Quick Overview: How do therapy and support groups differ? The available sources describe psychotherapy and support groups in different ways. The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says support groups can connect people with others who have similar experiences and are often used to support recovery. These broad descriptions do not establish what every offering includes, whether support groups and group therapy are the same, or what fits a particular person.
What the Available Sources Mean by Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy
The National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH, describes psychotherapy as talk therapy. It refers to a variety of treatments intended to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
NIMH describes several possible elements of psychotherapy. These can include exploring troubling issues, receiving emotional support, examining interactions with other people, and learning social or communication skills. The source also describes approaches that may involve identifying unhelpful patterns of thought, developing ways to cope with stress, using problem-solving strategies, tracking emotions and behaviors, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
These elements are examples within NIMH’s overview. They do not show that every psychotherapy experience includes every element. NIMH states that a therapist may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from more than one approach depending on training, the concern being addressed, and the needs of the person receiving psychotherapy.
Therapy and counseling may focus on skills and patterns
SAMHSA states that therapy and counseling are usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope with concerns such as the loss of a loved one, drug or alcohol use, or a relationship problem. Its description says therapy and counseling can help a person better understand the core cause of thoughts and behaviors in order to change unhealthy patterns.
The available materials use broad descriptions rather than a single definition for every service called therapy or counseling. A useful inquiry question is: How does this offering describe its purpose and approach?
What the Available Sources Say About Support Groups
Support groups can connect people with similar experiences
SAMHSA states that many support groups are available based on the issue a person is dealing with. It says support groups can connect people with others who have similar experiences. SAMHSA also says that support groups are most often used to support recovery.
This description identifies connection with others who have similar experiences as a possible feature of support groups. It does not establish the discussion topics, activities, purpose, or structure of every group. When considering a particular group, it may be helpful to ask: What experiences or issues does this group identify in its description?
Support groups and group therapy are not defined as the same
The available materials discuss support groups, and Rooted Integrative Therapy lists group therapy among its services. The research notes do not define group therapy, and they do not establish that a support group and group therapy are the same kind of offering.
Rather than assuming that two names indicate the same experience, consider asking direct questions: Is this offering described as psychotherapy, a support group, group therapy, or another type of service? What does that description mean here?
What This Comparison Can and Cannot Answer
The sources offer broad descriptions, not a personal answer
The available sources support a basic distinction: NIMH describes psychotherapy as talk therapy involving a variety of treatments, while SAMHSA describes support groups as a way people can connect with others who have similar experiences and as a resource often used to support recovery.
The sources do not determine whether one option is preferable to another for a particular person. They do not predict an individual outcome. They also do not provide details about a particular group or service.
If you are comparing options, the most grounded next question may be: What information is available about what this specific offering is intended to address?
A preliminary conversation can clarify treatment questions
NIMH notes that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH also suggests asking about the approach a therapist uses, the rationale and evidence base for that approach, goals of therapy, and how progress will be assessed.
Those questions can be adapted when seeking information about an offering without presuming what the answer will be. For example: How is this offering described? What approach is used? What goals are discussed?
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Alina Hovsoyan offers in-person services near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. For details about a particular service, use the practice’s inquiry page.
Reflection Questions for Comparing Descriptions
| Reflection question | Information to look for | A question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| What am I hoping to learn? | The concern, experience, or goal named in the offering’s description | “What is this offering intended to address?” |
| How is the offering described? | Whether it is described as psychotherapy, a support group, group therapy, or another service | “How do you describe this offering?” |
| What does the available information say? | Stated approach, goals, or activities | “What information can you share about the approach?” |
| What remains unclear? | Details not addressed in available information | “What questions would help clarify this option?” |
| What would I want to understand before proceeding? | Whether the description answers the questions that matter to me | “How will this offering proceed?” |
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you describe the service or group I am asking about?
- Is this offering described as psychotherapy, a support group, group therapy, or something else?
- What concerns, experiences, or goals is this option intended to address?
- What approach or activities are described for this offering?
- What information can you share about how the offering will proceed?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy the same as psychotherapy?
NIMH describes psychotherapy as talk therapy. The available materials do not establish that every use of the broader word “therapy” means psychotherapy. Ask how a specific offering is described.
What can support groups offer?
SAMHSA says support groups can connect people with others who have similar experiences and are often used to support recovery. The source does not establish what every support group includes.
Are support groups and group therapy the same?
The available materials do not establish that they are the same. Asking how a particular offering is described can provide more information.
Does this comparison identify the right option for me?
No. The available sources provide general information and do not determine personal fit or individual outcomes.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer group therapy?
Yes. Rooted Integrative Therapy lists group therapy among its services. Information about a particular service can be requested through the practice’s inquiry page.
Sources and Further Reading
These authoritative resources provide general background for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like general information about services at Rooted Integrative Therapy, visit the inquiry page. You may ask how a service is described, what it is intended to address, and what information is available about how it proceeds.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.