Circles Online Peer Support Review

Circles: A Peer Support Platform Facilitating Group Sessions for Various Challenges

Circles is a unique online platform that facilitates peer-based group support for individuals facing various challenges, including grief, loss, separation, and divorce. Established in 2018, Circles aims to provide affordable, accessible, and supportive group sessions facilitated by mental health professionals. This review takes a comprehensive look at Circles, its services, user satisfaction, and its comparison to alternative platforms.

How Does Circles Function?

Circles offers group support sessions addressing a range of topics, such as grief, loss, separation, divorce, mental health, addiction, and chronic illness. Users can select their preferred topic and join a closed group with other individuals facing similar challenges. Each group has a maximum of 10 participants and convenes weekly for 12 weeks.

Apart from the weekly group sessions, users have access to a 24/7 chat feature that enables them to connect with their group members and facilitator. Additional resources, including self-help exercises, blogs, and webinars, are also available.

Key Features of Circles:

• Group-based peer support: Circles prioritizes group-based support, allowing individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges.
• Weekly video meetings: Each group meets virtually once a week for 12 weeks, fostering consistency and rapport among participants.
• Trained facilitators: Circles ensures that all group facilitators are professionally trained mental health professionals, providing guidance and support throughout the sessions.
• Safe and supportive environment: Circles creates a safe and supportive space where individuals can share their experiences, offering validation and empathy from peers.
• Additional resources: Users have access to a range of additional resources, including self-help exercises, blogs, and webinars, to support their journey.

User Satisfaction and Quality of Care:

Based on user surveys conducted by independent reviewers, Circles has received positive feedback regarding user satisfaction and quality of care:

• 40% of users felt that Circles met all their needs, while 37% felt most of their needs were met.
• 42% of users were satisfied with the therapist options provided, and 24% were very satisfied.
• 62% of users believed that Circles' therapists had better qualifications, experience, and specialized training compared to other companies.
• 48% of users found the platform easier to use than other similar services.

Circles vs. Competitors:

• Sesh: Circles offers more structured, 12-week "courses" with the same participants and facilitator, providing a sense of consistency and rapport. Sesh, on the other hand, has a more flexible "pick and choose" model, where users can attend as many groups as they want, but may miss out on developing rapport with a specific group.
• Talkspace and Teladoc: Circles' group therapy model differs from individual therapy offered by platforms like Talkspace and Teladoc. Circles is best suited for individuals seeking peer-based support in addition to or as a supplement to individual therapy.

Limitations and Points to Consider:

• Circles is not intended to replace one-on-one therapy, especially for severe mental health conditions.
• The closed group structure may not suit everyone, as some may prefer the flexibility of joining different groups or having more control over their therapy.
• Circles does not accept insurance, making it less accessible for individuals seeking reimbursement.

Final Verdict:

Circles is a valuable platform for individuals seeking peer support to navigate difficult challenges in their lives. It provides a safe and supportive environment facilitated by trained mental health professionals. While it may not replace individual therapy for severe mental health conditions, Circles can be a helpful supplement to individual therapy or a standalone option for those seeking peer-based support.