Evidence-Based Group Therapy for Mood Disorders: Treatment for Depression and Bipolar Disorders

Objective: Mood disorders, which include major depressive and bipolar disorders, are prevalent around the globe. Depression and bipolar disorders are traditionally treated with a combination of individual therapy and pharmacotherapy, but cost can be an access barrier for both treatments. There is evidence that group therapy for both depression and bipolar disorders provides effective outcomes in terms of alleviation of symptoms and fidelity to medication instructions. We begin with a brief history of group treatment for depression and bipolar disorders, review current practice guidelines, outline effectiveness findings from a recent meta-analysis, and provide key clinical resources. Method: Findings from a recent meta-analysis along with clinician resources for evidence-based group treatments are summarized. Results and Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence to support group therapy as an efficacious treatment for depression and bipolar disorder. Resources for clinicians for evidence-based group treatment for both depression and bipolar disorder include cognitive-behavioral group therapy and group cognitive therapy; resources for depression include group behavioral activation, group interpersonal therapy, and group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; and resources for bipolar disorder include group functional remediation, integrated group therapy, and group psychoeducation. We include a clinical example of a group session for each disorder; thoughts on equity, diversity, and identity; and recommendations for further research.