Adolescents are social creatures, excellent at being able to learn from one another while observing and teaching appropriate skills as they grow.  In addition, they are often more trusting of others their own age than of adults. Teenagers are frequently more invested in being validated by peers than by parents. This makes the group therapy setting an ideal choice for psychotherapy for teenagers.

The group is a natural setting for adolescents. They are taught in groups, live in groups, and frequently socialize in groups. Social interaction is a key aspect of the developmental process, and most social learning takes place by observing others and the results of their actions. Group therapy for adolescence provides a therapeutic environment where they can develop better interpersonal skills, examine basic identity questions, identify and change maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior, etc.

In the group therapy setting teens can learn from the successes of their peers while using their own strengths and success to help others.  Most adolescents are referred to treatment because of problems they are having in relationships with others in their lives such as parents, teachers and peers.  Adolescence is a time of rising psychosocial vulnerability where either psychopathology or self-actualization can occur (Gunther & Crandles, 1998) and thus social learning my be the best treatment for them.