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Group Therapy Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Openings include Adolescent or Adult Group Therapy Leaders and Individual Therapists serving adults or youth. The IOP program operates as a collaborative, multidisciplinary team including Therapists ...

Openings include Adolescent or Adult Group Therapy Leaders and Individual Therapists serving adults or youth. The IOP program operates as a collaborative, multidisciplinary team including Therapists ...

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Group Therapy Leader information

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$10

$25

$72

How much do group therapy leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for group therapy leader in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Group Therapy Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Group Therapy Leader, you typically need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with evidence-based therapeutic modalities, group facilitation tools, and client management systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to foster trust and cohesion among group members help individuals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for creating a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing and positive group dynamics.

What is the difference between Group Therapy Leader vs Group Counselor?

AspectGroup Therapy LeaderGroup Counselor
CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, plus relevant licensure or certificationTypically requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, with licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentFacilitates group therapy sessions in clinics, hospitals, or community centersConducts individual and group counseling in similar settings, often with a focus on mental health or substance abuse
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, community organizationsHospitals, mental health agencies, private practices

Both roles involve leading group sessions and require similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job functions, with Group Therapy Leaders often focusing solely on facilitating group therapy, while Group Counselors may also provide individual counseling. Both roles are vital in mental health treatment and share overlapping skills and work environments.

What does a Group Therapy Leader do?

A Group Therapy Leader is a mental health professional who facilitates group therapy sessions, helping participants discuss their experiences and support one another under guided supervision. They create a safe and structured environment, encourage open communication, and use therapeutic techniques to address group dynamics and individual needs. Group Therapy Leaders often work with people facing similar challenges, such as addiction, grief, or anxiety, and help them build coping skills and a sense of community.

What are some common challenges faced by Group Therapy Leaders when managing group dynamics?

Group Therapy Leaders often encounter challenges such as managing differing personalities, ensuring all participants have a chance to speak, and navigating conflicts or emotional outbursts within the group. It’s essential to balance group cohesion with individual needs, while maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Effective leaders use facilitation techniques, set clear boundaries, and remain attuned to group moods to handle these complexities. Continuous professional development and supervision can further support leaders in overcoming these challenges.
More about Group Therapy Leader jobs
Infographic showing various Group Therapy Leader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Manager, Child Group Therapy

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Compass Health Center is seeking a Manager for our Child Program overseeing Group Therapy at our Chicago facility. 

We are looking for an experienced, clinically licensed therapist who is passionate about delivering evidence-based group therapy to children and adolescents (under 18) while leading, supervising, developing and mentoring Group Therapists within the program.This role offers the opportunity to combine direct clinical work with leadership responsibilities, making a meaningful impact on both patient outcomes and staff development. 

Our centrally located Chicago office is nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of North Center, not to mention the social events hosted on our fully furnished rooftop! 

What You'll Do: 

  • Assist Associate Directors and Program Directors in overseeing quality of care within the Child Program for both PHP and EIOP
  • Oversight and implementation of program material and curriculum
  • Continued development and refinement of Group Curriculum
  • Utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) as well as other evidenced-based therapies
  • Lead and manage all aspects of group therapy operations, including administrative functions, clinical observation and assessment, therapist mentorship and development, and ongoing clinical observation and assessment.
  • Provide Group Therapy
  • Provide primary individual therapy to a caseload of patients, as needed
  • Supervise and manage a team of group therapists and mental health professionals
  • Collaborate and coordinate with other leaders in the under 18 programs as well as within Chicago facility and Compass.
  • Provide clinical supervision for staff working towards licensure
  • Model and train team in effective behavior management
  • Engage in crisis management, as needed
  • Participate in and lead professional development activities
  • Participate in community outreach
  • Conduct and write intakes of new patients to the program as needed
  • Interview and hire staff, as needed
  • Engage in frequent communication and collaboration with team members via rounds, EMR notes, emails, and face-to-face communication.
  • Write and deliver performance reviews for the group therapy team 

Who You Are: 

  • Master's level clinician with 3+ years of post-master's clinical experience conducting individual, family, and/or group therapy.
  • Clinical license required: PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT or LCPC
  • Knowledge and experience of group dynamics utilizing CBT, ACT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, among other effective treatments.
  • Experience with patients in crisis.
  • Experience supervising mental health workers, both licensed and seeking licensure.
  • Excellent time management skills, ability to juggle multiple demands simultaneously in a fast paced and changing environment.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective collaborative relationships across multiple programs, provide consultation and support that is responsive to each program's unique operational and clinical needs.
  • Strong communication skillsÂ