Quality Indicators for Group
Psychotherapy Programs
The National Registry of Certified
Group Psychotherapists has been making some very important strides in regards to the
promotion of standards for group psychotherapy practice and quality care. The Registry
developed guidelines regarding clinically based, patient-focused service indicators to be
utilized in discussions with accrediting organizations regarding appropriate quality
measures for groups. The guidelines are also applicable to discussions with employers
regarding delivery of mental health services in groups, as well as managed care and health
maintenance organizations.
A. Access
Recommendation 1:
Patients with significant psychological or interpersonal disorders should have access to
psychotherapy services, including individual, group, and family modalities.
Indicator: The
service/plan/system/organization has public documents that describe the availability of
individual, group, and family therapy programs.
Recommendation 2:
Group psychotherapy services should be organized as a distinct service system.
Indicator:
The service/plan/organization has committed to a public mandate for the development of a
group psychotherapy program.
Indicator: A
group program coordinator has been hired and has given protected time for administrative
functions.
Indicator:
The benefits/fee structure provides an option for a trade-off of a minimum of two group
sessions for every individual session and an enhanced rate/hour reimbursement for group
therapists.
B. Quality
Recommendation 3: The
group has a service manual documenting the required structure for clinical application of
group psychotherapy.
Indicator:
Groups have been developed for the most common conditions seen in the clinical setting.
Indicator:
Treatment models have been selected on evidence-based criteria.
Indicator:
Each group has a clear written description of the goals and referring criteria.
Indicator: A
regular group status sheet is produced and circulated to referral sources.
Recommendation 4:
Group therapists meet established standards of professional practice, ethics, and
education.
Indicator:
Group therapists meet basic minimal criteria for training and experience.
Indicator:
Arrangements are in place for training and in-service development of group therapists,
including regular scheduled clinical supervision (by clinical supervisor or through peer
conferences).
Indicator:
Adequate space and clinician time resources are available.
Indicator:
Group therapists are allowed adequate time for the extended charting/contact activities
required.
Recommendation 5:
There are established guidelines for maintaining service quality.
Indicator:
All patients referred for group therapy go through a screening for suitability for the
intended group.
Indicator:
All patients receive a pre-therapy orientation to the group experience.
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