Therapeutic groups online: the good, the bad, and the unknown.

In an era of diminishing health care resources, the number of online support groups is increasing. These groups consist of individuals seeking assistance with problems such as depression, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, cancer, and eating disorders. Although online support groups are apparently popular, little is known about their therapeutic efficacy. Seminal findings suggest that these groups offer some advantages over their traditional face-to-face counterparts; however, disadvantages have also been identified. It is clear that additional research is required to better understand what role these groups should play in mental health care.