Once your child is in therapy, you may be offered group sessions, individual sessions, or both. Short version: individual therapy is tailored and intensive; group therapy adds social practice and is usually lower cost. The best fit depends on the goal.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions are fully tailored to your child, allowing intensive, focused work on specific goals. They're ideal for foundational skills, complex needs, and when a child needs lots of individual attention — but cost more per session.
Group Therapy
Small-group sessions add real-world social practice with peers — especially valuable for social-communication and pragmatic skills. Groups are usually lower cost per session and can boost motivation, though each child gets less individual attention.
At a Glance
| Factor | Individual | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Personalization | Fully tailored | Shared focus |
| Best for | Foundational & complex goals | Social skills, practice, motivation |
| Cost | Higher per session | Lower per session |
| Social practice | Limited | Built-in |
How to Decide
Choose individual for building new or complex skills and when your child needs focused attention; choose group for practicing social communication, generalizing skills, and motivation. Many children do best with a combination — individual sessions to build skills and a group to practice them. Ask your therapist what fits your child's goals and readiness.
Questions to Ask
- Is my child's goal better suited to individual or group work?
- Would a combination help?
- Is my child ready for a group setting?
- How do the costs compare, and what does insurance cover?
Find therapists offering group and individual sessions
Browse vetted pediatric providers by location in the DrSensory directory.
Find a Therapist →Frequently Asked Questions
Is group or individual therapy better for kids?
Neither is universally better. Individual therapy is tailored and intensive; group therapy adds social practice and is lower cost. The best choice depends on your child's goals — many benefit from both.
When is group therapy a good idea?
Group therapy shines for social-communication and pragmatic goals, generalizing skills to peers, and motivation. It's also more affordable per session.
Is individual therapy more effective?
For building new or complex skills and for children needing focused attention, individual therapy is often more efficient. For social practice, groups add value individual sessions can't.
Can my child do both group and individual therapy?
Yes — a common, effective model is individual sessions to build skills plus a group to practice them with peers.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
Coverage varies by plan and service. Group sessions are often lower cost, but verify your benefits and any limits with your insurer.
References & resources
This information is educational and does not replace professional medical, financial or legal advice. Cost and coverage figures are estimates that vary by provider, plan, location and date. Confirm details directly with providers and your insurer.
