Adolescents are social creatures, in the midst of learning their social skills, and are often more trusting of others their own age than of adults. For many young teens it is the first time in their lives when validation from peers means more to them then parental support. This makes the group therapy setting an ideal choice for psychotherapy for this age group.  Additionally, teenagers are excellent at being able to learn from one another while observing and teaching appropriate skills as they grow.

The group therapy setting provides adolescents 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 environment adolescents have the opportunity to learn from the successes of their peers while using their strengths and skills 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 may be the best treatment for them.