STEPPS Group Therapy Program
Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving
Thank you for considering Green Counseling Services’ STEPPS group. STEPPS is an evidence-based group therapy program designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and enhance daily functioning. The program integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to teach skills in emotional regulation, problem-solving, decision making, and effective communication.
Our STEPPS Group meets on Thursdays from 2pm-4pm for 20-22 weeks. The purpose of this group is intended for individuals struggling to manage emotional reactions or those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Additional details regarding focus of the group are outlined below.
GROUP SCREENING
All clients interested in participating in the group will complete a 30-minute individual group screening in order to determine level/appropriateness of fit. The cost of this session will be consistent with a typical 30-minute individual therapy session ($99). The cost of this session is typically covered by insurance but please check with your insurance company to verify. The billing code for this screening service is CPT Code: 90832. We recommend that you present this code to your insurance representative when checking on your costs.
Please call the practice front desk to schedule a group screening.
COSTS
Group therapy is typically covered by most health insurance policies. For this group, we are able to accept insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Partners, Iowa Medicaid, United Behavioral Healthcare, Midlands Choice, and Cigna insurance panels. Please contact your insurance company to ensure these costs are covered. The billing code for this group service is CPT Code: 90853. We find that two people checking this process helps to ensure we are getting the most accurate payment information. If you do not have access to insurance, the cost for participation is $43 per group session and $99 for the 30-minute individual therapy session to screen for group fit. If planning to attend online at any time, we also encourage you to confirm eligibility for telehealth sessions with your insurance to avoid unexpected denial-fees (some insurers may limit the number of telehealth sessions covered or require prior authorization for ongoing therapy).
ATTENDANCE
To help ensure the success of the treatment, members are encouraged to attend the full 20-22 week group. Treatment outcomes are the best when participants adhere to this attendance policy. Members should notify the practice with 24 hours advance notice if they need to miss any group services and the practice reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee ($25) for each group session missed without advanced notice (except for extenuating circumstances). Continued participation is not allowed if group members miss more than 2 consecutive group sessions or 4 group sessions total.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Members will reveal sensitive information during group treatment sessions. It is an expectation that all members keep the identity of other members and personal information shared during the group confidential.
Why is effective management of emotions important?
An estimated 9.2% of the United States population, or over 30 million Americans, report chronic emotional dysregulation.
We want to help support that population.
Emotional dysregulation can lead to strained relationships with family, partners, friends, and coworkers.
We want to help you learn to manage those strong emotions.

