Online exposure therapy from just $35/session with licensed therapists (PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) trained in evidence-based exposure techniques. At Grouport, we offer online individual therapy, online group therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, teen therapy, and virtual IOP options. Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders and phobias, recommended as a first-line intervention by the American Psychological Association.
Exposure therapy works by gradually and safely confronting the situations, objects, or memories that trigger your fear or anxiety. Over time, your brain learns that the feared outcome does not happen and that you can tolerate the discomfort. Studies show exposure therapy helps over 90% of people with specific phobias who complete treatment. Schedule a free call to learn if exposure therapy is right for you.
Consistently Recognized as the #1 Online Therapy pick
.svg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
At Grouport, we offer multiple ways to access evidence-based exposure therapy, all led by licensed clinicians. Whether you prefer individual sessions for personalized exposure work, group therapy for shared support, or a higher-intensity program, our exposure-informed offerings are designed to help you overcome anxiety, phobias, and fear-based avoidance. Many members choose to combine formats for the most comprehensive support.
Our research-backed online exposure therapy is designed to help you overcome anxiety, phobias, and fear-based avoidance with licensed therapists. Here is how to get started.
Whether you're interested in Exposure Therapy group therapy, individual sessions, couples or family therapy, or our IOP program for more intensive care, you'll start by selecting the type of support that fits your needs and schedule. Complete our onboarding form and sign up directly for the plan that suits you best.
After signing up, you'll connect with a dedicated care coordinator who will walk you through the range of exposure therapy options best suited to your needs. You'll make the final choice about your care, including which therapists you'll meet with and session times that are most convenient for you.
Start your structured exposure treatment. Together with your therapist, you will build a fear hierarchy, begin gradual exposures, and learn to stay present with discomfort instead of avoiding it. Between sessions, you will practice exposure exercises on your own to reinforce progress. Our team will be here to support you at every step.
Whether you're interested in online Exposure Therapy group therapy, individual Exposure Therapy sessions, a combination of both, or our IOP program for more intensive care, you'll start by selecting the format that fits your needs and schedule. Complete our onboarding form and sign up directly for the plan that suits you best.
After signing up, you'll connect with a dedicated care coordinator who will discuss your mental health challenges, goals, and preferences. They'll walk you through the range of exposure therapy options best suited to your needs. You'll make the final choice about your care, including which therapists you'll meet with and session times that are most convenient for you.
Start your structured exposure treatment. Together with your therapist, you will build a fear hierarchy, begin gradual exposures, and learn to stay present with discomfort instead of avoiding it. Between sessions, you will practice exposure exercises on your own to reinforce progress. Our team will be here to support you at every step.
Exposure therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps people overcome fears and anxiety by gradually and safely confronting the situations, objects, or memories they avoid. It began in the 1950s with pioneering work by South African psychologists and was further developed by researchers including Dr. Joseph Wolpe and Dr. Edna Foa. Today, it is recognized as the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders and phobias by the American Psychological Association, NICE, and the VA/DoD.
The core principle is straightforward: when you avoid something you fear, the fear grows stronger. Exposure therapy breaks this cycle by helping you face your fears in a controlled, supportive way. Through repeated exposure, two key processes occur: habituation (your anxiety naturally decreases the longer you stay in the feared situation) and inhibitory learning (your brain forms new associations that the feared situation is safe, overriding the old fear response).
There are several types of exposure used in treatment:
Research shows exposure therapy helps over 90% of people with specific phobias who complete treatment. It is also a first-line treatment for social anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, GAD, and agoraphobia. For OCD specifically, a specialized form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is used.
Exposure therapy does not eliminate fear. It teaches your brain that you can handle it, so fear no longer controls your life.
Phobias of flying, driving on highways, or crossing bridges can shrink your world dramatically. Exposure therapy gradually reintroduces you to these situations, starting with manageable steps (looking at photos of planes, sitting in a parked car on the highway) and building up to the real thing. Many people are able to travel freely again after just a few sessions.
Social anxiety can make conversations, presentations, parties, and even phone calls feel overwhelming. Exposure therapy helps you gradually re-engage with social situations, starting small (ordering coffee, making small talk) and building toward the interactions you have been avoiding. Over time, social situations become manageable rather than threatening.
For people with PTSD, avoidance of trauma reminders can dominate daily life: avoiding certain streets, smells, sounds, or even people. Prolonged exposure therapy helps you gradually revisit and process traumatic memories in a safe environment, reducing flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance so you can re-engage with the world.
Panic disorder can make you avoid any situation where a panic attack might happen: crowded stores, elevators, exercise, even being alone. Interoceptive exposure deliberately triggers the physical sensations of panic (racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath) in a controlled way. Your brain learns these sensations are uncomfortable but not dangerous, and panic attacks become less frequent and less feared.
Generalized anxiety fills your mind with worst-case scenarios about health, finances, relationships, and safety. Exposure therapy for GAD involves deliberately confronting your "what if" fears through imaginal exposure and behavioral experiments. You learn to tolerate uncertainty and let go of the need to control every outcome, freeing up mental energy for the things that matter.
Agoraphobia can make you feel trapped in your own home, afraid to go out because escape might be difficult or help unavailable. Exposure therapy gradually helps you venture further: first stepping outside, then walking to the corner, then taking short trips. Each step proves that you can handle the discomfort, and your world expands back to the size it should be.
Exposure therapy is structured, collaborative, and always moves at your pace. Here is what the early stages of treatment look like.
Your therapist will assess your fears, anxiety triggers, and avoidance patterns. You will learn about the anxiety cycle: how avoidance provides short-term relief but makes fear stronger over time. Understanding this cycle is the foundation for everything that follows.
Together with your therapist, you will create a ranked list of feared situations, from mildly uncomfortable to the most distressing. This hierarchy becomes your treatment roadmap. You will always start with manageable exposures and work your way up. You are never forced to face your worst fear on day one.
Your therapist will guide you through your first exposures during the session. Depending on your condition, these might include in vivo exposure (facing feared situations in real life), imaginal exposure (vividly describing feared scenarios), or interoceptive exposure (triggering physical sensations like a racing heart). Throughout, your therapist will help you stay present with the discomfort and discover that the anxiety peaks and then naturally decreases.
Between sessions, you will practice exposure exercises on your own. This is critical: the more you practice in different real-world settings, the more your brain generalizes the learning that the feared situation is safe. Your therapist will help you plan specific, achievable homework that builds on your progress each week.
See how our therapy options have helped our members experience life-changing results
Stephanie
“Grouport is time flexible and affordable and if it didn’t exist, I don’t know where I would go. I had looked into other places before Grouport and there really wasn’t any option like it.”
Michael
“I highly recommend this to anyone who is struggling with anxiety or depression. The therapists are top notch and have made me feel really comfortable and my anxiety has improved tremendously in only a few sessions!”
Isabel
"I joined Grouport to work on myself and to heal. I’m learning so much at every session! The change I see not only in myself but in my fellow group members is abundantly encouraging and profoundly fulfilling. Group therapy with Grouport is a powerful healing tool."
Sheldon
“I was feeling very down at the end of 2020 and I was ready to do something drastic that I know I'd likely regret. The group definitely helped show me that there are people who feel the same way as I do.”
Nancy
“The therapy from Grouport is high quality and convenient. I am becoming much more self aware and am liking myself more. My relationships at work are better and I’m much happier.”
Emily
“I like the connection you can make with total strangers and the confidentiality it comes with.”
Danielle
"Grouport can help you with your issues. Their therapists are well trained to work with you on your issues. I felt my anxiety greatly improve after only a few sessions. I highly recommend it!"
Glenn
"Grouport's approach to DBT is a real strength. This approach provides tools and methods for working with difficult emotions and getting a handle on them. It has given me hope where other approaches have failed."
Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for fear-based conditions. If avoidance is keeping you stuck, exposure therapy can help you break free.
Specific phobias (fear of flying, heights, needles, animals, blood, enclosed spaces, driving, and more) respond exceptionally well to exposure therapy. Studies show that over 90% of people who complete treatment experience significant improvement, with many becoming symptom-free. Exposure gradually desensitizes you to the feared object or situation through in vivo (real-life) exposure, and improvements often last for years.
Social anxiety involves intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations, leading to avoidance of conversations, presentations, parties, or public spaces. Exposure therapy systematically confronts these feared social situations, from making eye contact to giving presentations. Cognitive restructuring is often combined with exposure to correct distorted beliefs about how others perceive you.
Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks and the fear of having more attacks, often leading to avoidance of places or situations where attacks have occurred. Interoceptive exposure deliberately triggers the physical sensations of panic (increased heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath) in a controlled way, teaching your body that these sensations are uncomfortable but not dangerous. Over time, panic attacks become less frequent and less feared.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a first-line treatment for PTSD, recommended by the APA, VA/DoD, and NICE. It involves imaginal exposure (revisiting and processing the trauma memory) and in vivo exposure (gradually confronting avoided trauma-related situations). Research shows high strength of evidence for reducing PTSD symptoms, depression, and loss of PTSD diagnosis.
Generalized anxiety involves persistent, excessive worry about a wide range of topics: health, finances, relationships, work, and safety. Exposure for GAD involves confronting feared "worst-case" scenarios through imaginal exposure and behavioral experiments (e.g., deliberately not checking your email for a set period). You learn to tolerate uncertainty and break the cycle of chronic worry.
Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of crowded places, public transportation, open spaces, or even leaving home. Exposure therapy gradually reintroduces you to these avoided environments at your own pace. Combined with cognitive techniques to address catastrophic thinking, exposure can dramatically expand your world.
Every Grouport therapist is a licensed, accredited mental health professional with specialized training in evidence-based approaches including exposure therapy, and extensive clinical experience in anxiety disorders, phobias, and PTSD.
Our therapists typically have over a decade of clinical experience across diverse settings, with specialized expertise in exposure-based interventions, anxiety disorders, phobias, PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and a wide range of evidence-based approaches. Our therapists are trained in exposure therapy and other proven modalities to provide the best fit for your needs.
We continually evaluate outcomes through internal studies and outcomes studies with researchers from leading universities such as Carnegie Mellon, University of Essex, and University of Cologne.
MEET OUR THERAPISTS
a healthier future starts right here
80%of our members start with moderate to severe mental health symptoms
70% of our members feel significantly better within just 8 weeks
50% of our members achieve remission levels within just 8 weeks
80%
of our members start with moderate to severe mental health symptoms
70%
of our members feel significantly better within just 8 weeks
50%
of our members achieve remission levels within just 8 weeks
Group, individual, couples, family, IOP, and teen therapy — all online, all therapist-led. Mix and match care options to fit your needs — and get discounted pricing when you bundle.
.svg)
Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders and phobias. Our licensed therapists also treat a wide range of other mental health challenges using evidence-based approaches.
Exposure therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps people overcome fears and anxiety by gradually and safely confronting the situations, objects, or memories they avoid. Through repeated exposure, your brain learns that the feared outcome does not happen and that you can tolerate the discomfort. This breaks the cycle of fear and avoidance that keeps anxiety alive. Exposure therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment by the American Psychological Association.
Grouport provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, teen therapy, intensive outpatient program (IOP), all held virtually over video chat. We also offer a DBT self-guided program. Many members combine multiple therapy formats for comprehensive support.
Yes. Our therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained in exposure-based interventions for anxiety disorders, phobias, PTSD, and related conditions. Our network includes:
✔ Licensed Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
✔ Licensed Social Workers (LCSW)
✔ Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
✔ Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
Exposure therapy is the broader technique of gradually facing feared situations to reduce anxiety. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is a specialized form used specifically for OCD that adds the "response prevention" component: actively resisting compulsions after exposure. Exposure therapy for phobias, social anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD does not include this compulsion-focused element because these conditions do not involve compulsive rituals in the same way OCD does.
Many people see improvement within the first few sessions. Specific phobias can sometimes be treated in as few as 1 to 5 sessions. More complex conditions like PTSD typically require 8 to 15 sessions. Social anxiety and panic disorder usually fall in between. At Grouport, 70% of our members feel significantly better within just 8 weeks.
Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of online exposure therapy. Your therapist can guide real-time exposures in your own environment via video, which can actually be more effective than office-based exposure since you are practicing where anxiety shows up most. All Grouport sessions are held via secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat.
Exposure therapy is available across multiple therapy formats:
✔ Group Therapy: Avg. $32/session ($140/month)
✔ Individual Therapy: Avg. $103/session ($448/month)
✔ Couples Therapy: Avg. $114/session ($496/month)
✔ Family Therapy: Avg. $148/session ($644/month)
✔ IOP: $311/week
✔ Teen Therapy: Avg. $103/session ($448/month)
Payment Options: Monthly, Quarterly (Save 10%), Biannually (Save 15%). Switch therapists anytime. Cancel anytime!
You can cancel anytime, and your membership will remain active until the end of your current billing period. After that, your plan will not renew, and no further payments will be charged. To cancel, email us at support@grouporttherapy.com and we'll send you a quick cancellation form to fill out. You can view more information on our Recurring Billing Policy.
Our therapy outcomes are backed by outcomes studies with researchers from leading universities such as Carnegie Mellon, University of Essex, and University of Cologne. 80% of our members start therapy with moderate to severe symptoms. Within just 8 weeks, 70% of members see clinically significant reduction in anxiety and depression, and 50% achieve remission levels.
Exposure therapy is the first-line treatment for specific phobias (flying, heights, needles, animals, blood, etc.), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. It is also used for separation anxiety, performance anxiety, and emetophobia (fear of vomiting). For OCD, a specialized form called ERP is recommended.
Grouport is available worldwide for everyone! We serve clients of all ages and backgrounds, with all sessions held virtually over video chat. We offer separate therapy groups for Adults (18+) and Teens & Adolescents (under 18). No matter where you are, you can get the support you need from the comfort of home.
Yes! We want you to feel confident and comfortable with your therapy experience. After signing up, a care coordinator will reach out to understand your needs and match you with a therapist and schedule of your choosing.
✔ You'll be able to choose your therapist.
✔ Most members are placed within a few hours, or within 24-72 hours max.
✔ Flexible options: If you ever want to switch therapists, we can easily make adjustments to ensure the best fit.
There are four main types of exposure:
✔ In vivo exposure: Directly facing feared objects or situations in real life (e.g., holding a spider, giving a presentation, driving on a highway)
✔ Imaginal exposure: Vividly imagining feared scenarios, commonly used for PTSD and trauma memories
✔ Interoceptive exposure: Deliberately triggering feared physical sensations (e.g., spinning to induce dizziness, running in place to trigger a racing heart), used for panic disorder
✔ Virtual reality exposure: Using VR technology to simulate feared environments like flying, heights, or crowded spaces
Exposure therapy involves facing your fears, which can feel uncomfortable, especially at first. However, you always start with manageable situations and work up gradually. You are never forced to do anything you are not ready for. Research confirms that exposure therapy does not exacerbate symptoms or cause harm. Most people find the anxiety during exposures is less intense than expected and decreases more quickly than they anticipated.
Yes. SSRIs and other anxiety medications can be used alongside exposure therapy. Some research suggests that exposure therapy alone is highly effective, while medication may provide additional benefit for some people, especially those with more severe symptoms. Your therapist can coordinate with your prescriber to determine the best approach.
Exposure therapy is a specific technique within CBT. CBT is a broader approach that includes cognitive restructuring (changing thought patterns), behavioral activation, problem-solving, and other techniques. Exposure is the active behavioral component of CBT that is most effective for fear-based conditions. Many therapists combine exposure with cognitive techniques for comprehensive treatment.
Yes. Exposure therapy is effective and safe for children, teens, and adults. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in young people, and early treatment with exposure therapy can prevent anxiety from becoming more entrenched over time. At Grouport, we offer separate therapy groups for Adults (18+) and Teens & Adolescents (under 18) to ensure age-appropriate support.
Whether you are struggling with phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, generalized worry, or agoraphobia, exposure therapy can help you break free from the cycle of fear and avoidance. With licensed therapists, evidence-based techniques, and flexible online formats, Grouport makes it easy to get started. Take the first step toward facing your fears and reclaiming your life today.
