We all need some support from time to time. Maybe you're struggling with a death in the family, a relationship breakdown or even your sexual and personal identity.
Seeking help online is a great way to anonymously get some advice, tips and resources.
Below are 5 FREE sites that offer varying services. We have gone through them and listed the benfits and limitations for all. As always, if you need help, ask a professional.
7 Cups – Anonymous Emotional Support & Community
Ever need someone to listen right now without judgment? 7 Cups offers one-on-one text chats with trained volunteer listeners, plus community forums and optional paid therapy.
What you’ll see (screenshot carousel above):
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Simple, straightforward interface for chatting and browsing guides.
Pros:
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Always-on chats: Access a listener 24/7, anonymously 7cups.com+1.
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Robust topic-specific forums: Discussion groups for ADHD, grief, LGBTQ+, stress, etc. 7cups.com+1.
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Free self-assessment tools: PHQ‑9 and GAD‑7 quizzes help you monitor mood/anxiety periodically 7cups.com.
Cons:
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Listener quality varies: Not professionals, and depth differs per person HealthlineWellness and Health Blog Directory USA.
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Limited scope: Trained listeners aren’t equipped for crisis-level issues—they’ll refer you onward HealthlineWellness and Health Blog Directory USA.
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UI feels dated and therapeutic licensing issues have been reported recently WikipediaWellness and Health Blog Directory USA.
Best for: Needing an empathetic ear any time, at no cost.
MindShift CBT – Anxiety-Focused Toolkit
Tailored for managing anxiety, panic, and phobias, this app delivers CBT techniques like thought journaling, coping tools, and mood check-ins.
What you’ll see (screenshot carousel above):
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Visual snapshots of thought journal entries, coping cards, and daily check-ins.
Pros:
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Scientifically backed: Rooted in CBT, built by Anxiety Canada clinicians .
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Interactive tools: Helps you notice patterns, track anxiety, reframe thoughts .
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Completely free: No hidden fees or premium upsells mentioned.
Cons:
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Anxiety-focused only: Doesn’t address other issues like depression or trauma.
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App-only format: No web portal available.
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Minimal human support: Lacks any live coaching or peer chat.
Best for: Anyone who prefers guided self-help specifically for anxiety.
MentalHealth.gov – Government Mental Health Reference
The go-to federal portal for mental health info. Straight answers, no fluff—covering basics, symptoms, help-seeking steps, and hotline referrals.
What you’d see (not in carousel but referenced):
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Clean layout with “What To Look For,” “How To Get Help,” and featured topics (Depression, Eating Disorders, Veteran Care) .
Pros:
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Reliable & authoritative, with vetted content.
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Resource aggregation: Phone lines, guides, government services listed.
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No commercial agenda—100% informational.
Cons:
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Static info hub: No interactive tools or peer chat.
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Clinical tone: May feel bland or impersonal.
Best for: Quickly researching symptoms, laws, or understanding where to turn next.
iPrevail – Structured Self-Help + Peer Coaching
Combines CBT programs with community-driven peer coaching. After sharing your concerns, you’re matched with paths (e.g., stress, grief), surveys, and trained peer support.
What you’ll see (screenshot carousel above):
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Clean mobile app interface showing progress-tracking surveys and coach chats.
Pros:
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Personalized tracks: Choose from mental health modules like depression, stress, grief.
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Coach support: Volunteer peer coaches offer empathy and accountability .
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Confidential & HIPAA-compliant: Good privacy standards.
Cons:
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Peer coaching, not therapy: Not qualified mental health professionals.
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Paid upgrades required: Full programs may need subscriptions.
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App/web focus: Lacking real-time interaction features.
Best for: Those who want structured guidance with a friendly human touch.
The Trevor Project – LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Support
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
A lifeline for LGBTQ+ young people in crisis: 24/7 phone/text/chat with trained counselors, plus community resources.
What you might see:
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Vibrant pages for crisis support, TrevorSpace forums, educational info and outreach news .
Pros:
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Specialist-trained counselors: Not volunteers—real expertise.
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Multiple access points: Text, chat, and phone support available 24/7.
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Community resources: Events, peer forums, and educational initiatives.
Cons:
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Targeted at youth: Specifically ages up to mid‑20s.
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High demand = wait times: Crisis lines can be busy.
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Not a catch-all service: Doesn’t treat other mental health issues outside LGBTQ+ needs.
Best for: LGBTQ+ teens and young adults needing trusted, identity-affirming emotional support.
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