Why a group format? If MI can be effectively delivered individually, what purpose does a group format delivery of another competence-based approach serve? There are both theoretical and practical reasons to consider such an approach. Practically, group formats are often more cost-effective than individual approaches. Not only can more clients be served
by a smaller number of clinicians in a given time, the costs of missed appointments can be mitigated since the group will meet even when some members are not present, while a missed individual appointment results in the clinician delivering no service during that time. In addition, the culture in many community drug treatment facilities is to deliver service primarily, or exclusively, in group form. Developing a competence-based group approach may be more “culturally sensitive” for such agencies since it does not require the agency or its staff to change their accustomed way of doing things or the administrative structures (e.g., room assignments, scheduling protocols, staff hours) that support it. Such an approach will also use the skills and familiarity with group work that many agency staff value as part of their professional role. Thus, a group format may be more likely to be used in community agencies than an approach that involves significant change in how services are delivered.