Finding a support group shouldn’t feel like a research project. But for most people, it does. You know you want connection — a space where people actually understand what you’re going through — but figuring out where to look, what kind of group to choose, and whether it’s legitimate can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down so you can find the right support group near you, whether in-person or online, in just a few simple steps.
Know What Kind of Support Group You’re Looking For
Before you start searching, it helps to know what type of group would serve you best. Support groups come in several flavors. Peer-led support groups are run by people who share your experience — think grief groups, caregiver circles, or addiction recovery meetings like AA or NAMI groups. These are often free and focus on shared understanding rather than clinical treatment. Therapist-led groups, on the other hand, are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and may use structured approaches like CBT or DBT. There are also psychoeducation groups that teach specific skills, and community groups built around shared identity or life circumstances like parenting, chronic illness, or being a veteran.
Where to Search for Support Groups
The most common frustration people have is that support groups are scattered across dozens of different websites, hospital directories, and social media pages. There’s no single place that lists everything — which is exactly the problem we set out to solve at My Therapy Groups. Our directory lets you search over 1,400 therapy groups, support groups, and peer communities in one place, with filters for topic, location, format, and cost.
Beyond our directory, here are other places worth checking. National organizations like NAMI, ADAA, and DBSA maintain their own group directories for specific conditions. Your local hospital or community mental health center often runs groups that don’t get advertised online. Your primary care doctor or therapist can refer you to groups they trust. Religious and community organizations frequently host grief groups, divorce recovery groups, and family support circles. And platforms like Meetup sometimes list mental health-adjacent support communities, though you’ll want to verify the facilitator’s credentials.
Online Support Groups vs. In-Person: Which Is Better?
Neither is inherently better — it depends on your situation. In-person groups offer the warmth of face-to-face connection and the structure of a set time and place. Many people find it easier to stay committed when they physically show up somewhere. Online groups, however, have expanded access dramatically. If you live in a rural area, have mobility challenges, work irregular hours, or simply feel more comfortable starting from home, virtual groups remove the biggest barriers to getting support. Many groups now offer hybrid options too, so you can try both and see what feels right.
What to Look for in a Good Support Group
Not all support groups are created equal. Here are some signs you’ve found a good one. The group has clear guidelines around confidentiality and respectful communication. The facilitator — whether a licensed professional or a trained peer leader — sets a welcoming tone and manages the conversation so no one dominates. The group focuses on a topic that’s relevant to your situation. You feel heard, not judged. And the group is consistent — it meets regularly, starts on time, and has enough structure to feel safe without being rigid.
On the flip side, be cautious of groups that pressure you to share before you’re ready, lack any structure or facilitation, promote a single product or ideology, or make promises about curing your condition. A good group supports your journey — it doesn’t try to control it.
Start Your Search Today
The hardest part of finding a support group is usually just getting started. Once you walk through the door — or log into that first virtual session — most people wonder why they didn’t do it sooner. You deserve a space where people get it. Where you don’t have to explain yourself or pretend everything is fine.
Browse over 1,400 support groups, therapy groups, and peer communities on My Therapy Groups. Search by topic, location, format, and cost — no account needed to start looking. Find your group. Find your people.
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