I don't think I would associate with someone like my therapist outside of therapy because his personality is too "big," and I would be kind of intimidated. He is an extrovert and I think can be loud and a center of attention in a gathering of friends. I am an introvert. My T has told me he tones himself down for me, which is interesting... He has also told me he is becoming more introverted as he gets older. I just don't tend to associate with those big, bright, bold characters... I like him the way he is with me, just one on one. I have been with him in a group and observed how he is. It is interesting to observe... When I am in a group I can sometimes get nervous and make jokes to amuse people. My T has told me this surprised him, as I am not like that when we are alone.

I don't have issues with socioeconomic status or education. PeeJay, if this is an insurmountable issue for your friend, one option might be to do peer counseling. In community mental health centers there are often peer counseling services.