This training will provide information on how to use groups as a treatment strategy. We will address why using Motivational Interviewing in a therapeutic support group format is extremely effective. Group work provides several important steps that help break isolation often experienced by a consumer. This training will provide information on the issues and treatment of special populations (adolescents, dual diagnosis, addiction, intimacy, low-incomefamilies, parents, etc.) through the use of support groups in treatment. We will also explore the issues of assessment, interaction, group norms, and various forms of support for the consumer. We will also address why the therapeutic support group format is extremely effective. In addition to the role of group leader, the roles of the participants will be discussed and compared in various types of group settings, as well as the importance of therapeutic contracts, goal setting, and group frequency duration, course, and process.LEARNING OBJECTIVES:Participants will be able to: define the different types of groups and to understand the effectiveness of groups; identify an effective group work strategy for different group problems; learn a model of stages of change in group work and to anticipate potential pitfalls as a group leader; and understand the consumers' reactions to groups and the effects those reactions have on the group as a whole.