Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) groups for depression

A CBT group for depression is a structured, time-limited group led by a licensed therapist that applies cognitive behavioral therapy to depression specifically. Sessions help you notice and challenge depressive thinking, and rebuild the activity, connection, and pleasure that depression dismantles.

Who it's for, and who it's not

Best for mild to moderate depression, if you can attend regularly and do homework.

Not a sole treatment for severe depression or active suicidal ideation. In crisis? Call or text 988.

Acute crisis needs more intensive support before a group program.

What it's used for

Major depression and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).

Depression tied to chronic illness or life transition, and impairing low-grade symptoms.

Preventively for high-risk people: caregivers, chronic illness, and postpartum.

What to expect

1Sessions usually run 90 minutes: mood check-in, homework review, new skill, practice.

2Topics include the thought-feeling-behavior cycle, distortions, and behavioral activation.

3You'll get a workbook. Structured and skills-focused, not open-ended discussion.

Group CBT for depression has a robust evidence base.

A 2024 review of 31 studies found moderate-to-large improvements in depression, even when delivered by nurses and social workers, not only psychologists.¹

A 2019 network meta-analysis found group CBT works as well as individual CBT, with no significant difference between formats, often more accessible and less expensive.²

Making the most of it

Do the homework. The records and experiments drive change.

Act before you're ready. Doing shifts mood, not the reverse.

Give it a few sessions. Early discomfort is expected.

Questions to ask before you join

1Who leads the group, and what is their CBT training?

2How many sessions, and is it a closed cohort?

3What does it cost? Is there a free or sliding scale option?

Ready to find a group?

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In crisis? Call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7).

The Group Guide is a directory, not a clinic. This handout is general education, not medical or mental health advice. Listings are written by group leaders and are not endorsements. Confirm details, cost, and fit with any group you contact. Sources on page 2.

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Sources

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) groups for depression · references keyed to the numbers on page 1.

1Wong, C. P. S., et al. Effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy for depression in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of delivery by different healthcare professionals. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (2024).

2Cuijpers, P., Noma, H., Karyotaki, E., Cipriani, A., & Furukawa, T. A. Effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive behavior therapy delivery formats in adults with depression. JAMA Psychiatry (2019).