The Best Online Peer Counseling of 2024

Get support and advice from others with lived experience

Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Peer counseling is a way of making mental health care and support more accessible. It allows people with lived experiences with mental health conditions, learning differences, substance use issues, or other concerns to support and uplift one another in a safe and inclusive space. Healthcare professionals often recommend peer counseling to help improve clinical and personal recovery from mental health struggles. Research shows that peer counseling can be effective at supporting people with some mental health conditions as well as provide improvements in things like happiness and self-esteem, as well as effective coping and reductions in depression, loneliness, and anxiety.

Peer counseling is different from seeing a therapist. Therapists are licensed professionals who have been extensively trained to help treat emotional problems and mental illnesses. When you choose peer counseling, there will often be trained listeners or moderators, and group chats or sessions will include people like you who are looking for help. To help you find support, these are our picks for the best online peer counseling services of 2024.

When choosing an online therapy or peer support provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties. There have been some concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect.

Peer Collective

Best National Service: Peer Collective

Why We Chose It

Peer Collective is an easy-to-use peer counseling platform that operates in all 50 states and connects you with a rigorously vetted and trained counselor who is matched to your needs and personal situation. You can choose to change your counselor if you feel like they’re not the right fit, and you also have choices for how often you’d like to connect.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable pricing

• Trained peer counselors are matched with your needs

• Peer counselors are practiced and professional
  

• Available in all 50 states

Cons

• No group chat

• No customer service phone number

• No licensed therapy service should you need it

Our Experience

We tested Peer Collective in California and were overwhelmingly impressed with its peer counseling services. We turned to Peer Collective because we were dealing with some stressors in our life that we thought peer support could help with, and we very much found that to be true. Our counselor was a consummate professional—as a peer rather than a licensed therapist, we felt comfortable asking her to share coping strategies and resources that worked for her when she was in a similar situation. The advice she shared really resonated with us, and we left our session feeling supported and informed. The amount of self-disclosure she practiced was perfect; we understood her experience and suggestions without feeling like she was distant (as therapists sometimes can be) or overreaching (which might have left us feeling steamrolled and unable to share our own challenges).

After answering some initial questions about our situation and preferences (we very much appreciated that we could indicate what we wanted in terms of our counselor’s gender identity, racial identity, and age), we were given eight different options of counselors. Each one had a thorough bio accompanying them, where we could learn about each counselor’s personal experiences and how they approached different challenges. We immediately felt comfortable choosing a counselor based on this extensive information, which was more comprehensive than most online therapy companies.

The only thing we didn’t like about Peer Collective was how simple the intake process was. We were only asked six questions, including being able to indicate that we were in a crisis. We wanted to see if crisis resources were provided if we chose this option, because peer counseling is not appropriate for those experiencing things like suicidality or psychosis. Unfortunately, no resources were provided, and the intake process did not change based on this answer—which was incredibly disappointing, not to mention possibly dangerous.

Plans & Pricing

A trial session with Peer Collective can cost as little as 50 cents. After that, the prices are as follows:

• $22 per 30-minute session

• $32 per 60-minute session

• $100 for 4 hours of credit ($25 per hour)

Related: I'm a Therapist and the Best Online Therapy I’ve Tried Is Peer Collective

Sanvello

Best with Insurance: Sanvello

Why We Chose It

Sanvello offers different levels of support, including peer groups and one-on-one counseling with a trained mental health coach. The coaching may be available through your employer or health plan benefits, as Sanvello partners with some of the largest health insurance providers, employers, and employee assistance programs in the U.S.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Self-care, group peer support, coaching, and therapy available
  

• One-on-one mental health coaching and live anonymous classes
  

• Coaches have a background in mental wellness and over 200 hours of cognitive behavioral therapy training
  

• Accepts insurance

Cons

• Premium features may not be affordable without insurance
  

• Training and credentials of coaches unclear
  

• Advanced version requires paid subscription

Our Experience

Sanvello offers options for peer support, counseling, and therapy. Its app also includes self-care features, such as mood tracking, journaling, and guided meditations, which can help reduce symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Sanvello also accepts insurance, making its services more accessible to those with mental health benefits.

Peer support through the app is provided in groups on a wide variety of topics where you can listen, share experiences, ask for or give advice, and talk to people who are likely to understand your feelings and struggles. Coaching is a one-on-one listening option where you can speak to someone trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) who will give you personalized guidance based on your needs.

Although we appreciated the ability to connect with peers through Sanvello’s groups and forums, it concerned us that Sanvello states that these resources are not monitored at all—meaning anyone can post anything. In addition, groups are not run by licensed mental health professionals. However, we like that the community is easy to access and addresses a wide range of topics and concerns, all while being in-network with a wide range of insurance plans.

Plans & Pricing

Sanvello’s premium subscription costs $8.99 per month or $53.99 per year.

Sanvello accepts many insurance plans, including United Healthcare, Optum Behavioral Health, AARP, Medica, Medicare, and Bind, and works with many employee assistance programs to cover the cost of its services.

Circles

Best for Grief: Circles

Why We Chose It

Circles focuses on providing affordable and accessible help for those experiencing grief and loss. It offers meaningful group support in an environment that promotes security and safety for those who need to talk to others who understand what they’re going through.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides peer support for grief and loss
  

• Access to both peer support and mental health professionals
  

• Unlimited messaging in group and can message outside of group

Cons

• No free options
  

• Not available for teens under 18

Our Experience

For those whose group support and peer listening needs arise from experiencing grief and loss, Circles aims to provide a safe and secure place to listen and be heard by those who understand. We tested Circles twice from California and were impressed with the peer support groups (called “Circles”) led by mental health professionals—a feature that sets this company apart from other peer support services.

We turned to Circles to get support for grief specifically, and we were not disappointed. Our facilitator (a licensed therapist) was able to deftly move the conversation along, allowing each person in the group the chance to speak if they wanted to but without pushing those who were shy about sharing. She was compassionate and empathetic, and was able to quickly establish a rapport that felt comfortable. We felt buoyed by what the other members of the group shared about their own experiences of grief and loss.

Another important aspect of Circles is the possibility to remain anonymous. If you are new to peer support and don’t feel as though you are ready to fully commit, you can still access groups without sharing your name or anything about you. Circles seems to understand that peer support is what you make it and can look very different from person to person, especially when dealing with such a sensitive subject as grief.

Plans & Pricing

There are two plans available at Circles:

• A monthly subscription is $19 per month

• A yearly subscription is $15 per month

Related: I'm a Licensed Therapist Who Tried Circles Group Therapy. Would it Pass My Test?

Monument

Best for Sobriety Support: Monument

Why We Chose It

When you sign up for alcohol use treatment at Monument, you can anonymously join its online chats and support groups if you choose. Groups are moderated, and you can pay for additional therapy or medication management.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Therapist-moderated support group chat

• Can join anonymously or not

• Support sessions available for several topics

Cons

• Extra charges for one-on-one support

• Not suitable for other mental health conditions unless sobriety is also a factor

Our Experience

Monument offers support specifically for people who want to achieve and maintain sobriety from or moderation with alcohol. When you sign up for $14.99 a month, you can join its chat and group support forums and access therapists and psychiatrists who specialize in substance use. Monument also offers therapy and medication management, should you desire it. And while we did not feel it was ethical to ask someone dealing with substance use issues to test this service for a limited amount of time, the community Monument offers makes it a unique and important service.

Support groups facilitated by mental health professionals run at different dates and times, meeting consistently with topics that include gender-, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC-specific needs and care; preventing relapse; navigating relationships; self-compassion; and more. Groups are often interactive, with Q&A sessions; when sessions are complete, you can chat with your peers from the group in a chat room 24/7.

Anonymity is the name of the game here—you can access Monument’s community support without ever revealing your name or any personal information, which could make it that much easier to seek help for someone who isn’t completely sure about committing to change.

Plans & Pricing

The therapist-moderated support groups along with the 24/7 chat rooms cost $14.99 a month. If paying out-of-pocket, physician appointments cost $100 each, plus the cost of medication. Bi-weekly therapy appointments cost $149 per month, and weekly therapy appointments cost $249 per month.

Monument also accepts insurance. It is in-network with UHC/Optum Plans, Cigna/Evernorth, and Aetna, as well as some state-specific plans.

HeyPeers

Best Support Chat: HeyPeers

Why We Chose It

HeyPeers includes three options for finding support: peer support groups, one-to-one coaching, and private chat rooms, each with diverse topics to choose from. Trained peer supporters lead chat groups and meetings, so groups are always moderated.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Chats and groups led by trained peer support moderators

• Wide variety of chat room topics available

• Group meetings available for different needs, led by peer support facilitators

Cons

• Trained peer support leaders are not licensed therapists

• Some chat groups and meeting topics may not be very active

• Some groups and 1:1 meetings cost additional fees

Our Experience

HeyPeers is a chat-based peer support platform with three different ways to interact, including chat rooms available anytime, scheduled video group meetings, and one-on-one sessions with a trained peer supporter. Each option is led or facilitated by a trained support person who has lived experience with the issues and struggles faced by members.

After joining, you will be matched with groups, peer support, or individual coaching that suits your needs and preferences. You can connect through any device with the trained peer supporter you choose and join their scheduled group meetings on various topics.

HeyPeers has groups and meetings for mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, and also provides safe spaces for those dealing with chronic illness, pain management, rare diseases, parenting and postpartum, and more. Facilitators and peers offer encouragement, advice, and active listening. And although we did not test HeyPeers ourselves, its chat-based platform stood out to us as a great option for those looking to connect with peers through text rather than phone or video sessions.

Plans & Pricing

The “Free Peer” plan gets you app and web membership, one-on-one chats and groups, text and video chat, and the option of being anonymous. The “Premium Peer,” which includes everything offered for free as well as tracking tools for assessments, journaling, mood, prescriptions, and exercise costs $6 a month.

Supportiv

Best for 24/7 Chat Options: Supportiv

Why We Chose It

Supportiv is a 24/7 peer support chat platform you can access anonymously in under a minute. Chat rooms are always moderated, and moderators provide resources and suggestions to help you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Anonymous chat

• Chat is always moderated by trained psychology students

• Chat group matching and targeted recommendations

• Chat available 24/7

Cons

• Moderators are not licensed therapists

• No options for therapy or 1:1 support

Our Experience

Supportiv is a “mental wellness” space that custom-matches you with people who want to talk about the same types of struggles or concerns as you do, with precision. Moderators (graduate and undergraduate psychology students who are rigorously trained to moderate peer groups) are always present and will recommend resources that relate to your specific needs without any fluff, ads, or spamming. And the best part is that you can access anonymous peer support any day at any time—truly 24/7 care.

Beyond supportive chat rooms matched to your needs, you will find a wealth of resources on Supportiv that the trained moderators will offer based on your specific situation, or you can browse them yourself. We did not try Supportiv ourselves but feel comfortable recommending the service because its services are always tailored to your personal needs and it is available round the clock.

Plans & Pricing

Some organizations and employers cover Supportiv as a benefit, but if not, you can access it for $15 per day (what it calls its 24-hour unlimited “Day Pass”).

Mindful Care

Best for Group Therapy: Mindful Care

Why We Chose It

Mindful Care has options for individual therapy, but its group therapy stands out for being led by licensed psychologists using CBT methods in an inclusive, judgment-free environment designed to challenge and change undesirable thoughts and behaviors. Many insurance plans are accepted, but self-pay is available at an affordable rate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Group therapy is led by licensed therapists

• Based on proven therapy practices (CBT, DBT, psychotherapy, etc.)

• Affordable group therapy sessions for those without insurance coverage

Cons

• Groups only meet at specific times of the day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• No follow-up chat with group members available

Our Experience

Mindful Care offers multiple therapy options so you can choose the type of care you need or prefer—you can choose from one-on-one therapy sessions or connect with peers for group therapy. Mindful Care’s therapy groups address the following topics:

• RISE: Group therapy for life’s challenges

• CALM: Group therapy for anxiety

• CONNECT: Group therapy for healthy relationships

• SHINE: Support group for the LGBTQIA+ community

• RECOVER: Group therapy for substance use

• HOPE: Group therapy for depression

• BALANCE: Group therapy for bipolar disorder

• WISE: A skills group for handling tough emotions

• SAFE: A group for individuals with trauma

We tried Mindful Care twice in New York (services are only available in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Illinois, and Florida) and both times we participated in the Rise group. We found one of our facilitators (who was our facilitator every week) to be warm and skilled at leading the conversation, and the group itself was non-judgmental and supportive of one another. It genuinely felt like our fellow group members really wanted to help each other through any difficult feelings and circumstances. And although one of our group sessions could have done with a little more structure, we left feeling good about the connections we’d made and the advice we’d received.

Plans & Pricing

Mindful Care accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Without insurance, 60-minute group therapy sessions are $35 each.

Related: I Have Struggled to Commit to Therapy, So I Tried Micro-Therapy at Mindful Care

Togetherall

Best for Employees and Students: Togetherall

Why We Chose It

Togetherall provides a safe space online to share feelings and receive encouragement and support anonymously. The community is monitored by licensed and registered mental health practitioners and is available across the U.S. 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can join and use the community free if your employer or school offers it as a benefit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Communities led by licensed mental health care practitioners

• Moderators ensure anonymity and safety

• Options for tools, courses, and resources

Cons

• No options for one-on-one therapy

• No self-pay option

Our Experience

Togetherall is a free service for employees and students, providing a community for sharing, giving, and receiving support and encouragement under the guidance of licensed, registered mental health care practitioners. The company aims to help people improve their mental health and well-being in a nonjudgmental space while remaining anonymous.

Moderators also proactively respond to members in crisis, offering support, which may involve guiding them to find local assistance from a doctor or therapist. You can choose to “ask a wall guide,” which will open a chat between you and a licensed mental health care practitioner where you can ask for specific help using the platform or finding further care or resources. Resources on the website include articles and self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, depression, and many more.

Although we did not test Togetherall, we felt that its free-to-access program for participating employers and schools makes peer support easy and accessible for any employees or students who would benefit from peer counseling.

Plans & Pricing

Togetherall offers its services for free to employees and students whose companies and schools are enrolled in its program.

The Tribe

Best Online Community: The Tribe

Why We Chose It

The Tribe combines five groups from long-standing support websites into one place, with groups and chats for a variety of challenges plus resources like helpful activities, mood mapping, and member blogs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-rounded environment to find support and resources

• Peer-to-peer support groups on several topics

• Live chat and forums available
  

Cons

• Website may be challenging to navigate

Our Experience

Based out of the online therapy directory TherapyTribe, The Tribe is a peer-to-peer support platform with both live chat and forum posting. Topics include anxiety, addiction, depression, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ, marriage and family, OCD, and teen-focused, each called a “Tribe” (e.g., “AnxietyTribe”). These “Tribes” provide an online community for those who identify as members, with the ability to connect with others with similar lived experience through activity streams and chat rooms. There are also additional resources you can use, including helpful activities, mood mapping, expert-created articles, and blogging.

Although the Tribe is not therapy or one-on-one care, you can use it to search for therapists based on your needs and location. You can tailor your posts and chats to only be visible to your chosen online connections or the general public, providing a level of privacy you are comfortable with.

While we did not try The Tribe ourselves, we feel strongly that being able to identify as part of a community (or Tribe) can make peer support that much more effective by providing specific and personalized care from those with whom you feel closest.

Plans & Pricing

The Tribe is a free service.

Pay What You Can Peer Support LGBTQ Virtual Peer Support Group

Best for LGBTQIA+: Pay What You Can Peer Support LGBTQ Virtual Peer Support Group

Why We Chose It

The LGBTQ Virtual Peer Support Group is a pay-what-you-can group run by a mental health practitioner that provides a safe space for LGBTQ folks to connect, share their struggles, help others, and receive advice. Although the groups are video-based, there is no pressure to have your camera on during sessions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Accessible and based on donations

• No pressure to have your camera turned on or to speak

• Support specifically for and from the LGBTQ community
  

Cons

• Groups are run at particular times only

• Spaces are limited

Our Experience

Pay What You Can Peer Support was created by Daniel Cole, who found immense benefit from joining a peer support group for his own struggles. He wanted to bring the benefits he experienced to a broader community, making it accessible to anyone with a donation-only payment. The LGBTQIA+ support is one of several available groups on the site and is led by a certified social support worker and counselor.

The LGBTQ group meets virtually on Zoom every other week (Thursdays at 8:30 pm ET) and provides an outlet for people to meet, connect, and discuss their feelings and struggles with one another. The pay-what-you-can model allows you to add a donation after your group meets while providing feedback about your experience.

We felt as though the Pay What You Can LGBTQ Virtual Peer Support Group was an important addition to our list of peer counseling resources because of its specific focus on the experiences of those in the LGBTQ community and the ability to access its services for free if necessary.

Plans & Pricing

Pay What You Can Peer Support operates on donations—you can pay any amount you’d like for access to its support groups.

TalkLife

Best App: TalkLife

Why We Chose It

The TalkLife app connects its users with a global peer-to-peer mental health support community anytime they need it. Users can chat with others facing similar issues by choosing from different categories, life situations, and emotions that cover everything from family to self-harm to LGBTQIA+, health, bullying, work woes, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Global peer-to-peer network

• Large selection of mental health support groups

• Available in multiple languages

Cons

• Not for children 16 years and under

Our Experience

TalkLife provides its users with a global platform to connect with a supportive peer-to-peer network to discuss life's ups and downs. App users can post about what's going on in their lives and hear back from others around the world enduring the same trials and triumphs. Users choose a mood and topic to get started, such as mental health, parenting, family, LGBTQIA+, or depression. Each post can be sent out into the world, or there is a private diary where personal thoughts and feelings can be recorded. The platform is fully moderated 24/7 in real-time by a professional Trust & Safety team with clinical and content experts.

Although we did not test TalkLife ourselves, the convenience of an app that connects you worldwide with peers cannot be overlooked. However, while an app might seem especially useful for children and teenagers who have grown up in the world of smartphones, the app is not meant for children aged 16 or under.

Plans & Pricing

The app is free to use, but there is an upgrade option to TalkLife Hero for $2.99 a month that unlocks custom reactions, multiple photo uploads, the ability to gift a free month to a friend or family member, enjoy exclusive highlights, and more.

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Peer Counseling

What Is Online Peer Counseling?

Online peer counseling is an effective way to connect with others and share your struggles while giving and receiving support, advice, and a sense of community. People with lived experiences similar to yours join group chats, forums, video calls, and sessions to create a safe place where you feel others understand you and care about you. Peer counseling can also take place one-on-one or include a combination of group and one-on-one care.

How Is Online Peer Counseling Different From Online Therapy?

Online peer counseling is different from online therapy because you are meeting with others who share lived experiences of struggles similar to what you face. The idea is to provide mutual support rather than expert advice. However, many peer groups are led by experts and can include advice, resources, and actionable tips to help you through your challenges. Not all peer counseling is led by or includes licensed therapists or mental health experts.

How to Decide Which Peer Counseling Service Is Right for You

To help decide which peer counseling service is right for you, it’s wise to consider exactly what your needs and preferences are. Keep in mind that peer counseling services are inappropriate for those experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal. Factors to consider include:

• Type of support: Look for a peer counseling service that has a community you think you'll connect with. Peer support works best when you can share and listen to others with similar experiences.

• Mode of communication: There are options for video, audio, instant messaging, forums, and more. Consider what type of communication you prefer or if you’d like multiple options. Also, consider whether you can join using a computer, mobile, or other device based on your needs.

• Moderator qualifications: Some peer counseling platforms provide groups led by or moderated by trained listeners, while others are led by licensed therapists or other qualified mental health practitioners. Consider the level of training and qualifications of those leading and moderating and your preferences before joining.

• Anonymity: Many peer counseling platforms provide complete anonymity and privacy. If this is important to you, investigate the level of anonymity you will be provided before choosing.

What If I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988, is available for individuals to call if they are struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. The Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself and online crisis resources are not helping, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Online Peer Counseling Effective?

Online peer counseling can be effective alongside traditional therapy or as a stand-alone support for those without severe mental health issues. Research shows that peer counseling can improve mental health recovery and empowerment. Peer counseling can also help you feel less socially isolated and lonely and allows for connection with others who may understand your struggles, increasing feelings of validation and hope

Is Online Peer Counseling Expensive?

Online peer counseling ranges in price from free chat groups or pay-what-you-can models to pay-per-session or subscription-based payment methods. Prices range from $0 to over $200 per month, depending on the type of counseling service and plan.

Does Insurance Cover Online Peer Counseling?

Insurance coverage can pay for some online peer counseling, but not all. Check with your insurance provider to be sure. Some organizations or employee benefits include membership in peer counseling and social support groups.

How Long Are Online Peer Counseling Sessions?

Online peer counseling sessions range in length, with the average being one hour. Some platforms offer quicker meetings, while others can be longer, depending on what type of session you choose and which company you use.

Do Peer Counselors Have Training?

Peer counselors often have training, but the training varies from company to company. Some peer counselors have a background in mental health and psychology, while the company gives others training on being a peer listener.

Methodology

To perform this review, we looked at approximately 25 peer support platforms. Factors considered in the evaluation included safety and privacy, ease of use, anonymity options, moderation and training of peer counselors or group leaders, and affordability. Companies that did not make the list either provided less accessible or lower-quality services, had issues with safety and privacy, included too many ads, or had lower-quality websites or apps.

Read the original article on Verywell Mind.