Mental health Internet support groups: just a lot of talk or a valuable intervention?

Over the past 15 years there has been a rapid growth in research demonstrating the effectiveness of online cognitive behavioural interventions for the treatment of common mental disorders1. There has been substantially less professional and research interest in Internet support groups (ISGs) that provide peer‐to‐peer support to individuals with a mental illness. This is surprising given the widespread availability and popularity of ISGs2 and the recommendation in at least one leading clinical practice guideline that individuals with depression be advised of self help and support groups3.