The 10 Best Online Peer Counseling Services for Any Support You Might Need

When you need support, you likely need it as soon as possible. Yet long waitlists, minimal appointment times, and other administrative roadblocks can block you from getting the help you need when you need it. Sesh offers over 400 online support groups for various issues available the same day you sign up, and you can attend as many or as few groups as you want; this flexibility makes Sesh stand out against other peer counseling platforms. 

The platform offers support groups related to parenthood, body image, self-esteem, anxiety, stress, depression, addiction/recovery, grief, trauma, and cultural challenges. Some sessions utilize art as a form of processing and connecting, while others focus on a specific issue one might face, like the loss of a job or navigating gaslighting. Sesh groups are offered throughout the day, including evenings and on weekends, making it perfect for those with busy work schedules who need flexibility when it comes to available sessions.

You can access unlimited sessions for $60 per month, and your first two weeks are free.

Sesh services are not covered by insurance, since it is not therapy. However, sponsored memberships are available on a first-served basis.

Seventy-eight percent of Sesh users gave the platform an overall positive rating. Thirty-eight percent were seeking out support for depression and another 54% needed support for anxiety. Eighty-one percent were impressed with the qualifications of the group facilitators and 70% of users surveyed would recommend the platform to a friend.

Our tester of Sesh was impressed with the way her facilitator ran the group, saying that “I found the guiding questions helpful to keep the conversation flowing, and I appreciated the suggestions offered by the group participants.” She also noted that “I liked that some of the advice and ideas were coming from people’s lived experiences, not just from the facilitator’s guidance.”

When in the depths of grief, it can feel deeply lonely. It can be difficult for others who have not experienced grief to understand how to support someone experiencing loss, leading to frustration and relational turmoil. However, research shows that developing support among others experiencing grief can be pivotal in one’s healing journey. Peer Collective is a peer counseling platform where trained counselors are available for support on various issues, including grief and loss.  

Peer Collective offers 30- or 60-minute one-on-one sessions that are held either via telephone or video. All peer counselors receive rigorous training and are required to pass a series of intensive exams prior to beginning their work at the platform. The platform seeks a high degree of user feedback and prioritizes supervision of counselors to ensure quality of care. 

The organization was founded by Tim Desmond, LMFT, a psychotherapist and best-selling author who believes connecting individuals with warm, empathic, and caring peers can be pivotal to those who are suffering, doing away with the idea that only licensed mental health professionals can provide care that shifts lives. 

Peer Collective’s first session is free. After that, a 30-minute session is $14 or a 60-minute session is $28. It is not in-network with any insurance providers. 

While we did not survey Peer Collective users this year, in our previous survey in 2021, 76% of respondents rated the company as very good or excellent overall, and 79% felt the same about its value for the money. Ninety-three percent of users said they would recommend Peer Collective to a friend or someone like them, and 79% thought that the company was better or much better than other similar services they’d used in the past.

We trust Peer Collective because it follows evidence-based protocols for crisis de-escalation, prioritizes vetting and training of providers, and is working to provide free services to those with Medicaid in the coming years. 

There are various aspects of the postpartum period that may feel unsettling. It could be acclimating to parenthood or feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression. We appreciate that Circles offers support groups for a variety of concerns, including parenting challenges, grief, and fertility issues. New parents can opt to find a support group created specifically to their needs, while some who may be struggling with pregnancy loss might find support in a group focused on grief. Others who may be experiencing fertility issues might find the care they need in a fertility challenges support group. We feel the spectrum of support groups Circles offers also reflects the spectrum of experiences that exist within the postpartum period. 

Circles+ groups (for grief/loss and divorce/separation) last 12 weeks and all participants are asked to commit to attending the group to ensure there is ample opportunity for trust and intimacy to form. The other groups, such as fertility and parenting, are audio-based support groups that do not require consistent attendance, and may have different members each week. We love that group participants can chat with one another between sessions, and you can also connect with the group facilitator between sessions as well. 

Circles+ only offers one plan option, which is four sessions a month for $79. You can try your first session for free. The rest of the groups are always free of charge.

This service is not considered therapy, therefore it isn’t covered by insurance. 

Eighty percent of Circles users surveyed gave the platform a positive rating. Seventy-seven percent of users stated that most, if not all, of their needs were met. Eighty-six percent stated Circles is better than other platforms they’ve used in the past. Two percent of our 105 surveyed users reported that they were new parents seeking support, 5% were looking for postpartum services, 19% were dealing with family issues, and 10% wanted support for grief and loss.

Our Circles tester was especially happy with her facilitator, who “was lovely, welcoming, funny, and personable.” She said that “the facilitator guided us with leading questions, which she made sure we each had a chance to answer, though it soon evolved into a more natural group conversation,” and that “I felt very heard, supported, and emotionally buoyed by the 60-minute session.”

Bipolar disorder is a common disorder, affecting 2.8% of adults living in the United States. Despite its prevalence, it is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Negative media portrayals and a lack of mainstream knowledge regarding the condition further this level of stigmatization. In turn, those with this disorder may feel poorly about themselves, internalizing the stigmatization they feel from others. 

Mindful Care offers a therapy group specifically for those living with bipolar disorder. Facilitated by a licensed therapist, this group is a bit different from some of the other peer counseling services featured in this article. While a major aspect of the group is connecting with others and sharing experiences, it also focuses on integrating coping tools to enhance one’s overall quality of life. This may prove especially fruitful for those with bipolar disorder. Not only will you learn skills that will help in navigating the various moods that come with this disorder, but you can use your insurance to cover this group because you are receiving clinical help for a diagnosed mental health condition. 

We appreciate that Mindful Care offers various group meeting times in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and that the out-of-pocket fee is affordable. The biggest downside? Services are only available in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan, and New York.

Mindful Care does not offer any subscription plans. Every group therapy session costs $35 out-of-pocket. Mindful Care is in-network with a wide variety of insurance plans, including Humana, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and Cigna. 

Mindful Care has one of the highest user satisfaction ratings, with 92% of clients surveyed giving it a rating of good, very good, or excellent overall. Ten percent of those surveyed sought support specifically for bipolar disorder and 95% were especially impressed with the therapist qualifications. 

Our tester felt that “the quality of the therapists and services provided at Mindful Care are top-tier,” and spoke highly of the group therapy services in particular, explaining that, “for me, I benefited the most from group therapy because the hour-long session was the ideal amount of time to really delve into issues and to give participants the platform to voice their feelings.”

Studies indicate that peer support shows immense promise in helping those struggling with addiction. In fact, many addiction recovery models incorporate an element of peer support, whether that is a 12-step program or support groups held in a rehabilitation center. Monument offers free online support groups and a virtual community that can be accessed 24/7 for those struggling with alcohol use. All support groups are moderated by a therapist and have a specialized focus on processing the complex feelings that accompany recovery and offering a space for accountability. Those entering their recovery journey may be combatting feelings of shame or worries that someone they know will spot them in a meeting, so we especially appreciate that there is an option to participate in groups anonymously. 

Additionally, Monument’s harm reduction model focuses on “recovery” rather than “sobriety.” Sobriety refers to complete abstinence from alcohol use whereas recovery focuses on the individuals healing from their dependence upon alcohol. While this may resonate for some folks who have not identified sobriety as their ideal goal in their journey, it also may be a dealbreaker for those who want a community specifically focused on total sobriety. 

Monument offers several plans. For the plan focused specifically on peer support, you can access an unlimited number of support group sessions and a 24/7 online support forum for free.

If you’d like to have four weekly therapy appointments and medication management in addition to the peer support, it costs $249 per month. To access biweekly therapy appointments and medication management in addition to the peer support, it costs $149. For medication management and peer support, you will pay $10 per month.

Monument is in-network with Aetna, Anthem, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Cigna.

Ninety-seven percent of Monument users stated they had a better experience with the platform compared to others they’ve used in the past. Therapist diversity was an especially celebrated point amongst users—77% stated the diversity of therapists on the site was impressive. Additionally, 75% felt there was a good number of quality providers listed on the site. 

“Peer support can be integral to someone’s recovery journey, and is the basis of many popular and effective addiction treatments,” subject matter expert Hannah Owens, LMSW, told Health. “The fact that Monument offers peer support services for free makes it easy for those seeking help with alcohol use and dependence to find the help they need on the road to recovery.”

People in the LGBTQIA+ community may experience stigma and discrimination that may later lead to poor mental health outcomes. To add to this, it can be challenging to find support from providers and peers that also identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. On top of it all, the queer experience isn’t monolithic—various types of support are needed within the community. Queer Life Space is a nonprofit counseling agency that focuses on providing affordable mental health and substance use services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer Life Space offers seven different online therapy groups to California residents, with topics including harm reduction, adult survivors of sexual assault, neurodivergence, BIPOC identity, and disability support. 

We appreciate that while all sessions are facilitated by mental health professionals, the focus remains on encouraging participants to connect with one another. Additionally, the wide spectrum of group topics reflects the wide spectrum of identities that exist within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Each group session is $15 and a sliding fee scale is available for those experiencing financial hardship. Queer Life Space is not in-network with any insurance providers. 

We did not survey Queer Life Space users. However, we are confident in the services provided by the organization based on its dedication to evidence-based care, emphasis on mental healthcare for and by the LGBTQIA+ community, and accessible pricing structure.

“Although there is no doubt that people in the LGBTQIA+ community often face daily hardships, Queer Life Space recognizes that every member of this community is different and require different types of support,” Owens said. “The fact that this company recognizes that members of the LGBTQIA+ community also have other intersecting identities and experiences makes it far more likely that anyone in this community will get the help they need through this service.”

Life can be complicated, and sometimes the most important medicine is simply being heard—the value of simple human connection cannot be overstated. 7 Cups offers a free virtual community with chat rooms, community forums, and individual chat sessions. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a good option for those who tend to feel the most unsettled during the late hours of the night. There are various topics explored on the site, from living with mental health conditions like depression and borderline personality disorder to navigating abusive relationships and addiction. Some users also post stories of hope, explaining how they overcame adverse circumstances. 

The community is positive and encouraging. Those who engage in bullying or trolling are promptly removed by a 7 Cups team member. If you are in need of one-on-one support, you have the option of chatting with a trained volunteer “listener.” You can explore listeners’ bios on the site and select the one that feels best for you. We especially appreciate that each listener’s bio includes a user satisfaction rating. 

7 Cups peer support services are free to use. 

If you’d like to chat with a licensed therapist via 7 Cups, it costs $150 a month. Rather than meeting once a week, you can message your therapist as often as you like and you can expect to receive a response up to twice a day Monday through Friday. 7 Cups’ online therapy services are not in-network with any insurance plans.

We did not survey 7 Cups users this year. However, in our 2021 survey of 105 users of the company, 66% felt that the company and its services overall were very good or excellent, and the same number reported that 7 Cups was better or much better than other companies they’d tried in the past. Additionally, 85% said they were likely or very likely to recommend 7 Cups to someone like them. We are confident in naming it the best free online peer support due to its wide range of topics covered, 24/7 access, and ability to engage in one-on-one or group chat sessions. 

“A free service like 7 Cups encourages more people to seek out the help they might need because they don’t have to worry about any financial strain seeking that help may cause,” said Owens. “This means many more people have access to support.”

Not everyone understands the pain involved in moving forward with separation or divorce. Some who are happily partnered may avoid your experience while others simply may not understand the complexity involved in the situation. Because of this, it can be extremely helpful to speak with others who are going through the same experience and seek out guidance as you navigate this difficult process. And Growing Self offers a divorce and breakup recovery coaching group. 

Facilitated by a coach specializing in relationships, the group consists of six or fewer members that gather weekly to explore coping tools and strategies to help them mend their hearts and move forward. All participants have access to a private Facebook group, providing a safe space to share thoughts between sessions. Additionally, all participants are asked to make a minimum commitment of eight weeks. This ensures members have ample opportunity to forge genuine connections with one another. 

Growing Self’s divorce and breakup recovery coaching group costs $40 per session. 

If you’re interested in receiving therapy services from Growing Self, you can expect to pay $65 to $160 per session. 

Growing Self is not in-network with any insurance providers. 

Ten percent of Growing Self users surveyed were specifically seeking out support for relationship/marriage issues or because they were considering a divorce. Sixty-nine percent of all 105 users surveyed stated they would recommend the platform to a friend and another 62% stated they would return to the platform if they needed to seek counseling again. Seventy-nine percent of users stated Growing Self beats out services they’ve used in the past. 

Our Growing Self tester reported that “my own experience with Growing Self therapists was positive,” noting that “the extensive training of this service’s practitioners, particularly in the field of couples and relationship counseling, is its primary asset.” She “felt confident that the therapists that I was working with were going to honor my confidentiality, be non-judgmental and compassionate, and help me move through some of my challenges,” and explained that “both of the therapists I worked with created a comfortable and safe environment for discussing relationship issues and developing therapeutic goals that felt achievable with their support.”

There are various reasons why one may feel lonely and need peer support, be it a breakup, being a new parent, struggling with seasonal depression, or navigating aging. Regardless of the reason, building community and hearing from others dealing with the same challenges can be incredibly important in mitigating loneliness and the feeling of isolation that some difficult situations can bring. We love that Supportiv offers a virtual community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With various forums focused on everything from trauma and identity to grief and burnout, you can anonymously connect with others navigating situations similar to yours. 

We appreciate that Supportiv offers sophisticated and up-to-date technology, especially when it comes to its chat group matching feature. You can expect Supportiv to recommend groups that are especially relevant to you and the connections you’re looking to make. The company also assures users that their data is never sold. 

Supportiv costs $15 per day. No plans are required—you simply pay for a day pass. This may prove cost-prohibitive for those who are looking for a platform they can use daily. Supportiv is not in-network with any insurance plans.

We have yet to survey Supportiv users. We are confident in its services thanks to its thoughtful emphasis on technology, ensuring you aren’t weighed down by difficult website navigation. We also appreciate that Supportiv trains and compensates its chat room moderators, as that helps keep the website safe and group dynamics feeling positive. 

“The need for support doesn’t always fall neatly between business hours,” said Owens, “so having a peer support service that you can access any time of the day or night is especially helpful to people who feel they need to connect ASAP, whether that’s between regular therapy sessions or before another scheduled group.”

The Tribe by TherapyTribe is a free wellness support community that provides support groups as well as an extended network of chat options with the other members of those groups, called “tribes.” Powered by popular therapist directory TherapyTribe, this platform offers chat rooms and group forums, plus peer support focused on general wellness or on specialized topics. The specialized forums are geared specifically for addiction, anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDs, LGBT, OCD, marriage and family, and teens. You can chat with any member of your “tribe” at any time, making The Tribe’s chat services stand out against its competitors.

Additionally, there are various coping tools you can use, including something called a Wellness Tree, which encourages users to complete interactive activities that are fun and foster connection with others. A mood chart can help you track how you’re feeling day-to-day, which is perfect if you’re already working with a therapist or psychiatrist. You can also alter your privacy settings to adjust who views your posts, a security detail that may help some feel more comfortable sharing. 

While we appreciate the unique topics that are often overlooked, like living with HIV/AIDs, we would like to see more inclusivity—it would be fantastic to see a forum specifically for singles or a forum that encompasses the full LGBTQIA+ experience, not just LGBT. 

The Tribe by TherapyTribe is free to use. 

We have yet to survey users of The Tribe by TherapyTribe. We are confident in nominating it as the best peer counseling chat support due to its unique forum topics, range of resources, and backing from TherabyTribe.

“The ability to connect with other group members at any time is imperative for some in their healing journey,” said Owens, “and The Tribe’s chat options make that incredibly easy. Feeling personally connected to someone you can talk with who is dealing with the same things you are is an essential part of peer counseling and support.”