Group Therapy Cost: What You'll Pay and How to Save
A detailed breakdown of group therapy costs in 2026, including average session fees, insurance coverage, sliding scale options, and how to find affordable group therapy near you.
The Short Answer
Group therapy typically costs between $15 and $80 per session, depending on the type of group, who facilitates it, and where you live. That is roughly 25 to 50 percent of what you would pay for individual therapy. Many support groups are entirely free. If you have insurance, your copay for a group session is usually lower than for individual therapy, and some plans cover group therapy with no copay at all.
For people who need ongoing mental health support, group therapy is one of the most cost-effective treatment options available. And the savings are not just personal: the American Psychological Association estimates that group therapy saves the healthcare system approximately $5.6 billion annually compared to meeting the same clinical need through individual sessions.
$15-$80
What Group Therapy Costs by Type
Not all groups carry the same price tag. Understanding the different formats helps you anticipate what you will pay.
Process Groups
Process groups are led by a licensed therapist and focus on interpersonal dynamics and emotional exploration. These tend to be at the higher end of group therapy pricing because they require a skilled clinician and are often limited to 6 to 10 members.
Typical cost: $40 to $80 per session
Skills-Based Groups (DBT, CBT, Anger Management)
Structured skills groups follow a curriculum and are led by a licensed therapist or trained facilitator. DBT skills groups are among the most common and may run for 24 weeks or longer.
Typical cost: $30 to $75 per session (some programs charge a flat fee for the full program)
Support Groups
Peer-led support groups such as AA, NA, NAMI support groups, and GriefShare are typically free. Some therapist-facilitated support groups charge a nominal fee.
Typical cost: Free to $20 per session
Psychoeducational Groups
These groups focus on teaching information about a specific topic, such as stress management or parenting skills. They may be offered through community mental health centers, hospitals, or private practices.
Typical cost: $15 to $50 per session
Online Group Therapy
Virtual groups tend to cost less than in-person groups because the facilitator does not have overhead costs for office space.
Typical cost: $20 to $60 per session
Group Therapy Cost by Type
| Group Type | Typical Cost Per Session | Led By | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process group | $40-$80 | Licensed therapist | Ongoing (6-12 months+) |
| DBT skills group | $30-$75 | Licensed therapist | 24-48 weeks |
| CBT/anger management group | $25-$60 | Therapist or trained facilitator | 8-16 weeks |
| Support group (peer-led) | Free | Peer facilitator | Ongoing |
| Psychoeducational group | $15-$50 | Therapist or educator | 4-12 weeks |
| Online group therapy | $20-$60 | Licensed therapist | Varies |
Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy: Cost Comparison
The cost difference between group and individual therapy is significant, especially over time.
| Group Therapy | Individual Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per session | $15-$80 | $100-$250 |
| Session length | 60-120 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| Frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monthly cost (4 sessions) | $60-$320 | $400-$1,000 |
| Annual cost (48 sessions) | $720-$3,840 | $4,800-$12,000 |
| Insurance copay | $10-$40 | $20-$75 |
Over the course of a year, a person attending weekly group therapy instead of individual therapy could save anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on insurance status and local rates. For some people, this difference determines whether they can afford treatment at all.
$5.6 Billion
Does Insurance Cover Group Therapy?
Most health insurance plans cover group therapy, and mental health parity laws require insurers to cover mental health treatment at the same level as medical care. However, coverage details vary by plan.
What to Ask Your Insurance Company
Before joining a group, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask these specific questions:
- Does my plan cover group psychotherapy? Ask specifically about CPT code 90853 (group psychotherapy) and 90847 (family or multi-family group therapy), which are the billing codes therapists use.
- What is my copay for group therapy? It is often lower than for individual sessions.
- Do I need pre-authorization? Some plans require approval before starting group therapy.
- Is there a session limit? Some plans cap the number of group therapy sessions per year.
- Does the group facilitator need to be in-network? Out-of-network groups may still be partially covered under PPO plans.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Part B covers group psychotherapy at 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet the annual deductible. Medicaid coverage for group therapy varies by state but is available in most states, particularly through community mental health centers.
How to Find Affordable Group Therapy
If the cost of group therapy is a concern, several options can reduce or eliminate the financial barrier.
Sliding Scale Groups
Many therapists who run groups offer sliding scale fees based on your income. A group session that normally costs $60 might be available for $20 to $30 if you qualify. The best way to find out is to ask directly. Most group facilitators are willing to discuss fees during a screening call.
Community Mental Health Centers
Community mental health centers (CMHCs) offer group therapy at reduced rates or free of charge. These centers serve people regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Groups at CMHCs may focus on depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, or general coping skills.
University Training Clinics
Graduate programs in psychology, social work, and counseling often run therapy groups facilitated by advanced trainees under the supervision of licensed faculty. These groups are typically available at very low cost, sometimes as little as $5 to $15 per session, and the quality of care is often excellent because trainees are closely supervised.
Free Support Groups
Many support groups cost nothing to attend:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers free peer-led support groups for people with mental health conditions and their families
- AA and NA operate on a voluntary donation model with no required fees
- GriefShare groups are available through churches and community organizations, usually free or with a nominal workbook fee
- DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) offers free peer-led support groups nationwide
- Cancer support groups are widely available through hospitals and organizations like the American Cancer Society
Online Groups as a Lower-Cost Alternative
Online group therapy platforms have expanded access and reduced costs. Without the overhead of physical office space, facilitators can offer lower rates. Some platforms offer subscription-based group therapy programs for $30 to $60 per month, which may include multiple sessions.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Some EAPs include access to group therapy or can refer you to group programs at no cost. Check with your employer's HR department to see what is available.
Is Group Therapy Worth the Cost?
The research is clear: group therapy is a highly effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. Meta-analyses consistently show that group CBT produces outcomes comparable to individual CBT for depression and anxiety. For substance use disorders, group therapy is a standard component of evidence-based treatment.
When you consider that group sessions typically run 60 to 120 minutes (compared to 45 to 60 minutes for individual therapy), the per-minute cost of group therapy is even more favorable. You also benefit from therapeutic factors that are unique to the group format, such as universality, peer support, and interpersonal learning, which individual therapy cannot replicate.
For many people, the question is not whether group therapy is worth the cost. It is whether they can afford not to get treatment. Group therapy makes ongoing mental health care accessible to people who might otherwise go without.
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Take the Therapy QuizFrequently Asked Questions
In nearly all cases, yes. Group therapy sessions typically cost 25 to 50 percent of individual therapy. However, some highly specialized groups (such as intensive DBT programs) may have fees closer to individual therapy rates. Free peer-led support groups are the most affordable option.
Yes. Group psychotherapy led by a licensed mental health professional is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Peer-led support groups that do not involve a licensed professional are generally not eligible.
Free options exist. Peer-led support groups through NAMI, AA/NA, DBSA, and GriefShare cost nothing. Community mental health centers offer groups on a sliding scale that can go as low as zero. University training clinics offer groups for as little as five dollars per session.
Most groups do not require a formal referral, but they do require a screening session with the group facilitator. This screening ensures that the group is a good fit for your needs and that you are appropriate for the group format. Insurance plans sometimes require a referral for coverage purposes.
It depends on the type of group. Skills-based groups like DBT typically run 24 to 48 weeks. Process groups may be ongoing, and you attend for as long as the group is beneficial. Support groups have no set duration. The total cost depends on how long you participate.
The Bottom Line
Group therapy is one of the most affordable forms of professional mental health treatment. With sessions ranging from free to $80, it costs a fraction of individual therapy while producing comparable outcomes for many conditions. Insurance coverage, sliding scale fees, community mental health centers, and free support groups make group therapy accessible at nearly every budget level. If cost has been a barrier to getting mental health support, group therapy may be the path that makes treatment possible.