Learning about mental health is all well and good, but sometimes you need to actually talk to someone about your problems. Instead of running to social media, you could reach out on websites specifically designed for psychological support.

Here are nine online platforms offering communities for different mental health needs. Whether you want a casual conversation with peers or an in-depth session with an expert, you’ll find something to help.

1. The Mighty

The Mighty Mental Health Communities

The first mental health community to check out is The Mighty. It’s a peer-to-peer system, where you can chat about specific topics, get advice, or even give it.

If you like to write or paint about your personal struggle or revelations, The Mighty welcomes your creations too. Just post your words or images on the site for others to read and share their thoughts.

All-in-all, you get a hub that lets you express yourself and connect with like-minded people and organizations specializing in various areas of mental health, such as the American Sleep Association, International Bipolar Foundation, and National Autism Association.

2. Therapy Tribe

Therapy Tribe Mental Health Groups

Therapy Tribe takes peer-to-peer mental health support to the next level. Apart from a range of resources, it offers dedicated domains or Tribes for many different issues.

You’ll find communities for:

  • Anxiety
  • Addiction
  • Depression
  • OCD
  • HIV/Aids
  • LGBT
  • Teen
  • Marriage and family

Members can connect, express their feelings, and work on improving their situations. Chat rooms, forums, blogs, online therapists, wellness challenges and tools are a few features to look forward to. These challenges are a great way to stay productive when anxious.

3. The Dinner Party

The Dinner Party Grief Support Options

There are also websites that focus on specific issues. The Dinner Party, for example, is for people grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s a very warm community, sympathetic to your situation and eager to help.

As the name suggests, you can join dinner parties with other members, either virtually or in person. Each group is a safe and understanding place to discuss anything from dealing with grief to moments of rediscovered happiness.

Related: Great Gadgets to Improve Your Mental Health

The Dinner Party can lead to life-long friendships, while also offering resources to help with grief. These resources include book lists, inspiring stories, and tips for friends and employers who want to be more supportive.

4. Zencare

Finding a Therapist on Zencare

It’s nice to talk to peers, but a therapist might have more to offer. When you want such expert advice in your life, Zencare should be among the first websites to try out.

It’s a friendly platform that connects you to therapists and support groups all over the US. You just put in some details, including your location and type of care needed, and the system brings up the best options for you.

Zencare vets its members to make sure you have the best experience possible. From there, how and when you have sessions is up to you and your therapist. For additional tips, the website’s blog also comes in handy.

5. BetterHelp

BetterHelp Mental Health Therapist Network

BetterHelp is another popular platform for finding a good therapist. It takes you through several questions to tailor your online experience and match you with professionals that fit your requirements, while also giving them information about you.

Your BetterHelp sessions can take place over the phone, chat, or video. Your profile also gives you access to a messaging room, so you can quickly contact your therapist. You'll even find group seminars for a more social approach.

All members are well-vetted, but it's not unusual to need a different therapist. The website is happy and ready to help in finding you another candidate. Overall, expect a prompt and satisfying mental health service.

6. HealthUnlocked

HealthUnlocked ADAA Support Group

If you prefer prestigious institutions, you can reach out to HealthUnlocked and its support groups backed by the likes of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

This charity’s community, for example, mainly targets people living with anxiety and depression, giving them a user-friendly place to talk to others with the same conditions. It has over 61,000 members and almost as many posts already.

Keep exploring the social network of HealthUnlocked, and you’ll find more groups and discussions about all kinds of mental health topics. Need recommendations for treatments or businesses? Are you curious about specific symptoms? You can ask anything.

7. National Alliance of Mental Illness

NAMI Mental Health Support Groups

Another important organization to keep in mind is the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), which has its own range of tools to educate and help yourself.

In terms of talking to someone, the website can point you in the direction of good support groups in the US, some done online, others in person. You can also make use of the NAMI helpline through its Chat with us button, as well as its phone and email details.

Because of its status, the NAMI website is more complex to use, but you’re still bound to have quality conversations with people who understand you and want to help.

8. Support Groups Central

Support Groups Central Mental Health Group Types

Like Therapy Tribe, Support Groups Central has different categories to choose from. While the overall service is of a lower caliber, its range is much bigger, each type of group listing a bunch of scheduled meetings you can attend online.

And the platform doesn’t just focus on the most prominent illnesses. You’ll find support for topics like military veteran issues, caregiving, weight management, and life skills.

Out of the best online communities for mental health discussions, Support Groups Central is the most straightforward peer-to-peer option.

9. Calm Sage

Calm Sage Mental Health Stories

Finally, if you like the idea of sharing your personal stories and discovering people with the same experiences, try out Calm Sage too. The website is more educational than a place to connect, but it does welcome guest posts about mental health triumphs.

All you do is fill in your details and story. If Calm Sage approves it, your contribution will go live on the website. Then, other visitors can read, download, share, and comment on it.

Related: Best Sites for Calming an Anxious Mind

If you’d rather not bother with social media, this website offers the simplest way to express yourself and be heard. You can then connect with your supporters elsewhere and continue chatting about your shared interests.

Dig Deeper Into Psychology

The more you learn about the human psyche, the better you’ll be able to understand yourself and explain what’s happening to you. So, pay attention to your mental health and don’t be afraid to talk about it with peers and experts.

At the same time, explore other reliable sources of information for everything psychology has discovered so far. The internet is full of articles, videos, podcasts, and whole courses on the topic.