If you’re looking for online group therapy or online support groups, there are plenty of apps and platforms to choose from. We’ve researched and reviewed a number of group services that provide therapy and support for those sharing similar experiences. Keep reading to see our list of companies that provide high-quality mental healthcare in group settings.
Best Online Group Therapy & Support Groups at a Glance
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Our Picks for Best Online Group Therapy & Support Groups
- Best Overall Group Therapy – Grouport
- Best Overall Support Groups – Pace
- Best for Meeting New People – Circles
- Best for Variety of Group Topics – Sesh
- Best Groups for Alcohol Use Disorder – Monument
- Best for a Mental Health Crisis – Mindful Care / MindFit
- Best Free Online Support Groups – Therapy Tribe
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Group Therapy & Support Groups
- Cost: $140 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Geographic Locations: New York, New Jersey, and Florida; DBT training nationwide
Why We Chose It
Grouport earned our award for Best Overall Online Group Therapy service because it’s convenient, reasonably priced, and can be very effective, especially for those who commit to the meetings and are open to accepting support.
Pros & Cons
- Easy-to-navigate client portal you can access from any browser
- Provides a one-on-one consultation to ensure you’re placed in the right group
- Offers online DBT skills training groups and group therapy covering several topics
- Subscription includes community events and webinars
- Does not accept insurance
- Only offers specialized group therapy in New York, New Jersey, and Florida
- Must purchase a monthly subscription; they do not offer single sessions
- Inaccurate pricing listed on the website
Cost
Grouport subscriptions cost $140 monthly, advertised as $35 weekly, and include four 60-minute group therapy sessions.
Overview
Grouport is an online group therapy platform that offers specialized group therapy in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, covering topics like anxiety, depression, and grief. They also offer group dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills training nationwide. Grouport’s therapists are experienced, licensed, and properly vetted, which helps create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in the group meetings.
Even if you’re located outside of their geographical coverage for specialized group therapy, you can still try Grouport’s DBT skills training group, which is offered nationwide. Dialectical behavioral therapy training teaches skills to manage emotions, cope with setbacks, and improve relationships. While it’s labeled as a training session, it has the essence of a group therapy session, with the added bonus of DBT skill-building exercises.
To learn more about this platform, check out our independent review of Grouport
In Our Experience
I attended Grouport’s Dialectical behavioral therapy training, which teaches skills to manage emotions, cope with setbacks, and improve relationships. While it’s labeled as a training session, it has the essence of a group therapy session, with the added bonus of DBT skill-building exercises.
- Cost: $89.99 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Geographical Locations: Nationwide
Why We Chose It
We chose the Pace app for the award for Best Overall Online Support Groups because it offers a wide variety of topics and specialty groups run by professional facilitators that are experts in their field.
Pros & Cons
- Convenient access to online support groups
- Wide range of group topics that go beyond mental health discussions
- Offers a live orientation session with a support team member
- Includes private core groups to create consistency and stability with the same members
- Does not offer a free trial
- Experienced technical issues at registration and accessing meetings
- Does not take insurance
Cost
The Pace App costs $89.99 monthly and does not include a free trial. If you attend two sessions and decide Pace isn’t right for you, contact customer support before your third session, and they’ll refund your first month’s membership.
Overview
Pace is an online support group platform that offers daily meetings led by professional facilitators. Members can choose from a variety of topics, including mental health, careers, parenting, and more. In fact, Pace is more than just a support group platform. It’s an online community where people come together to share experiences, build relationships, and learn from each other. Pace support groups all follow a structured agenda that’s designed for every member to share, listen to others, and receive feedback.
Pace offers two types of groups: open groups and core groups. Open groups are open to anyone, and new members are encouraged to attend as many open groups as possible to meet and follow other members. Core groups are exclusive, more intimate, and focused on a specific topic. To join a core group, you must first follow 15 other members. Membership includes access to three core groups.
To learn more about this app, check out our independent review of Pace.
In Our Experience
Pace support groups all follow a structured agenda that’s designed for every member to share, listen to others, and receive feedback.
- Cost: $29.99 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Geographical Locations: Nationwide
Why We Chose It
The Circles app was awarded Best for Meeting New People because you have unlimited access to meetings and remarkable peer-to-peer support. Between the message board forums and the ability to start your own support group at any time, it’s easy to connect with a group in an emergency or if you just want to talk.
Pros & Cons
- Seven-day free trial
- Access to message board forums to chat with other members
- Membership gives you access to unlimited group meetings and Masterclass workshops
- Peers can start their own support group meeting as a guide at any time
- Does not take insurance
- Support groups are audio only; no video
- Limited list of mental health issues/topics for group meetings
- Peers who start meetings as guides are not mental health professionals
Cost
The Circles App costs $29.99 monthly and offers a seven-day free trial.
Overview
The Circles app provides unlimited access to online support group meetings, called “circles,” Masterclass workshops, and peer-led circles. Members can also chat with peers sharing similar experiences in the message board forums. While it’s important to be aware that some circles are run by other members without proper facilitator training or mental health backgrounds, it remains a strong platform for communication and building new relationships.
The Circles app provides a nice blend of support from mental health professionals and peers. This gives the service a well-rounded approach to groups. The meetings run by vetted facilitators provide a lot of structure and solutions, while the peer-run support groups and message board forums provide comfort, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
To learn more about this app, check out our independent review of Circles.
In Our Experience
I loved that the Circles app provides a nice blend of support from mental health professionals and peers.
- Cost: $60 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Geographical Locations: Nationwide
Why We Chose It
The Sesh app is an excellent resource for finding an array of different support groups, which is why it won our award for Best for Variety of Group Topics. Topics include “Anxiety,” “Body Image,” “Self Esteem,” “Parenthood,” “Career,” “Communication,” “Depression,” “Trauma,” and more.
Pros & Cons
- 14-day free trial
- Multiple support groups covering various topics offered daily
- Includes live guided meditation sessions
- Offers a live “Intro to Sesh” meeting with a support team member upon registration
- Does not accept insurance
- Members are charged a $20 fee if they’re a no-show to registered meetings or if they cancel within six hours of the start time
- No interaction with peers outside of sessions; no message boards or community forums
Cost
The Sesh app costs $60 monthly and includes a 14-day free trial.
Overview
The Sesh app provides online support groups covering a wide range of topics, like parenting, depression, anxiety, and wellness. They even have an “Art, Music, Movement” category that offers support and inspiration to creatives with sessions like “Using Writing to Process Your Emotions” and “Artistic Expression and Healing.”Sesh members can access unlimited support groups that are available multiple times a day and are led by experienced licensed therapists.
In addition to support groups, they have specialized sessions that cater to personal development and self-care, like “How to Push Past Procrastination” and “Mental Health Mornings” with guided meditations. Some therapists will include more open discussions, while others share more skill-building exercises and educational tools. If you’re interested in learning new skills and self-care techniques along with your group work, Sesh is a great choice.
To learn more about this app, check out our independent review of Sesh.
In Our Experience
If you’re interested in learning new skills and self-care techniques along with your group work, Sesh is a great choice.
- Cost: $99 – $249, subscription-based
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Geographical Locations: 19 States
Why We Chose It
We chose Monument for our Best Groups for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) because it offers unlimited access to alcohol dependency support groups and message board forums.
Pros & Cons
- Offers one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist
- Addresses co-occurring anxiety and/or depression
- Includes virtual meetings with peer support groups
- Offers a free membership plan with access to an anonymous community forum and therapist-moderated support groups
- Does not offer support groups for other addictions beyond AUD
- Currently accepts Medicare plans, but not Medicaid
- Does not offer dual-diagnosis services
Cost
Monument’s Total Care Weekly plan costs $249.00 monthly, Total Care Bi-Weekly plan costs $149.00 monthly, and the Physician Care plan costs $9.99 a month plus a $45.00 initial registration fee. You can join their online community and attend support groups for free, even if you don’t pay for Monument’s treatment.
Overview
Monument is an online medication-assisted treatment program (MAT) and online community for those with alcohol dependency in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Pennsylvania, Washington, Washington D.C., Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Arizona, Iowa, and Michigan. Patients can choose to cut back or quit drinking completely. Monument creates a safe online environment that’s available 24/7 for those struggling to quit drinking or cut back. Wherever you are on your recovery journey, Monument has a support group that’s designed for you.
Monument created clear guidelines for their online community to ensure that members feel comfortable and secure sharing their experiences with alcoholism. All members are given a nickname at registration so they can remain anonymous. They encourage members to practice active listening, be curious, uphold confidentiality, and always show respect toward other members.
To learn more about these services, check out our independent review of Monument.
In Our Experience
Monument creates a safe online environment that’s available 24/7 for those struggling to quit drinking or cut back. Wherever you are on your recovery journey, Monument has a support group that’s designed for you.
- Cost: $35 per session
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Geographical Locations: 6 States
Why We Chose It
Mindful Care was chosen for our award for Best for a Mental Health Crisis because it has a comprehensive group therapy program with optional individual therapy, addiction recovery treatment, and psychiatric services. Mindful Care is an all-encompassing platform that can provide all of the support you need if you’re facing a mental health crisis or substance use disorder.
Pros & Cons
- Offers a wide range of mental healthcare services
- Provides access to individual and group therapy programs
- Group therapy covers several different topics
- All groups are run by licensed therapists
- Only available in select states
- Does not provide documentation for court-ordered requirements, such as drug test results
Cost
Mindful Care’s group therapy program, MindFit, costs $35 per session out-of-pocket, but if your insurance plan is accepted, costs could be significantly lower or free.
Overview
Mindful Care is an online mental healthcare platform that offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, psychiatry, and group therapy. Mindful Care is currently available in select states but has plans to expand nationwide.
Mindful Care’s group therapy program is called MindFit, and it’s run by licensed therapists who utilize a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach. Several groups are run daily, and they cover a wide range of topics. MindFit has specialized groups for depression, anxiety, the LGBTQ+ community, bipolar disorder, relationships, and more. Mindful Care is currently available in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan, and New York.
In Our Experience
Several groups are run daily, and they cover a wide range of topics. MindFit has specialized groups for depression, anxiety, the LGBTQ+ community, bipolar disorder, relationships, and more.
- Cost: Free
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Geographical Locations: Nationwide
Why We Chose It
We wanted to give a nod to Therapy Tribe for winning the Best Free Online Support Groups award for offering a free online wellness community.
Pros & Cons
- Online wellness community is completely free to join
- Several specialty groups available
- Offers a member blog feature to share your story
- Members can send and receive “kudos” to each other to inspire and motivate
- Support groups are peer-led, not run by licensed therapists
- Message boards are moderated by peers, not by licensed therapists
Cost
It’s completely free to join Therapy Tribe’s online wellness community.
Overview
There are not a lot of companies out there that offer a free membership to mental health groups, which is why we wanted to give a nod to Therapy Tribe for winning the Best Free Online Support Groups award.
Granted, members of “the Tribe’s” wellness community should be aware that support groups and message board forums are moderated by fellow peers, not licensed therapists. However, when connecting with the right members, you can find the support you need without paying for a subscription.
In Our Experience
When connecting with the right members, you can find the support you need without paying for a subscription with Therapy Tribe.
Compare the Best Online Group Therapy & Support Groups of 2023
Free trial or consultation | Accepts Insurance | Licensed therapist facilitators | Peer facilitators | |
Grouport | | | | |
Pace | | | | |
Circles | | | | |
Sesh | | | | |
Monument | | | | |
Mindful Care/ MindFit | | | | |
Therapy Tribe | | | | |
Free trial or consultation | Accepts Insurance | Licensed therapist facilitators | Peer facilitators |
Grouport | |||
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Pace | |||
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Circles | |||
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Sesh | |||
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Monument | |||
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Mindful Care/ MindFit | |||
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Therapy Tribe | |||
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Final Verdict
Our list of best online group therapy and support groups was created to help you find a service that meets your needs. Before committing to a group, it’s important to understand the differences between group therapy and support groups, how you envision your online community, and your personal mental health goals. Regardless if you’re looking for traditional group therapy, an anonymous support group, or just a way to meet new people, there’s a company on this list that can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Group Therapy Vs. Support Groups
While support groups and group therapy are quite similar, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Group therapy is led by a licensed therapist or other mental health professional. It’s a more structured form of therapy that focuses on helping members identify and change problematic thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Group therapy can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction.
Support groups are typically led by a facilitator who does not have clinical training but is skilled in moderating groups. They provide a safe space for people to share their experiences and connect with others who are going through similar challenges. Support groups aim to provide support and understanding to help members cope with shared struggles like divorce, grief and loss, or parenting issues.
How Can Group Therapy Be Done Online?
It’s actually quite easy to conduct online group therapy and support groups. There’s a lot of video conferencing technology available, like Zoom and Google Meet, and many platforms will take advantage of these existing systems. Some platforms have their own software built into the app that allows for video meetings with multiple people.
Are Online Support Groups & Group Therapy Effective?
Absolutely. Online support groups and group therapy can be incredibly effective, especially when participants are open and committed to the process. When you’re in a group with people who are going through similar experiences, you can feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can be very helpful in processing your emotions and getting support from others.
How Much Does Online Group Therapy Cost?
The cost of online group therapy and support groups will vary depending on specific factors, such as the facilitators’ background, experience, and the quality of the platform. Group therapy typically costs more because it requires the group to be led by a licensed therapist in your state.
How Much Do Online Support Groups Cost?
Support groups are more informal and will likely cost less. Online group therapy subscriptions generally run between $100-$200 monthly, and online support group subscription costs range between $20-$80.
Can I Use Insurance for Group Therapy?
Not all insurance providers include group therapy in their coverage, but many do. Check with your insurance company to learn more about your plan.
How Long Should I Be in Group Therapy?
Everyone’s experience in group therapy will be different. How long you stay in group therapy will depend on your circumstances and personal goals.
Should I Go to Group Therapy or Individual Therapy?
In many cases, you don’t have to choose between individual therapy or group therapy. You can participate in both if you prefer to combine one-on-one time with a therapist and group work. However, if you have to choose between individual and group therapy, consider important factors like your personal needs and goals and your comfort level in both settings.
What Are the Benefits of Online Group Therapy & Support Groups?
Some benefits of online group therapy and support groups include convenience and accessibility. Online groups can be convenient because you can attend the sessions from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule or live in a rural area. In addition, many platforms also offer chat rooms and message boards, so members have access to 24/7 peer support.
Can I Remain Anonymous in Group Therapy?
Anonymity in group therapy depends on the service you choose. Some apps, like Sesh and Circles, allow you to use nicknames, and other platforms, like Pace, request that all members turn their cameras on in meetings and use their real names.
How Do I Choose the Best Online Group Therapy or Support Group?
Choosing the best online group therapy or support group depends on various factors. Factors to consider before starting a program include:
- Personal preferences
- Goals
- Budget
- Schedules