The Circles app offers anonymous, audio-only support groups for toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, breakups, and divorce. Groups, led by peers or experts, run daily. Pricing starts at $30 monthly after a seven-day free trial, with discounts for long term plans. Insurance is not accepted.
Editor’s Note
Since our last review, Circles updated their pricing from $29 monthly to $30 monthly. They also offer discounts for long-term plans: a six-month plan for $129 (equivalent to $21.50 per month), or an annual plan for $179 (equivalent to $14.90 per month).
Circles At a Glance
Cost: $30 monthly; $179 yearly; $129 for six months
Insurance Accepted: No
Free Trial: Yes, 7-days
Location: US
Pros & Cons
Pros - Easy to signup and join groups
- Allows for anonymity (audio-only & option to just listen in)
- Offers discounted long-term plans
- User-friendly app and website
- 500+ weekly group sessions
Cons - Does not accept insurance
- No individual therapy offered
- Messaging works more like email
Preview Circles
The Circles app provides audio-only online support groups for individuals at any stage of healing from toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, breakups, and divorce. Users have unlimited access to group sessions, known as “Circles,” as well as Masterclass workshops and peer-led groups for ongoing support.
Circles offers key features designed to provide support from mental health experts. Members can also connect with peers through message board forums and even lead their own peer group meetings. Subscription plans include $30 per month, $129 for six months ($21.50 per month), or $179 per year ($14.90 per month). A seven-day free trial is available, but Circles does not accept insurance.
Circles provides strong group support services, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Alternatives include Grouport for adults who want to explore a broader range of group topics from a more clinical perspective, and Talkspace (specifically Talkspace Go) for people 13+ looking for low-touch, self-led mental health workshops. For those living in states where it operates, LunaJoy offers therapy, medication management if needed, and group sessions for women.
For more options, read our guide to the best group therapy options.
Detailed Review of Circles
The Circles app offers unlimited access to online support group meetings—called Circles—along with Masterclass-style workshops and peer-led groups. Members can also connect through message board forums. Subscription options include a monthly plan for $30, a six-month plan for $129 (equivalent to $21.50 per month), or an annual plan for $179 (equivalent to $14.90 per month). Circles provides a seven-day free trial but does not accept insurance.
Review our scoring criteria for online group therapy & support groups here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Online Support Group Groups or Circles
The Circles app centers around online support group meetings led by vetted mental health professionals. These meetings ( i.e., Circles) are available multiple times throughout the day, focusing on topics such as toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, breakups, and divorce.
I appreciated that Circles also seems to address certain niche subjects not commonly found in online therapy platforms, like codependency. If you’re seeking support outside of what they can provide, you may find our list of the best online therapy platforms helpful.
Upon joining a group session, your microphone is automatically muted, but you can unmute yourself when ready to speak. Additional features include a hand-raise button to request to speak, a heart button to show support, and a chat tool for text-based participation. Participation is optional, and users can remain anonymous by registering with a nickname.
Masterclass Workshops
Masterclass workshops are led by professional partners and outside users rather than Circles’ facilitators. Compared to the support group meetings, they’re much more educational and less interactive; however, participants can still share relevant personal stories.
Peer-to-Peer Support
The peer-to-peer support offered in Circles is quite remarkable. Between the moderated message board forums and the ability to start your own support group at any time, it’s easy to connect with someone or multiple people in a time of crisis.
I jumped into a Circle that was run by a Guide (i.e., a Circles user). I was a few minutes late, but the Guide immediately greeted me and updated me on the current conversation with the five other participants. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of trust among the members. It was clear they had no problems being open, honest, and vulnerable with each other.
At Circles, they offer a blend of expert-led and peer-led support to ensure a well-rounded healing experience. Their hybrid approach allows you to access professional expertise while also benefiting from the empathy and shared understanding of a supportive peer community.
How Much Does Circles Cost?
The Circles app costs $30 monthly and includes a seven-day free trial. Members can also choose discounted long-term plans, paying $21.50 per month for a six-month subscription or $14.90 per month for a year.
Circles App Discounts
The Circles app wants to extend support to as many people as possible, so they offer financial assistance to those who qualify. Reach out to their customer care team at [email protected] to learn more.
How to Get Started
It takes five minutes to create an account with Circles. Follow the steps below to join your first group support meeting.
Visit the Circles website or download the app from Google Play or Apple:
- Choose a topic.
- Enter your name or nickname, email address, and phone number.
- Click on “Begin Seven-Day Free Trial.”
- Find a meeting or workshop that resonates with you.
- Join a live meeting or set a reminder to join one later.
- Attend your first group support meeting.
Who Does it Serve?
Circles serves people 18+ who are looking for audio-only emotional support groups related to topics like toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, breakups, and divorce. Circles is available in all states across the United States.
User Reviews
The Circles App has a 4.8-star rating from 3.4K reviews in the Apple App Store and a 4.2-star rating from 376 reviews in the Google Play Store. In positive reviews, members mentioned loving the facilitators and meeting others who have had similar experiences. However, there were many complaints about glitches in the app and inappropriate behavior in peer-led group sessions.
Reviews from Apple App Store | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 3.4K reviews
Positive reviews: Users were initially skeptical about Circles compared to their previous counseling, they felt uneasy about new techniques and groups. However, their love for learning kept them engaged. Over time, they adapted to Circles’ philosophy and found it valuable. Their overall wellness has greatly improved in this supportive environment.
Negative reviews: Users find the app’s concept appealing but feel it doesn’t meet their expectations given the $15-$30 monthly fee. Many groups are led by peers or non-professionals, leading to a lack of structure and boundaries. They’ve encountered flawed advice based on personal or religious beliefs rather than professional expertise. Although cheaper than therapy, they believe free platforms offer similar support without the risk of unqualified advice.
Reviews from Google Play Store | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 376 reviews
Positive reviews: Users think support from professionally facilitated groups is excellent, outweighing minor app glitches. The app complements their therapy with great skill-building and discussions, and recent features like private progress groups are a plus. They appreciate the flexibility and variety of subjects, and are exploring options to suggest more topics. Overall, they’re grateful for this helpful resource.
Negative reviews: Some people say they experienced poor customer service while trying to cancel and obtain a refund. After days of receiving incomplete answers and being repeatedly redirected without resolution, the issue was eventually resolved, but the process was frustratingly inefficient. They advise avoiding the app if clear and direct customer support is needed.
Alternatives & Competitors
Circles offers convenient access to a supportive community, but it’s not the only online support group service available. Below is a brief comparison of Circles and other group-based alternatives, including Grouport and Talkspace Go. If you’re looking for individual therapy or psychiatric services, the main Talkspace platform is a great option. Additionally, if you reside in one of the 13 states they serve, LunaJoy provides therapy and group sessions specifically for women.
Best for Clinical Group Therapy - Grouport
Price: $140 monthly
Insurance Accepted: No
Grouport and Circles both offer online support groups but differ in structure and focus. Grouport provides a clinical approach with DBT-based treatment and covers a wide range of mental health topics. In contrast, Circles focuses on peer- and expert-led groups centered on relationship challenges, particularly narcissism, offering a more community-driven experience.
Grouport’s meetings are video-based and accessible through their platform, while Circles offers audio-only sessions via their app. Grouport costs $140 monthly for one weekly session, whereas Circles is $30 monthly with unlimited access to support groups.
For more information on price and services, read our full Grouport review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Provides upfront one-on-one consultation
- Offers online DBT skills training
- Subscription includes community events and webinars
Cons - They do not offer single sessions
- No communication between group sessions
Best for Self-led Group Workshops - Talkspace Go
Price: $30 monthly
Insurance Accepted: No
When comparing Grouport, Circles, and Talkspace—specifically Talkspace Go—based on therapist involvement, Grouport offers the most hands-on approach, Circles falls in the middle, and Talkspace Go is the most hands-off. As a separate offering from Talkspace, it is best for those looking for general mental health content delivered in a Masterclass-style format. It can also be used alongside your regular Talkspace therapy or psychiatric subscription. Note that the larger Talkspace platform does accept insurance.
For more information on services offered through Talkspace, read our review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Affordable mental health workshops
- Paid for by some employers
Cons - Can’t use insurance for Talkspace Go
- No interactive groups or therapy
Why You Can Trust My Review
“I had the opportunity to attend several Circles meetings, and I found them very helpful. The audio-only format made it easy to participate on the go, and the process of accessing and engaging in the Circles was straightforward. The facilitators I encountered had impressive backgrounds and treated members with care and respect, while the participants created a safe and considerate environment. I did experience some technical issues, such as difficulty hearing certain participants due to poor connections, but my overall experience with Circles was largely positive.
One concern I have is the lack of regulation in peer-led groups, as anyone can start a support group. While my personal experience shows that these groups are effective and supportive, there is certainly a potential for issues to arise. It’s something to be mindful of and approach with caution.”
History & News
Year Founded: 2020
Founders: Irad Eichler & Dan Landa
Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
The Circles app was launched in 2020 by CEO Irad Eichler and CRO Dan Landa. Eichler told CTECH in 2022, “There’s something truly incredible that happens when people who are coping with similar challenges get together – and the better the match, the more powerful the group experience.” Since its start, Circles has gradually gained significant funding for expansion and is now a strong player in the mental health tech market.1, 2 It also transitioned from general mental health support to focus on toxic relationships, breakups, divorce, and healing from narcissistic abuse.3
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Group Therapy and Support Groups?
Group therapy sessions are run by licensed mental health providers who aim to provide solutions, tools, or treatment for mental health conditions in a group setting. A support group’s goal is to provide comfort and help those experiencing similar situations learn to cope.
Can You Remain Anonymous on the Circles App?
Yes, you can use a nickname or a different name when you register, and you don’t have to share your name when participating in a group. Additionally, you can opt to only listen in. All meetings are audio-only, meaning you don’t have to show your face.
Who Are the Moderators?
Circles facilitators are highly qualified social workers, psychologists, or therapists. They go through a rigorous vetting and training process to ensure that their approach and caregiving techniques meet Circles’ standards.
Is the Circles App Legit?
Yes, I used the app and can confirm that it’s a legitimate company providing online support group services.
Does Circles Have an Age Limit?
You must be 18 or older to use the Circles app.
How Do I Cancel My Circles App Subscription?
You can cancel your Circles app subscription at any time by going to your phone’s app settings and choosing “Cancel Subscription.”
Does Circles Offer Refunds?
Circles will offer refunds in certain circumstances. Please visit Circles App Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more information on refunds and cancellation policies.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Calcalist Tech. (2023, July 19). Israel’s Mobileye to Go Public in U.S. via SPAC Merger. Retrieved from https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjypb85w5
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Tech Company New. (May, 2023). “An Interview With Irad Eichler, The Founder & CEO At Circles.” Retrieved from: https://www.techcompanynews.com/an-interview-with-irad-eichler-the-founder-ceo-at-circles/
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Circles. (n.d.) “#1 in narcissistic abuse & divorce group support.” Retrieved from: https://circlesup.com/
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Sprintis, R. (April, 2024). “Grouport Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For.” Choosing Therapy. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/grouport-review/
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Church, M. (March, 2025). “Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Choosing Therapy. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Emily Adamek, B.A. (Change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Edited for clarity and accuracy; updated price from $29 to $30 monthly and clarified subscription plans; added section Alternatives & Competitors with details on Grouport and Talkspace Go; updated data in User Reviews, as well as the information in History & News
Author: Randi Sprintis, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated services to reflect relationship focus
Author: Randi Sprintis, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added article summary block, reformatted star rating breakdown, added “Why You Can Trust My Review” section. Cost update throughout.
Author: Randi Sprintis, MS
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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