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While most people have heard the term “anger management,” not everyone knows what anger management classes actually entail.
Whether you’re new to online therapy or you regularly attend a therapist, it’s possible that anger management classes might be suggested if you’re working on your emotional health or learning to control your temper.
Here’s what you need to know about anger management classes online, from discovering if you’re a good candidate to finding the right course.
Anger management classes are a form of behavioral therapy, and they offer guidance to anyone experiencing anger or emotional issues.
“The courses are generally led by a well-qualified instructor who is knowledgeable in emotional regulation, anger management, and healthy communication skills,” says Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist.
There’s a range of courses in anger management available, but Manly says, ideally, the group leader is a well-trained psychotherapist who is skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or a similar modality.
Anger management classes come in a variety of lengths and delivery methods, depending on an individual’s needs.
While online courses are preferred during the pandemic, in-person sessions may also be available. Some patients may prefer having their own therapist, while others may be happy with self-guided learning.
There are a number of reasons a patient might want to explore — or get mandated — anger management classes.
A 2015 study of more than 34,000 adults in the United States found that “anger was especially common among men and younger adults, and was associated with decreased psychosocial functioning.”
“Any individual who struggles with anger awareness and anger regulation is a good candidate for anger management classes,” Manly explains. “The sooner the individual receives treatment, the less likely it is that they will have difficulties that lead to domestic violence or other legal issues.”
Thomas DiBlasi, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist says, “A good candidate for anger management is someone who either wants help managing their anger, has interpersonal issues, or who has gotten into trouble as a result of anger or aggression.”
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries might also benefit from anger management courses. Individuals recovering from substance addiction or managing mental health conditions may as well.
“Being able to communicate your emotions in a healthy way helps you maintain a happier lifestyle and better health,” says Mary Gay, PhD, LPC, CPCS of The Summit Wellness Group.
“Learning how to manage your anger effectively reduces the chances of turning to less healthy coping mechanisms, like drug abuse, self-harm or harming others,” Gay adds.
To select a series of anger management courses, we spoke to medical professionals to gather their recommendations. We also read reviews to find which courses and classes had the best results and the most satisfied participants.
It was also important to consider court-approved classes, a range of price points, and courses supported by licensed therapists and psychologists, with course materials prepared by experts in the anger management field.
The variety of anger management courses available allows for a tailored approach to the client, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all model.
Online-Therapy.com offers a range of services, including therapy for anger management. The site helps users to identify what triggers their anger and then, using CBT, teaches new ways of managing reactions to those triggers.
The site uses a number of tools and methods, including one-on-one therapy, worksheets, live sessions, activity plans, and yoga.
The site partners each user with their own therapist, who acts as a guide throughout the process. Users can also use the service anonymously, meaning that you can keep your courses confidential.
Cost: While the site offers some free content, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription to try their anger management therapy.
There’s a 20 percent discount on the first month.
Open Path offers a range of anger management courses, which can “meet court requirements” or be taken for personal growth and development.
Courses are available in a variety of lengths, from 4, 8, or 12 hours to 52 hours, which can be spread weekly over a year.
Open Path’s online courses are available 24/7, and they advertise to help attendees recognize anger and learn practical solutions to manage emotions and reactions.
User testimonials say the courses helped them manage difficulties at work, and provided new techniques that could be implemented into daily life.
Reviews also commend the easy-to-follow course materials. Certificates are available upon completion, and the site offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cost: After a $4.99 registration fee, courses start at $17 (for a 4-hour course) to $115 (for a 52-hour course).
Anger Masters is a set of online courses created by National Anger Management Association certified instructors.
The courses come in a series of durations, from 4 to 18 hours. According to the site, most people benefit from taking an 8 or 12-hour course.
The courses help attendees differentiate between healthy and unhealthy anger, explore calming techniques, and develop self-awareness. The site’s longer courses also encourage the development of healthier habits and skills, and finding more positive ways to handle stress, anxiety, and anger.
Cost: A 4-hour anger management course costs $19.99, while an 18-hour course costs $94.99. Custom-length courses are also available, with the emphasis on a person’s specific needs being met.
The Anger Management Training Institute is a course based on “The Anger Busting Workbook” by James A. Baker.
The course is available in 8, 16, or 24-hour blocks. It also satisfies court and probation mandated requirements.
The course explores numerous ways that patients can mitigate anger in their own lives: from studying the connection between anger and the potential for addiction to learning to confront difficult emotions.
The Anger Management Training Institute provides comprehensive classes, with methods that can be used after the course is finished.
Cost: The 8-hour course is $85, the 16-hour course is $90, and the 24-hour course is $100. At the time of publication, all three courses were available for $65 each.
The price includes an instant certificate upon completion, which is also court-approved.
The Logan Group Int. offers a range of affordable classes, including specialized courses in managing road rage.
All the classes are prepared by licensed counselors. They can be taken at your own pace, meaning that there’s no need to fit around someone else’s schedule. The courses offered are widely accepted by courts and probation officers.
The Logan Group Int. also offers a range of related courses, such as online community service, theft and shoplifting therapy, and domestic violence intervention classes.
Cost: A 4-hour anger management class costs $24.95. There’s a sliding scale that goes all the way up to $159.95 for 52 hours. An 8-hour road rage and aggressive driving course costs $39.95.
All attendees receive a certificate after completing and paying for each course.
Developed by John Schinnerer, PhD, a relationship expert, the Ultimate Anger Management Course focuses on reducing stress. It helps participants work through career and family issues and understand the triggers of their anger better.
Taught via a series of videos over a 15-week period, the course is court-approved and appropriate for anyone wanting to work on their emotional health, self-confidence, and relationships in their own time.
There is also a free taster session available.
Cost: The entire 15-week course costs $69.95 (previously $197). Participants can save the videos and course materials to watch at their leisure.
Udemy offers an affordable online course called “Anger Management Techniques That Actually Work.”
Udemy’s anger management class is for anyone wanting to explore their anger and learn techniques to better control their reactions and emotions.
Udemy’s course is taught in 3 hours of video content and 21 downloadable resources. They also give participants lifetime access and mobile device availability.
According to reviews, the content also includes guidance on using breathing techniques and meditation to control anger.
Cost: Udemy’s affordable course costs $14.99. Udemy also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and they regularly offer discounts for new students.
According to BetterHelp, “Anger management classes or anger management training are psycho-educational classes, and typically, insurance doesn’t cover psycho-educational classes.”
If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider about a specific course of treatment.
“Skilled clinicians will be able to help a client identify the immediate triggers for any anger phenomena, while also working collaboratively to develop conscious and healthy coping strategies to manage the feeling and sensations of anger,” says Dmitri Oster, LCSW, EMDR II, CASAC II, the owner of United Consulting Services.
Oster says classes also typically help people understand and develop insight into their past motivations for anger — some of which may be unconscious.
“I have seen first-hand the effectiveness of anger management classes (and tools),” Manly says. “When the brain is rewired as a result of learning new, healthy communication patterns, profound change can occur.”
“Anger management classes can be court-ordered, especially when the defendant is found to be overly aggressive or a danger to others due to anger issues,” Manly says.
Gay says mandatory anger management classes may come as a result of being charged with certain crimes, like destruction of property, battery, or assault.
Some providers offer free trials or taster sessions of anger management classes, but the majority will incur a cost.
However, as anger management is often court-mandated, there are affordable options. Shorter courses will also typically cost a lot less.
Whether you’re required to attend anger management, or you’re hoping to explore the subject to better your mental and physical health, there are many online courses to get you started.
With access to so many resources from the comfort of your own home, it’s extremely easy to start a new course of therapy that fits into your schedule.
Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR, and her bylines include Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Nicki Swift, Bustle, xoJane, and HelloGiggles. She’s written about health for MS Society, MS Trust, The Checkup, The Paper Gown, Folks, HelloFlo, Greatist, and Byrdie. She has an unhealthy love for the “Saw” movies and previously spent all her money on Kylie Cosmetics. Find her onInstagram.
Last medically reviewed on March 17, 2021
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