Private vs. Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment: Which Is More Effective?

It is common to for persons seeking recovery to not know which format of therapy would benefit them most.

When starting addiction recovery, one of the first important decisions is whether to pursue private therapy (individual counseling), group therapy, or a combination of both. Choosing the right type of therapy can significantly affect a person’s success — and this decision is often shaped during the intake assessment.

Here’s what you need to know about private vs. group therapy, how clinicians decide which is best, and how this looks in real-world programs like those in Kentucky.

What Is Private Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

Private therapy provides a confidential one-on-one relationship between the client and a licensed therapist. It is designed to:

• Explore personal history and triggers.

• Address co-occurring mental health issues (like PTSD, depression, or anxiety).

• Build individualized coping strategies.

• Set specific, personal recovery goals.

  
  

Private therapy is particularly important for individuals who are dealing with:

• Trauma history.

• High levels of shame or guilt.

• Complex emotional needs.

What Is Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

Group therapy involves sessions where multiple individuals in recovery meet with a therapist. Participants share their experiences, challenges, and victories under professional guidance.

Group therapy is especially effective for:

• Reducing isolation and loneliness.

• Building accountability and peer support.

• Learning from the experiences of others.

• Practicing social and communication skills in a safe environment.

For many, the sense of community built in group therapy can be the key to maintaining long-term sobriety.

How the Intake Assessment Determines the Best Therapy Option

What Happens During an Intake Assessment?

Before starting treatment, individuals undergo a comprehensive intake assessment. This evaluation gathers critical information, including:

• Substance use history.

• Mental health screening.

• Physical health status.

• Social support systems.

• Previous treatment experiences.

• Motivation and readiness for change.

This assessment typically uses evidence-based tools like the ASAM Criteria to determine the appropriate level of care and therapy format.

How Clinicians Use Intake Information:

Based on assessment results:

• If a client has severe trauma, co-occurring disorders, or significant safety concerns, private therapy is prioritized.

• If a client struggles with isolation, motivation, or social support, group therapy is strongly recommended.

• If finances are a major concern or if the addiction is mild-to-moderate without complex mental health needs, group therapy may be the starting point.

• If relapse risks are high, individual therapy combined with motivational interviewing often comes first, before moving into group sessions.

Bottom line:

The intake assessment is essential. It creates a customized, flexible treatment plan — ensuring that each person receives the right type of therapy to support their recovery journey.

Private vs. Group Therapy: National Research Insights

According to national studies:

• A 2019 meta-analysis found that group therapy significantly improves abstinence rates and is often as effective as individual therapy (PubMed).

• SAMHSA reports that:

  • 98% of U.S. addiction treatment centers offer private therapy.

  • 93% offer group therapy services.

Research shows that both private and group therapy are highly effective, especially when tailored to the client’s unique needs.

Addiction Treatment in Kentucky: Real-World Examples

Kentucky has been a leader in adopting flexible addiction treatment models:

• Roaring Brook Recovery (Lexington, KY):Offers structured group therapy programs covering relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and managing cravings, led by licensed clinicians (Roaring Brook Recovery).

• JourneyPure Kentucky:Delivers a blend of individual therapy and group counseling, with personalized care plans developed after thorough intake assessments.

• Statewide Support:In 2024, Kentucky’s Attorney General’s office announced over $12 million in funding for addiction prevention and treatment efforts across the state, improving access to quality therapy options (AP News).

Quick Guide: When to Choose Private or Group Therapy

Situation	Recommended Therapy
Trauma history or serious mental health issues	Private Therapy
Feeling isolated, needing peer support	Group Therapy
History of relapse needing personalized strategies	Private Therapy
Seeking community and accountability	Group Therapy
Budget-conscious or seeking lower-cost options	Group Therapy

Pro Tip: Many treatment centers start clients with private therapy during early recovery, especially if withdrawal, mental health concerns, or trust issues are present — and then transition them into group therapy as stability improves.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit

Choosing between private therapy and group therapy is a highly personal decision — and often, the best results come from combining both approaches over time.

A professional intake assessment ensures that therapy choices are evidence-based and tailored to the individual's needs. Whether you're seeking a confidential one-on-one setting or the powerful support of a group, the right therapy can be life-changing.

If you or someone you know in Kentucky is ready to start addiction treatment, trusted programs across the state are ready to help guide the way to lasting recovery.