The main difference
Individual therapy is one-to-one work with a professional. The meeting focuses on your concerns; pace, goals and approach are agreed together. An individual format does not guarantee flexible scheduling or the ability to change topics at will within a structured programme.
Group therapy involves several participants and a trained facilitator. Some programmes teach skills; others explore interactions between members. Choosing care therefore involves the specific approach, goals and arrangements, as well as the number of people in a session.
Comparing the key factors
Effectiveness
Of 67 studies in Burlingame and colleagues' 2016 meta-analysis, 46 compared identical treatments, patient groups and therapy doses: the average difference in the primary outcome was close to zero. This does not guarantee equal effects for each person or cover every possible programme.
Recommendations also depend on the condition. For adults with social anxiety disorder, NICE recommends specialised individual CBT and advises against routinely preferring group CBT. Fear of social interaction does not itself mean a person must join a group.
Cost
A group session may cost less than an individual one, but compare the full course available to you: the number of meetings, introductory assessment, missed sessions, travel and time. A cheap session in a programme that does not fit your needs does not become suitable treatment. Check fees and payment arrangements with the specific practitioner.
Confidentiality
Both formats require discussion of confidentiality, records, supervision, possible information sharing and exceptions under applicable rules. It cannot be promised that no one other than the therapist will ever see information. Groups add the risk of disclosure by other members: an agreement matters, but is not an absolute guarantee. Read more about confidentiality in groups.
Pace and how attention is shared
An individual session gives more time to your material; a group shares attention among participants. This is not a scale from “deep” to “superficial” therapy. Complex experiences can be addressed in either format; appropriate pace and content depend on the programme, your condition and consent.
When people often choose individual therapy
- The subject feels very private and you are not ready to discuss it with unfamiliar people
- You want dedicated time for an individual assessment and discussion of a personal plan
- An individual timetable suits you better, if the practitioner can offer it
- You would prefer to build trust with one practitioner before considering a group
Seek professional support promptly and discuss safety if you have thoughts of suicide. If you intend to act, have already harmed yourself or cannot stay safe, contact local emergency services. A routine individual appointment, like the next group session, does not replace emergency care.
When people often choose group therapy
- Your concern involves romantic, family, friendship, or workplace relationships
- You feel isolated and want an experience of acceptance and belonging
- You want to understand how your words and actions affect other people
- Regular individual sessions are beyond your current budget
- You want to practise new communication patterns in a supported setting
Before starting, ask about goals, approach, the facilitator's training, membership, fees, absences and plan reviews. A diagnostic label, loneliness or a limited budget does not determine the choice on its own. Discuss medical support where needed; joining a group does not require giving up prescribed treatment.
For example, if you fear speaking in meetings, clarify what is offered: treatment for social anxiety, presentation skills training or an interpersonal group. These address different tasks. Then discuss a specific goal — expressing a brief opinion in a work meeting — and how the chosen approach would help you move towards it. At an agreed review point, consider changes, access and demands; the decision need not commit you to one format forever.
Can you combine both formats?
Combining formats can help, but is neither compulsory nor automatically more effective. Discuss the purpose of each, the demands involved and the cost. If the practitioners need to share information, separately agree its scope and process; attending both formats does not authorise them to share everything from sessions. Our article on combining individual and group therapy explores further questions.
Additional source
AGPA: How Group Psychotherapy Works, Choosing and Combining Formats
This article is for information only and does not replace an individual recommendation from a qualified professional.