Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: Basics and Beyond

Primary Presenter(s)

• KR

  Kellie Rollins, PsyD

  Staff Psychologist
  San Francisco VA Health Care System

Group therapy is a powerful treatment modality and an essential component of addiction treatment given its therapeutic efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Expert clinical practice guidelines support group therapy as a staple of addiction treatment and is a core component of many programs. However, despite the popularity, many counselors and/or clinicians do not receive formal training or ongoing consultation/supervision in group therapy theory and clinical practice. This workshop will review practical foundations of group therapy for SUD, advantages/limitations of group therapy, qualities of an effective group therapist, stages of group development, cultural considerations, ethical concerns, and specific issues for OTPs.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to identify and distinguish between the different types of group therapies commonly used in substance use disorders treatment.
• Upon completion of the workshop, participants will understand ways to assess patient readiness for group and suggested criteria for the placement of patients into each type of group therapy.
• Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to identify at therapist tasks in each stage of group treatment.