Individual vs Group Therapy: Which Is Right for You?
A comprehensive comparison of individual and group therapy approaches to help you make an informed decision.
At a Glance Comparison
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions between you and a therapist focused entirely on your needs.
Personalized attention and treatment
Complete privacy and confidentiality
Flexible scheduling options
Generally more expensive
No peer support or shared experiences
Best for: Deep personal issues, trauma, specific mental health conditions
Group Therapy
Therapeutic sessions with multiple participants sharing similar experiences or concerns.
Peer support and shared experiences
More affordable than individual therapy
Social skill development
Less individual attention
Fixed schedules and less flexibility
Best for: Addiction recovery, social anxiety, shared experiences
Detailed Comparison
Therapeutic Focus
Individual Therapy
- Deep focus on personal issues and experiences
- Tailored treatment approaches
- Personalized coping strategies
Group Therapy
- Shared experiences and mutual support
- Learning from others' perspectives
- Social skill development
Cost & Accessibility
Individual Therapy
- Higher cost per session ($75-200+)
- More flexible scheduling options
- Widely available online and in-person
Group Therapy
- Lower cost per session ($30-80)
- Fixed schedules
- May have limited availability
Treatment Effectiveness
Individual Therapy
- Highly effective for specific conditions
- Focused progress on personal goals
- Deeper exploration of issues
Group Therapy
- Effective for social and interpersonal issues
- Strong peer support component
- Real-world social interaction practice
How to Choose Between Individual and Group Therapy
Consider Your Needs
Think about your specific mental health concerns, comfort with sharing in groups, and treatment goals.
Social Factors
Consider whether peer support and shared experiences would benefit your healing process.
Practical Factors
Consider your budget, schedule flexibility, and preferred communication style.
Our Recommendation
Consider individual therapy if:
- You need to work through specific personal issues or trauma
- Privacy is a top concern
- You prefer focused, one-on-one attention
Consider group therapy if:
- You want to connect with others having similar experiences
- Cost is a significant factor
- You want to improve social skills or interpersonal relationships
Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?
Take our personalized assessment to discover whether individual or group therapy would work better for your needs.