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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 2, 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
What job categories do people searching Group Therapy Leader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Group Therapy Leader jobs are:
Group Therapist Coordinator

Group Therapist Coordinator

McLean Hospital

Princeton, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

This is a part-time day shift position - weekends only
Summary
The incumbent provides a leadership role on the specified inpatient unit, residential and/or partial hospital program for the Group Therapy Program, participating in both direct clinical/group therapy services and administrative duties. They are responsible for creating/maintaining the unit's group schedule(s), monitoring documentation of clients' attendance and participation, and overseeing/supervising other group therapists/leaders facilitating groups on the unit. Additionally, they will provide group therapy training (or recommend staff to appropriate training opportunities when available) for unit staff in need of additional group leadership training.
Does this position require Patient Care?
Yes
Essential Functions
Provides group and/or individual therapy to clients as needed. Interventions should be planned and structured appropriately for the specific clientele being served through evaluation and assessment by the Coordinator.
-Works with unit leadership to create a group program that integrates 1) psychoeducation, 2) social interaction, 3) activities, 4) community-making groups, and includes leadership roles for all clinical disciplines (i.e., psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, expressive therapy, peer-support specialists, and mental health specialists). This includes developing and updating the unit's group therapy program schedule that utilizes the skills of all disciplines to contribute to the clinical care of the clients.
-Innovates and develops/introduces group programs that are evidence-based and reflective of patients' needs and treatment goals on an inpatient unit, based upon evaluation and assessment of the clientele cohort on the unit.
-Supervises and trains, as needed, clinical staff in effective group practice and facilitation. This includes supervision/oversight of student visitors, volunteers, practicum students, and clinical interns from Master's-level graduate clinical training programs (i.e., expressive therapy, counseling psychology, social work, etc.) in group therapy and related methods.
-Attends clinical team meetings (teams/rounds) on a regular basis to inform team members about clinical observations of patients.
-Provides consultation and evaluation to clinical teams and other units based on specific areas of expertise/training.
-Alerts appropriate staff (e.g., Nurse Director, Medical and/or Clinical Director, Treatment Teams) of emergent clinical issues that occur during group sessions.
-Monitors group attendance and group leadership assignments for all groups. This includes reviewing staff documentation to ensure inpatient hospital group forms are completed within established time parameters and in accordance with hospital procedures.
-Follows all established group therapy protocols.

The Group Therapist Coordinator is responsible for creating/maintaining the unit's group schedule(s), monitoring documentation of clients' attendance and participation, and overseeing/supervising other group therapists/leaders facilitating groups on the unit. Additionally, they will provide group therapy training (or recommend staff to appropriate training opportunities when available) for unit staff in need of additional group leadership training.
Does this position require Patient Care?
Yes
Essential Functions
Provides group and/or individual therapy to clients as needed. Interventions should be planned and structured appropriately for the specific clientele being served through evaluation and assessment by the Coordinator.
-Works with unit leadership to create a group program that integrates 1) psychoeducation, 2) social interaction, 3) activities, 4) community-making groups, and includes leadership roles for all clinical disciplines (i.e., psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, expressive therapy, peer-support specialists, and mental health specialists). This includes developing and updating the unit's group therapy program schedule that utilizes the skills of all disciplines to contribute to the clinical care of the clients.
-Innovates and develops/introduces group programs that are evidence-based and reflective of patients' needs and treatment goals on an inpatient unit, based upon evaluation and assessment of the clientele cohort on the unit.
-Supervises and trains, as needed, clinical staff in effective group practice and facilitation. This includes supervision/oversight of student visitors, volunteers, practicum students, and clinical interns from Master's-level graduate clinical training programs (i.e., expressive therapy, counseling psychology, social work, etc.) in group therapy and related methods.
-Attends clinical team meetings (teams/rounds) on a regular basis to inform team members about clinical observations of patients.
-Provides consultation and evaluation to clinical teams and other units based on specific areas of expertise/training.
-Alerts appropriate staff (e.g., Nurse Director, Medical and/or Clinical Director, Treatment Teams) of emergent clinical issues that occur during group sessions.
-Monitors group attendance and group leadership assignments for all groups. This includes reviewing staff documentation to ensure inpatient hospital group forms are completed within established time parameters and in accordance with hospital procedures.
-Follows all established group therapy protocols.

Education
Master's Degree Related Field of Study required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Occupational Therapist [State License] - Generic - HR Only preferred Licensed Mental Health Counselor [LMHC - State License] - Generic - HR Only preferred Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker [LICSW - State License] - Generic - HR Only preferred
Experience
Group and individual therapy 1-2 years required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Candidates should be organized, timely, and possess good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively within a multi-disciplined team.
- Ability to provide clinical training and supervision on group facilitation and leadership.
- Ability to set and maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Experience with empirically supported/validated group therapy skills (i.e., CBT, ACT, MI, DBT) is preferred.
- Familiarity with hospital/partial-hospital or community-based treatment programs.
- Active interest in clinical care issues related to inpatient psychiatric treatment.
- Successful candidates must possess basic computer skills in order to use a variety of electronic systems (including Microsoft Office) to access/maintain personal employment-related data, satisfy required annual training, use job-specific applications, and complete documentation using the electronic medical record (experience with the Epic platform preferred).
- See the departmental competency list if applicable.

The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.