How Can I Find Anxiety Support Groups Near Me?

Updated March 18, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

Many people who are living with anxiety take advantage of support groups in their area. Support groups can help you connect with others facing similar struggles, gain insight into your condition, get advice for treatment options, and allow you to be open about your feelings without feeling judged or alone. If you’re considering joining a support group for anxiety, you may wonder how you can find one near you. Based on where you live, there are often many local resources that provide ways for people with anxiety to connect with their peers. These resources comprise local, county, and state agencies and mental health organizations, and even everyday people starting groups for support on their own. Finding just one support group you can rely on and feel comfortable in can be key to feeling less alone in your journey with anxiety. 

Talking to a therapist can enhance your support group experience

Benefits of participating in an anxiety support group

Anxiety is a very common mental health disorder. An estimated 19.1% of adults had some type of anxiety disorder within the past year in the United States. Many people coping with anxiety tend to focus on themselves without realizing that others in their community are facing similar struggles. Joining a support group for anxiety can be a vital step toward learning how to manage your symptoms. You can learn how other people cope with their anxious thoughts and feelings and find other resources for support. If anything, you may feel less alone as you search for treatment options and solutions to combat your anxiety. 

Most anxiety support groups are free and meet regularly. They may include participation from people who have found successful approaches to coping with anxiety. Sometimes local counselors or mental health professionals moderate the group and pick topics to focus on and discuss during the meetings. The goal of most of these groups is to provide a comfortable atmosphere for people who want to improve their mental health in a healthy way. 

How and where to search for local anxiety groups

While anxiety can be treatable with different methods, it is also typically recommended to seek ways to be productive when dealing with your emotions. Incorporating treatment options for anxiety, such as prescribed medications and therapy, may improve your results when making changes to your living habits and participating in a support group. Here are a few sources to consider when starting your search.

Conduct an online search and take notes. When considering what your options are in your local community, you can start by doing research online. Use your preferred search engine and type in your city, along with what you are searching for. You can change up your search terms to get different results. Based on your interests, you may find a vast number of potential sources to learn more about. You might also discover where to go locally to participate in sessions and even find a schedule online. Write down sources that catch your eye and consider learning more about them one by one. If contact information is provided, you might use it to get in touch with the group and ask questions. Gathering as much information as you can about a group can help determine if you want to participate.

Use online directories for groups for support for anxiety. Many trusted websites that provide information on mental health support services may also list local groups that are available to the public. Some may provide support on topics besides anxiety, including depression, addiction, and anger management, to name a few. If you’re coping with anxiety and have other issues or concerns, your search may include groups that discuss more than just anxiety. These sites often feature a search box at the top of their page where you can enter details such as your city, zip code, or type of group. These groups may also be led by a trained mental health professional.

Learn groups offered by local universities. Local college universities often provide an assortment of support group options. Universities may provide details on their website along with session schedules and contact information. These groups may assist in helping people cope with anxiety or other mental health concerns. Some may be a part of a study while helping students gain skills utilized in the mental health field.

Learn about mental health organization in sponsoring groups.Mental health organizations at the national level may have local or county chapters that host support groups for anxiety. These organizations often provide services for youth and adults and cover a wide range of mental health concerns. They may also provide useful tools to help you understand other ways to obtain assistance with your anxiety.

Search community mental health centers and country agency services. Many mental health centers host support groups for mental health concerns such as anxiety. They may provide comprehensive support through paid services or for patients, but many have groups open to the public depending on scheduling. Some centers partner with social workers or local county agencies affiliated with job and family services.

Look on social media. You may find social media pages for local groups during an online search. You can use the search box to find groups near you. You might find options that provide support for different concerns besides anxiety. Some local groups may use a social media platform as their regular meeting spot and make plans to meet in-person, maybe once or twice a week, depending on the group moderator and group interest.

Ask people you know. It’s possible that your friends, family members, clergy leaders, coaches, or mentors know a local anxiety support group that could help you. They may know of groups started by local neighbors or give you leads on where else to look. If there’s someone in your life that also has anxiety, consider asking them if they attend a support group for it. You may get tips on groups that meet in local areas in your neighborhood, such as a library, church, or community park center. Such areas may post bulletin reminders on message boards with flyers as an open invite for anyone to attend.

Try mental health apps. Additionally, you can search for groups using mental health apps run by organizations and agencies with mental health initiatives. Use a local phone book directory to learn about other mental health sources that may provide group support. Local city hospitals may host groups for support with local experts and post the information on their website. You can contact local churches and community centers to learn about support group meetings. They may provide leads on where else to search if they don’t host a group. Consider consulting with your doctor or therapist for more tips on where to look.

Can’t find what you want? Start your own

Creating a support group opens possibilities to connect with others experiencing similar struggles. It may require time and effort on your part to establish an environment for peers to connect. Starting your own group could be an option if you don’t find an established group that meets your needs. Maybe you’ve tried some groups in the past and didn’t get the support you hoped for. Or maybe you’re in an area that doesn’t provide many options. Consider how you would lead the group. Figure out where you could hold meetings and consider what the schedule might look like. Places such as churches, hospitals, and libraries may have space available you can use for free.

Talking to a therapist can enhance your support group experience

Tips on finding the right support for you

Support groups are structured differently, which may affect how effective they are from person to person. Some groups may not have a facilitator or moderator if it is a peer support group. Other groups may have a counselor or social worker leading. Try different groups and get a feel for how support is provided. A group may provide support to individuals, couples, or families.

When attending the group, give it some time before determining if it is the right fit for you. Some groups may require a time commitment. Seek open groups that welcome new people and ask yourself if you feel comfortable there. Some groups may be closed, and you may have to inquire about when to visit. The right support group can ideally help you feel encouraged and safe while also providing positive insight. If they offer helpful strategies for coping, this could be even more promising. 

Online counseling with Regain

There are many ways to cope with anxiety, one of which may be support groups. If you’ve joined a support group and don’t notice any changes in your mental health, it may be time to reach out to a professional. You can connect with a therapist online through the Regain platform. Making time for a support group can be difficult, especially with a busy schedule; the same can go for traditional therapy. With online therapy, you can chat with your therapist from the comfort of your home. If you don’t feel ready to discuss your anxiety in person yet, online therapy may encourage you to move in that direction in the future. Attending a support group while also seeing a therapist can provide even more benefits, so you may consider using both methods to overcome the anxiety you’re experiencing. 

The efficacy of online counseling 

Anxiety can be appropriately treated through online therapy interventions. In one study, researchers compared the effectiveness of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to a face-to-face CBT program and found that they were equally as efficacious in treating anxiety disorders. CBT is an approach that works by teaching people how turn their unhelpful thoughts into more productive ones. This can transform the way they view themselves and others and impact their behaviors as a result. 

The takeaway

Taking part in a support group could be a proactive way to help yourself or someone you know who lives with anxiety. Finding support groups near you includes assessing your options online and in-person through local community resources. Spending time learning about what your community has to offer for concerns with anxiety can allow you to find help when you need it most. If you feel that your anxiety is affecting your day-to-day functioning or that it’s getting worse, it may be time to reach out for professional support. Consider getting started with Regain and connecting with a therapist to help you through your struggles. With the right tools, encouragement, and treatment, you can manage anxiety’s impact on your well-being. 

For Additional Help & Support With Your ConcernsThis website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet Started
This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.