You don’t have to carry depression alone — join our support group.
Our Depression Support Group Therapy provides a structured, compassionate space to share experiences, learn coping tools, and find genuine hope through human connection. An intake session is required before attending the group, and you may schedule it with any clinician.
Connection is part of the cure.
Depression often feeds on isolation — and group therapy directly interrupts that pattern. Research cited by NAMI Texas and the APA shows that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for depression, with the added benefit of reducing the shame and isolation that often accompany it.
Skills and support in every session
- Sharing and processing experiences in a safe, confidential setting
- CBT-based skills for challenging negative thought cycles
- Behavioral activation — rebuilding motivation and pleasure
- Identifying early warning signs and building a support plan
- Peer connection and accountability
Also consider: Individual depression counseling · One-on-one therapy
Group structure and format
Our depression support group runs as a closed cohort — meaning the same 6–10 members participate together for the full program. This structure builds genuine trust and allows the group to move through progressively deeper work as members become comfortable with each other. Sessions are 90 minutes and meet weekly for 12 weeks.
Each session combines structured skill instruction and peer sharing. The first half typically focuses on a CBT or behavioral activation skill — understanding the thought-emotion-behavior cycle, building a pleasure hierarchy, scheduling meaningful activity. The second half creates space for members to share their experiences with that week’s practice and support each other through setbacks and progress.
Individual therapy is available alongside the group for members who need additional support. Many clients find that individual and group therapy complement each other: individual sessions provide depth and privacy, while the group provides accountability and the corrective experience of being seen and accepted. NAMI Texas also offers peer-led support programs that can supplement clinical group work.
Depression support group — your questions answered
Is group therapy confidential?
Yes. All group members sign a confidentiality agreement before joining, committing to keep what is shared in the group private. The therapist is also bound by the same clinical confidentiality obligations as in individual therapy. The only exceptions are the standard legal and ethical exceptions that apply to all therapy — imminent risk of harm to self or others, and mandated reporting of abuse.
What if I miss a session?
Attendance consistency matters in closed-cohort groups — both for your progress and out of respect for other members. We ask that you notify the therapist in advance when possible. Occasional absences can be accommodated; frequent absences may affect your ability to continue in the group. We discuss attendance expectations during the orientation before the first session so there are no surprises.
Can I do group therapy AND individual therapy?
Absolutely — and for many people with depression, we recommend it. Individual therapy provides a private space to process what comes up in the group and work on issues too personal for a group setting. Group therapy provides the peer connection and shared experience that individual therapy cannot replicate. The two modalities work well together, and our therapists will coordinate to ensure your care is cohesive.
What if I start the group but depression makes it hard to attend consistently?
Behavioral activation — the clinical name for gradually re-engaging with activities despite depressed energy — is actually one of the core skills taught in this group. The irony of depression-based avoidance is that the very thing that would help most (connection, engagement, structured activity) is exactly what depression makes hardest to do. We acknowledge this reality directly in the group and support members in developing concrete plans for getting to sessions even on the hardest days. Attendance consistency matters for the cohort as a whole, and we address absences openly when they occur — without shame, but with honest conversation about what the barrier is and how to address it.
Is this group appropriate if I’m also on antidepressant medication?
Yes. Many group members are also working with a psychiatrist or physician who manages their medication. The combination of medication and psychotherapy — including group therapy — is one of the most evidence-supported approaches for moderate to severe depression. We do not prescribe medication, but we are happy to communicate with your prescribing provider (with your written consent) to ensure your care is coordinated. If you are starting both medication and the group simultaneously, you may find that one or both takes a few weeks to show effect — we set expectations about this at the start of the program. See NIMH’s depression treatment overview for more on combined treatment approaches.
What happens after the 12-week group program ends?
The end of the group program is not necessarily the end of your treatment. Many members transition to individual therapy after completing the group — carrying forward the skills and self-understanding they developed in the group and doing deeper individual work. Others find that the 12-week program gave them what they needed and move forward independently. We offer a structured final session that includes a review of each member’s progress, a relapse-prevention plan, and guidance on what to do if depression symptoms return. If you want to continue in a therapy relationship after the group ends, our intake team will match you with an appropriate individual therapist. Additional peer support resources are available through NAMI Texas and the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Does insurance cover group therapy for depression?
Yes — most major insurance plans cover group therapy for depression under mental health benefits, typically at a lower copay than individual therapy. Coverage is usually most straightforward when the client has a formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, or an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. We verify your specific group therapy benefits before your first session so you know exactly what to expect. If you have an EAP benefit through your employer, group therapy may also be covered — check with your EAP provider or call us with your authorization code. If you are uninsured or self-pay, group therapy is significantly more affordable than individual therapy because the per-session cost is shared across participants. Contact our intake team for current self-pay rates and sliding-scale availability. Related: Individual depression counseling · All group therapy options
There is hope. There are people who understand.
Contact us to ask about group schedules, openings, and whether your insurance covers group therapy.