need continued support.

Why Is Group Therapy Beneficial?

1. Lower Costs

Because you share the therapist’s time with several peers, the cost per session is generally more affordable than continuous individual therapy.

2. Gain New Perspectives

You’ll hear from people with different backgrounds who share your struggles, exposing you to fresh insights and coping strategies.

3. Increase Self-Awareness

Receiving feedback from others can highlight behaviors or patterns you may not see in yourself, aiding personal growth.

4. Develop Social & Relationship Skills

Group therapy provides a safe space to practice setting boundaries, resolving conflicts, and building empathy—all crucial tools in recovery.

5. Feel Less Alone

Sharing with peers who understand your challenges eases feelings of isolation. Having that sense of community can boost confidence and self-esteem.

6. Collaboration & Problem-Solving

Whether you’re navigating cravings or a mental health flare-up, collaborating with peers can spark creative solutions and effective coping tactics.

Begin Your Journey with Group Therapy in Atlanta

Buckhead Behavioral Health recognizes the immense value of therapist-led group work in treating substance use and mental health disorders. By combining professional guidance with peer interaction, group therapy nurtures a sense of community and shared purpose—key elements for sustainable healing.

Ready to learn more about our group therapy options or begin your path to recovery? Contact us today or explore our admissions process to take the first step. You don’t have to face addiction or mental health challenges alone—let’s walk this journey together.