Are there any online resources for therapy/support groups or mental health apps?

The pandemic created an opportunity to expand the use of technology to access online mental health treatment and other means of mental health support, such as virtual support groups and apps.

Advances in technology have made it possible to significantly and efficiently increase the accessibility and convenience of treatment and/or support services, and most providers now offer mental health services via phone or online. Many peer-led support and discussion groups are now available virtually. Online counseling services can provide more convenience and increased access, especially in remote or rural areas or for those who cannot get to an office.

Just as with in-person therapy, it can take some trial-and-error to find the right treatment team.

We have outlined a few options below for your consideration. Please note that NAMI does not endorse any particular resource provided below. You are encouraged to thoroughly research a potential provider’s licensure, training, and experience before engaging in treatment.

Online Therapy

PsychologyToday offers a “Find a Therapist” directory that includes information about providers who offer therapy online. (Individuals should verify that a particular provider participates in their health plan.)
SAMHSA Treatment Locator offers a treatment locator for finding low cost/sliding scale mental health care across the country; search on their website or by calling (800) 662-4357. Many therapists offer online therapy; confirm availability with a particular provider.
Doctor on Demand is an online telehealth service that offers virtual therapy. (Individuals should verify participation in their health plan.)
ADAA Online Therapy (Telemental Health) Provider Directory is a service of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It provides a “Search for an ADAA Member Telemental Health Provider in Your Area” function as well as information on what patients need to know about telehealth technologies for treating anxiety, depression, OCD and PTSD, and privacy and security concerns.
e-psychiatry is an online service which provides access to virtual therapy services in all 50 states; they accept most insurance and self-pay. Once matched with a provider, individuals schedule a first appointment and connect over videoconferencing, phone, or messaging.
BetterHelp is a subscription-based organization that offers individual, family, and child virtual therapy via phone, or video chat for a monthly fee, and provides options to connect with the therapist via chat session or email.
Talkspace is an online telehealth service that offers virtual therapy. (They accept most insurance and self-pay; individuals should verify participation in their health plan.)
Therapy Aid Coalition is a national directory of psychotherapists willing to provide free or low-fee short-term online therapy for US essential workers impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Online Medication Management Services

Doctor on Demand is an online telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication management services. (Individuals should verify participation in their health plan.)
Talkspace is an online telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication management services. (Individuals should verify participation in their health plan.)
Good RX Care is a fee-based telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication services fora limited range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. (Note: this service is not available in every state.)
LemonAid Health is a fee-based telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication services,and medication delivery, for a limited range of mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.

Online Support Groups/Other Supports

Many NAMI affiliates offer virtual peer-led virtual support groups for people living with mental health conditions or their loved ones. Search for a virtual NAMI affiliate-led support group here
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) offers anonymous online peer-to-peer anxiety and depression support groups for individuals and their families to share information and experiences.
Co-Dependents Anonymous offers a 12-step recovery program for people seeking healthy relationships. Provides phone and online meetings and has a “Meeting Locator” function. 
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides peer-led support groups for people living with depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA support groups serve peers, young adults, and friends and family members. 
Emotions Anonymous is an international fellowship of people who desire to improve their sense of emotional well-being. EA members have in-person and online weekly meetings available in more than 30 countries with 600 active groups worldwide.
Ivory Garden is an organization that provides online support groups where those who have experienced trauma can talk openly to help each other understand the ins and outs of living with DID, and act as ears for those who need to talk about what is going on in each other’s daily lives.
Pro2Pro Listserv is a collaborative mental health initiative from the Saks Institute and the Burton Blatt Institute that provides a free, anonymous online “professional to professional” peer support communication platform where professionals with psychosocial disabilities can give and receive support from their peers.
Mental Health America maintains a free, online mental health group and discussion community.  Discussion topics include mental health concerns, support for family and friends, and coping with mental health stigma. 
Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (SARDAA) offers conference call support groups for individuals and family & friends.
Hey Peers is a directory of free or low-cost virtual support groups on various mental health topics.
supportgroups.com maintains a website featuring 200+ online support groups; registration is required to access group details. 
Smart Recovery provides free, peer-led support groups, message board and chat forums. Conversations are moderated to prevent discrimination or aggression.  
The Tribe Wellness Community has free, online peer support groups, forums and chat rooms offering members a safe place to connect about mental health challenges related to addiction, anxiety, depression, OCD, and a dedicated group for teens.

Mental Health Apps

PsyberGuide is an organization that reviews and scores mental health apps and digital health resources for credibility, user experience, how transparent the app is about data storage, and includes a review by a professional in a relevant field.

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