5 of the best providers of online group therapy

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Online group therapy combines professional psychotherapy treatment with peer support through messaging or audio or video calls.
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This article explores the purpose, process, and various aspects of online group therapy. It also discusses five of the best providers of online group therapy.
group therapy
For a variety of specialized groups: Catalyss Counseling
Catalyss Counseling
For lower budgets: Circles
Circles
For small group sizes: Grouport
Grouport
For free 24-7 chat rooms: 7 Cups
7 Cups
For higher budgets: BetterHelp
BetterHelp
What is online group therapy?
Many therapists have moved their practices online to keep their clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
have moved
COVID-19
Online therapy is like in-person therapy, but therapists stay in touch with a person through video calls or other online methods of communication. Therefore, it is necessary to have a reliable internet connection.
Online therapy is available for individuals, couples, and groups.
A 2020 meta-analysis found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is as effective as in-person CBT for treating conditions such as anxiety and depression.
2020 meta-analysis
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
anxiety
depression
A trained and licensed mental health professional gathers people together to conduct group therapy. The therapist provides group members with psychotherapy services and guides their interactions and conversations.
mental health professional
psychotherapy
Members of the same group typically have difficulty navigating similar issues, concerns, or conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or grief. Group therapy can also help participants build interpersonal skills.
grief
Moreover, group therapy provides peer support and individual empowerment through shared experiences. Group members receive feedback from different perspectives. Some people in group therapy may also benefit from feeling that they are not alone.
The authors of a 2019 study investigated the efficacy of a 7-week mobile- and web-based group therapy program for treating depression. The participants reported a reduction in depression symptoms and an improvement in their overall health. The improvements remained stable over a 3-month follow-up period.
2019 study
How to choose an online group therapy provider
Due to its recent surge in popularity, online group therapy is readily available. However, those looking to sign up for this service may not know where to begin.
People may wish to consider the following when looking for an online therapy group:
Group’s focus: People can join a group whose members navigate the same issue or mental health condition.
Personal goals: An individual should consider what they hope to gain by joining the group. Online group therapy providers should explain the group’s structure and approach. They may also explain the kind of support a member can expect to receive to help them achieve their objectives.
Therapist’s credentials: Those seeking online group therapy will benefit most from joining a group led by a trained group therapist, most preferably a certified group psychotherapist.
Group therapy works best when it is the right fit for a person. Individuals seeking group therapy will know for certain that a group is right for them once they join that group.
Medical News Today chooses providers that meet the following criteria:
Price: Providers suit a range of budgets.
Suitability: Providers offer online group therapy for different issues and mental health conditions.
Reputability: Providers offer help of trained mental health professionals.
Some of the best online group therapy providers
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these services. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Catalyss Counseling
Catalyss Counseling offers counseling both online and in person. The company is based in Colorado and offers individual and group therapy.
There are currently seven online groups:
Meaningful Connections Group
Women’s Support Group
Men’s Support Group
A Better Tomorrow: Postpartum Support Group
Grief Support Group
Recovering Perfectionists Group
Relationship Process Group
People undergo screening in an initial group intake appointment. This is to ensure that each member is in the right group for them.
A person usually joins a group with 8–10 sessions. Other groups, however, are open-ended, so people can attend group meetings for longer.
Catalyss Counseling accepts health savings account and flexible spending account cards. More information about fees is available on its website.
health savings account
website
The initial group intake appointment costs $150, and each group session costs $40–55.
LEARN MORE
Circles
Circles is an online therapy platform that specializes in group therapy. Licensed therapists and certified coaches lead live video sessions on a variety of topics, including:
grief
depression
divorce
anxiety
addiction
addiction
After the platform matches a person with a group, they can attend weekly group meetings. The service also provides unlimited text messaging with the therapist and between group members.
Circles does not provide any information about insurance on its website.
Membership for this platform costs $30 per week. The company also offers a 7-day free trial.
LEARN MORE
Grouport
This provider also specializes in group therapy. Licensed therapists lead groups with no more than 12 members, focusing on a range of mental health conditions, such as:
anxiety
depression
obsessive-compulsive disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder
trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
trauma
post-traumatic stress disorder
Sessions last 1 hour and occur on a weekly basis.
Grouport does not accept insurance. However, the company provides forms that a person can submit to their insurance provider — if they have one — for reimbursement.
Membership for this platform costs $35 per week.
LEARN MORE
7 Cups
This provider also specializes in group therapy. Licensed therapists lead groups with no more than 12 members, focusing on a range of mental health conditions, such as:
anxiety
depression
obsessive-compulsive disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder
trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
trauma
post-traumatic stress disorder
Sessions last 1 hour and occur on a weekly basis.
Grouport does not accept insurance. However, the company provides forms that a person can submit to their insurance provider — if they have one — for reimbursement.
Membership for this platform costs $35 per week.
LEARN MORE
BetterHelp
This platform matches individuals with the right therapy group by asking a number of questions during the sign-up process.
Licensed professional therapists lead sessions that take place in live video chat rooms, telephone conversations, and chat rooms.
Mental health issues and conditions that BetterHelp therapists can help with include:
depression
anxiety
grief
stress
stress
People can find details about health insurance and reimbursement on the BetterHelp website.
website
Therapy plans cost $60–90 per week.
LEARN MORE
Comparison of online group therapy providers
The table below compares the providers we outlined in the previous section.
Catalyss Counseling
Circles
Grouport
7 Cups
BetterHelp
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about online group therapy.
The main difference is that online group therapy is led by a licensed therapist who offers psychotherapy services.
People who moderate online support groups are not necessarily trained mental health professionals and may simply work to guide the group’s discussion. Many online support groups are peer-led.
Individuals interested in online group therapy should search for a group that focuses on their specific needs and concerns.
They should also look for groups led by trained and reputable professionals. Some platforms allow people to try different groups until they find the right fit.
Online group therapy can save a person time, as they do not have to travel to meet with the group.
Also, it is often more accessible and affordable than in-person therapy.
Most online group therapy providers do not accept insurance, but they do offer reimbursement forms that a person can fill out and submit to their insurance provider, if they have one.
It is of note, however, that some insurance companies started covering online therapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summary
Online group therapy has gained popularity in the past couple of years.
Research suggests that online therapies are as effective as in-person therapies. Many online platforms provide quality online group therapy services that are affordable.
Research
A person may wish to contact a doctor to discuss their mental health needs and what type of therapy would be most suitable for them before they commit to any type of support.