Depression Support Groups
Find community, connection, and hope through peer support groups for depression—online and in-person.
Support groups provide a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who truly understand what you're going through. Whether you prefer online or in-person meetings, free peer-led or professionally facilitated groups, this directory will help you find the right support.
Why Join a Depression Support Group?
You're Not Alone
Depression can feel incredibly isolating. Support groups remind you that others have walked this path and understand your struggles without judgment.
Learn Coping Strategies
Hear what's worked for others—practical tips, resources, and strategies you might not have discovered on your own or in individual therapy.
Feel Understood
Share your story with people who "get it" without having to explain. The validation and empathy can be incredibly healing.
Gain Perspective
Seeing others at different stages of recovery can provide hope and help you recognize your own progress over time.
Practice Social Connection
When depression makes you want to withdraw, support groups offer low-pressure social interaction and can help reduce isolation.
Complement Therapy
Support groups work alongside—not instead of—professional treatment. Many therapists encourage group participation as part of recovery.
Types of Depression Support Groups
Peer-Led vs. Professionally Facilitated
Peer-Led Groups
Run by people with lived experience of depression, these groups offer mutual support and shared wisdom.
- Usually free
- More informal and conversational
- Emphasis on shared experience
- Widely available
Professionally Facilitated Groups
Led by therapists or counselors, often incorporating psychoeducation and structured exercises.
- May have a fee (sometimes covered by insurance)
- More structured curriculum
- Professional guidance and expertise
- Skills-building focus
Online vs. In-Person
Online Support Groups
- Join from anywhere
- More scheduling flexibility
- Lower barrier when leaving home is hard
- Option for anonymity
- Less personal connection than face-to-face
In-Person Support Groups
- Stronger sense of connection
- Non-verbal communication and body language
- Gets you out of the house
- May lead to friendships outside group
- Requires transportation and energy
National Depression Support Groups Directory
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
The largest peer-led mental health organization in the US
DBSA offers free, peer-led support groups across the United States and online. With over 600 chapters nationwide, DBSA groups provide a welcoming space for people living with depression and bipolar disorder.
What They Offer:
- • In-person support groups nationwide
- • Online support groups via video and chat
- • Separate groups for depression and bipolar
- • Groups for family and friends
- • Wellness tools and resources
Key Details:
- Cost: Free
- Format: Peer-led
- Location: In-person + Online
- Privacy: Confidential
How to Join:
Visit www.dbsalliance.org and use their "Find a Support Group" tool to search by zip code.
Online groups meet regularly via Zoom with no registration required for most meetings.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Peer support, education, and advocacy
NAMI Connection is a free, peer-led recovery support group for adults living with mental health conditions, including depression. NAMI also offers groups for family members and loved ones.
What They Offer:
- • NAMI Connection support groups
- • Family Support Groups
- • Educational programs and classes
- • Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- • Local and online meetings
Key Details:
- Cost: Free
- Format: Peer-led
- Location: In-person + Online
- Duration: 90 minutes
How to Join:
Visit www.nami.org and search for local groups by zip code, or join virtual NAMI Connection groups.
Groups use a structured format with discussion topics rotating weekly.
Mental Health America (MHA) Affiliate Groups
Community-based mental health support
MHA has local affiliates across the country that host support groups, educational programs, and peer support services for depression and other mental health conditions.
What They Offer:
- • Local affiliate support groups
- • Online screening tools
- • Educational resources
- • Peer support services (varies by location)
- • Advocacy and awareness programs
Key Details:
- Cost: Free or low-cost
- Location: Varies by affiliate
- Format: Varies
How to Join:
Visit mhanational.org to find your local MHA affiliate and inquire about support groups in your area.
The Tribe Wellness Community
24/7 online peer support community
The Tribe is a free online wellness community offering live video support groups, chat rooms, and forums for people experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
What They Offer:
- • 24/7 live video support groups
- • Scheduled themed group sessions
- • Anonymous chat and forums
- • Peer moderation and support
- • Mobile app available
Key Details:
- Cost: Free
- Format: Online only
- Availability: 24/7
- Privacy: Anonymous option
How to Join:
Visit tribewellness.community to create a free account and join live support groups instantly.
7 Cups
Free emotional support and online therapy
7 Cups offers free, anonymous emotional support through trained volunteer listeners, plus online support groups and forums for depression and many other topics.
What They Offer:
- • 1-on-1 chat with trained listeners (free)
- • Scheduled depression support groups
- • Community forums and chat rooms
- • Self-help guides and exercises
- • Optional paid therapy services
Key Details:
- Cost: Free (therapy is paid)
- Format: Online text chat
- Availability: 24/7
- Privacy: Anonymous
How to Join:
Visit www.7cups.com to create a free account and connect with a listener or join support groups.
Online Depression Communities
In addition to structured support groups, these online communities offer forums, discussion boards, and peer support for depression:
r/depression (Reddit)
Large, active community (900k+ members) for discussing depression, sharing experiences, and offering peer support.
- • Anonymous posting
- • Active moderation
- • Daily discussion threads
Depression Sanctuary
Peer support forum with a focus on mutual understanding and non-judgmental support for people living with depression.
- • Moderated forums
- • Crisis resources
- • Anonymous option
HealthUnlocked Depression Support
Online community where members share experiences, ask questions, and support each other through depression.
- • Free to join
- • Partnered with health organizations
- • Active daily engagement
PsychCentral Support Groups
Moderated online forums covering depression and many other mental health topics with expert oversight.
- • Expert-moderated
- • Topic-specific forums
- • Educational resources
Finding Local In-Person Support Groups
Search Directories
- DBSA Chapter Locator: dbsalliance.org
- NAMI Affiliate Finder: nami.org
- MHA Affiliate Locator: mhanational.org
- Psychology Today Groups: groups.psychologytoday.com
Ask Your Providers
- Ask your therapist or psychiatrist for local recommendations
- Contact local mental health clinics or community centers
- Check with your hospital's behavioral health department
- Ask your primary care doctor for referrals
Check Community Resources
- Local libraries often host or know about support groups
- Faith communities may offer mental health support groups
- Community mental health centers
- YMCAs and community centers
Insurance Networks
- Call your insurance company's behavioral health line
- Some insurance plans cover group therapy
- Ask about intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) that include group therapy
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Support Groups
Try Multiple Groups
Every group has a different vibe and format. Don't give up if the first one doesn't feel right—try a few before deciding support groups aren't for you.
Give It Time
Attending 3-4 meetings before making a judgment allows you to get comfortable, see different discussion topics, and build initial connections.
You Don't Have to Share Right Away
It's okay to listen for the first few meetings. Participate when you're ready—there's no pressure to share personal details before you feel comfortable.
Respect Confidentiality
What's shared in the group stays in the group. Honor others' privacy and trust, and expect the same in return.
Be Open to Different Perspectives
People at different stages of recovery have different viewpoints. You don't have to agree with everyone, but staying open can lead to new insights.
Support Groups Complement Therapy
Groups are powerful, but they're not a replacement for professional treatment. Use them alongside therapy and/or medication for best results.
When Support Groups Might Not Be Right:
- In acute crisis: If you're in immediate danger, call 988 or go to the ER. Support groups aren't for crisis intervention.
- If the group is triggering: Some groups may worsen symptoms if discussions are too intense or members are in crisis. It's okay to step back.
- If you need professional treatment first: Severe depression may require individual therapy or medication before group participation is helpful.
If You're in Crisis
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for immediate support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
24/7 crisis support via call or text
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 crisis support via text
If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.