Groups regard information exchanged at meetings as confidential. If there are problems with this, it is best to raise them with the group. Groups might ignore the changing problems of the member. Groups often notice people s problems before they get to crisis point. Groups might be inconsistent.
Groups do come and go.
However, most groups stay in being and have meetings when advertised. The patient may feel rejected by you if you suggest they go to a group. Be sure they understand they can continue to come to you for the help they would usually request. Stress that involvement in a group is usually complementary and supplementary to professional care, not a substitute. He came and spoke at one of our meetings last year and since then has been supportive.