Within the mental health profession, group psychotherapeutic processes have become increasingly popular. In this era of managed care, group therapy has proven to be a timely and cost-effective alternative to individualized treatment. Furthermore, group therapy has been shown to be “as effective as individual therapy in treating a range of psychological and psychiatric problems” (Markus & King, 2003, p. 203). However, just as group treatment can provide powerful therapeutic change and growth if properly facilitated, if poorly planned it can have the opposite effect. Furthermore, in addition to the conventional ethical dilemmas and concerns posed by individual therapy, group work presents its own unique challenges, which must be taken into consideration (Kottler, 1994). Given the recent increase in the use of group therapy, it has become increasingly imperative for mental health professionals to make themselves aware of these potential challenges, as well as maintain a solid understanding of the ethical standards that guide therapeutic group work. (ACA, 2005) and the American Psychological Association (APA, 2002) have established basic codes of conduct, or ethical guidelines, that are followed by mental health professionals who provide therapy. In 1989, however, the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW, 1989), a division of the ACA, published a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines specifically formulated "to promote quality group training, practice, and research through improving awareness of ethical issues associated with groups” (Durr, n.d., p. 2). And as a leader of a therapeutic group, you must be familiar with the contents of these rules and procedures...... middle of paper. ..... https://portfolio.du.edu/portfolio/getportfoliofile?uid= 115716 Lordo, B. (2006). Group concerns. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 36-38 ).Advanced Group Leadership. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.Markus, H. & King, D. (2003). research and practice, 34(2), 203-209. National Council for Certified Counselors. (1998). NBCC Code of Ethics. Greensboro, NC:Author.Roback, H., Moore, R., Bloch, F., & Shelton, M. (1996). Confidentiality in group psychotherapy: Empirical findings and the law. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 46(1), 133-177.Thomas, RV & Pender, DA (2007). Association of Teamwork Specialists: Good practice guidelines. The newspaper for teamwork specialists, 33(2), 111-117.