Support Group for Hoarders

Finding help for hoarding disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when shame and isolation have kept you hidden for years. The good news is that support groups for hoarders exist in many forms—from anonymous online meetings to structured clinical programs—and they’re designed to meet you exactly where you are.

This guide walks you through how to find a support group, what to expect when you join, and how these groups can complement professional treatment. Whether you’re struggling with hoarding yourself or trying to help a loved one, you’ll find practical steps to take today.

Find a Support Group for Hoarders Near You

If you’re ready to take the first step, here’s how to quickly locate a hoarding support group in your area. Many people don’t realize these groups exist until they start searching—and the options are often closer than expected.

• Search Google Maps using terms like “hoarding support group near me” or “clutter support group” plus your city name. Results often include community mental health centers and hospital outpatient programs.

• Use Psychology Today’s therapist directory and filter for “Hoarding Disorder” under specialties. Many therapists who treat hoarding also run or can refer you to local groups.

• Check hospital-affiliated programs in major cities. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta , Toronto, and London all have OCD and anxiety treatment centers with hoarding-specific groups in their outpatient psychiatry departments.

• Contact these types of organizations that commonly host groups:

  • Local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapters

  • University-affiliated OCD treatment centers

  • Community mental health clinics

  • Anxiety disorders treatment programs

  • Senior services agencies (for older adults with hoarding issues)

• Expect weekly or bi-weekly meetings, typically held in the evening (Tuesdays at 7 p.m. is common). Since 2020, many groups offer both in-person and Zoom options.

• Free peer groups are often available through community organizations, while insurance-based clinical groupsmay be offered through hospital programs with a copay or sliding scale fee.

Online Support Groups for Hoarders

If no local group exists in your area—or if you’re not yet ready to walk into a room full of strangers—an online hoarding support group offers anonymity, flexibility, and access from anywhere in the world. Many people find it easier to talk about their clutter and hoarding behavior when they can join from a private space at home.

• Anonymous text-based chat meetings are available through several hoarding cleanup communities. These typically require no video, allow nickname use, and feature moderated chat rooms where you can participate as much or as little as you want.

• Major mental health nonprofits maintain resource directories listing hoarding disorder groups:

  • The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) lists HD-specific groups by region

  • The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) offers member resources

  • NAMI chapters sometimes host virtual support meetings

• 12-step style programs modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous exist for clutter and hoarding. These fellowships offer phone meetings, Zoom sessions, and Sunday night discussion groups with structured formats.

• Typical schedules include Sunday evening Q&A sessions with professionals and mid-week peer-led groups. Some groups meet daily, while others are once or twice weekly.

• Common tools used for online meetings include Zoom, Google Meet, or custom chat rooms accessed via a link and password emailed after registration. Most are simple to use—just click the link at meeting time.

• Privacy features to know about: You can use your first name only, keep your camera off, and log in from any private room. This should reassure anyone who feels ashamed of their home. Many online meetings are completely anonymous—no one will ever see your space unless you choose to share.

Types of Support Groups for Hoarders

“Support group for hoarders” can mean several distinct formats, each with different goals and levels of structure. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right fit for your situation. Some groups focus on emotional support and community, while others teach specific skills to change hoarding behavior.

• Clinical groups led by licensed therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for hoarding disorder. These are typically time-limited (10–20 weeks), held at hospitals or mental health clinics, and may accept insurance. They teach skills for sorting, decision-making, and tolerating the anxiety of discarding possessions.

• Peer-led support groups are run by people with lived experience of hoarding. Members share strategies, offer encouragement, and hold each other accountable without formal therapy. These groups emphasize that you’re not alone and provide a safe space to talk about challenges.

• 12-Step and fellowship-style clutter groups adapt the traditional 12 steps to address hoarding and acquiring. They may involve sponsors, step work, and an emphasis on spiritual growth (broadly defined). Meetings follow a predictable format similar to AA.

• Family and loved-one groups focus on spouses, adult children, roommates, friends, and caregivers affected by someone’s hoarding. These groups help family members understand the disorder, communicate without shaming, and set healthy boundaries.

• Specialized subgroups serve specific populations:

  • Seniors with hoarding disorder (often linked to grief or isolation)

  • People with co-occurring ADHD, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, or trauma histories

  • Animal hoarding support (addressing the unique challenges of collecting animals)

  • Online-only international groups for those outside North America or the UK who struggle to access local resources

How Support Groups Help People with Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding disorder affects roughly 2–6% of the population, yet many people suffer in silence for years. The emotional toll includes deep shame, social isolation, family conflict, and the constant fear that someone will discover the mess. Support groups directly counteract these experiences by creating a space where members finally feel understood.

• Realizing you’re not alone is often the most powerful benefit. Hearing stories from others who also struggle to discard newspapers, clothes, mail, or broken appliances accumulated over years helps members accept that hoarding is a recognized mental health condition—not a personal moral failing.

• Emotional benefits include:

  • Reduction in shame and self-stigma

  • Increased self-compassion

  • Feeling understood rather than judged

  • The ability to speak openly about hidden rooms, blocked hallways, and objects you’ve kept for decades

• Practical benefits include:

  • Exchanging concrete strategies for sorting and organizing

  • Setting small decluttering goals (like clearing a kitchen table for the first time in years)

  • Learning to tolerate the anxiety of discarding items (starting with junk mail from 2020 instead of sentimental stuff)

  • Developing tools for decision-making and time management

• Groups strengthen motivation between therapy sessions. They act as a “booster” for professional treatment and help prevent relapse after a cleanup. When you know you’ll report back to the group, you’re more likely to follow through on small goals.

• Common co-occurring issues like depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD are commonly addressed. Groups normalize these related disorders and point members to other resources and treatment options.

Support Groups for Families of Hoarders

Living with or caring about someone with hoarding disorder can be exhausting and heartbreaking. You may deal with unsafe walkways, blocked bathrooms, strained relationships, or pressure from Child Protective Services or code enforcement. Family members often feel helpless, angry, and isolated themselves.

• Family groups teach the difference between “messy” and diagnosable hoarding disorder. You’ll learn why threats, ultimatums, and forced cleanouts typically backfire—often making the hoarding worse and destroying trust in the process.

• Topics typically covered include:

  • Setting boundaries around shared spaces (for example, hallways must be passable by a certain date)

  • Communicating without shaming (using “I” statements like “I worry about your safety” instead of insults)

  • Supporting treatment attendance and homework without taking over or doing the work yourself

  • Understanding that recovery is slow and progress is measured in small wins

• Providers of family-focused support groups include:

  • Hoarding disorder clinics linked to universities or hospitals

  • Local NAMI family programs and education courses

  • Online educational series run a few times a year (often 6–8 week workshops)

• A realistic example: An adult child notices their parent’s hoarding worsened dramatically after their other parent’s death in 2018. The clutter now blocks access to the bathroom. The child joins a family support group to learn how to approach conversations, acknowledge grief as a factor, and develop realistic expectations about the pace of change—rather than forcing a massive cleanout that would only create more trauma.

What to Expect at Your First Hoarding Support Group Meeting

It’s completely normal to feel anxious before your first meeting. Most people arrive feeling embarrassed, afraid of being judged, and unsure whether they even belong. Here’s what typically happens so you can walk in prepared.

• Welcome and ground rules: The facilitator explains confidentiality policies, asks members not to photograph anything, and emphasizes respect. You’ll hear that what’s shared in the room stays in the room.

• Optional introductions: You may share your first name and a sentence about why you came—or you can simply say “I’m just here to listen today.” No one will pressure you to speak.

• Meeting format usually includes:

  • A check-in round where members briefly share how their week went

  • A short educational piece or discussion topic (like strategies for managing mail or handling holiday stress)

  • Closing reflections or goals for the coming week

• You are not required to:

  • Show photos of your home

  • Speak during your first visit

  • Agree to any immediate cleanouts

  • Share more than you’re comfortable with

• Common rules protect everyone:

  • No shaming or criticism

  • No forced advice (suggestions are welcome only when asked)

  • No pressuring others to discard

  • Emphasis on both emotional and physical safety

• Structured groups may ask participants to set small weekly goals (for example, “recycle 20 outdated magazines by next Sunday night”) and review progress at the next meeting. This accountability can be helpful but is never forced.

Getting Professional Help Alongside Support Groups

Support groups are powerful, but they’re typically most effective when combined with professional treatment for hoarding disorder. Groups provide community and accountability, while therapy addresses the underlying cognitive and emotional patterns driving hoarding behavior.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hoarding Disorder (CBT-HD) is the gold-standard treatment. It includes skills training for sorting and discarding, cognitive restructuring of beliefs about possessions, and graduated exposure to letting go of items. Sessions often last 4–5 months in a group format.

• Cognitive Rehabilitation may help those with decision-making difficulties, attention problems, or organizational challenges commonly seen in hoarding.

• Find clinicians who specialize in hoarding by searching Psychology Today’s directory, local hospital websites, or national OCD and hoarding association listings. Filter for “Hoarding Disorder” under specialties to find therapists with relevant training.

• Psychiatrists or primary care doctors may prescribe medication (such as SSRIs) for co-occurring conditions like major depression or OCD. While medication alone doesn’t treat hoarding, it can reduce the emotional intensity that makes discarding feel impossible.

• Professional organizers who specialize in hoarding sometimes partner with therapists for gradual, therapeutic cleanouts. This approach contrasts sharply with rapid forced cleanouts by landlords or city inspectors, which often cause extreme distress and high relapse rates.

• Integration matters: Bring insights from your support group to therapy and vice versa. When your support group knows what you’re working on in treatment, members can provide targeted encouragement.

How to Choose the Right Support Group for You

Not every group will be the right fit, and that’s okay. It may take trying more than one before you find a community where you feel comfortable. Think of finding a group like finding a good therapist—personal fit matters.

Key questions to consider:

• Do you prefer a group focused on sharing feelings, concrete decluttering tasks, spiritual growth (12-step style), or formal therapy skills?

• Do you need anonymity (text-only, camera-off online) or are you comfortable with video or in-person meetings?

• Are you looking for a group specifically for people with hoarding, or one that includes family members too?

Practical factors to evaluate:

• Meeting day and time (can you realistically attend every week?)

• Location or time zone for online meetings

• Language of the group (English, Spanish, or other)

• Cost: free, donation-based, or fee-based

• Insurance coverage for clinical groups

Give it time: Attend at least 3 meetings before deciding whether a group is right for you. Comfort and trust often build over several weeks. The first meeting is rarely representative of the full experience.

Pay attention to your reactions: Do you leave feeling more hopeful and understood, or more ashamed and criticized? A good group should feel safe, even when the conversations are challenging.

Tips to Get the Most Out of a Hoarding Support Group

Attending regularly and participating at your own pace maximizes what you get from any support group. Like any skill, getting better at managing hoarding takes practice—and groups provide a structured way to practice between sessions.

• Set small, specific goals before each meeting. Examples:

  • “Gather all old grocery flyers from the kitchen counter before Thursday’s group”

  • “Clear the top of the dresser in the bedroom by Sunday”

  • “Recycle one bag of junk mail before next week’s check-in”

• Keep a simple “group journal” to jot down ideas, coping statements, and successes after each session. Note things like “cleared a path to the stove by March 2025” or “finally threw away broken kitchen items without panic.”

• Connect with one or two group members between meetings for accountability check-ins via text or email, if both parties agree. This peer support between sessions can boost motivation.

• Avoid harsh self-comparison. Some members have been in recovery for years while others are just starting. Everyone’s pace is different, and what matters is your own progress.

• Celebrate small wins in the group. Members often acknowledge each other’s successes, whether it’s finally being unable to hide the clutter anymore and asking for help, or simply showing up consistently.

When a Loved One Refuses a Support Group

Many people with hoarding disorder deny there is a problem or feel too ashamed to seek help, even when homes are clearly unsafe. Blocked exits, fire hazards, and stacked objects can create genuine danger—but you cannot force someone into genuine recovery. This is one of the hardest realities for families to accept.

• You cannot force true engagement, but you can:

  • Offer information about groups without ultimatums

  • Express concern for safety and health rather than focusing only on the appearance of the mess

  • Acknowledge that hoarding is a real disorder, not laziness or moral weakness

• Harm-reduction strategies to use meanwhile:

  • Keep exits and hallways clear enough to escape in an emergency

  • Work on shared spaces first if possible

  • Check for fire hazards like overloaded outlets, stacked space heaters, or blocked smoke detectors

  • Involve local agencies only when risk is immediate and serious

• Consider your own support group or counseling even if the hoarding relative will not attend. You need help coping with stress, clarifying boundaries, and developing realistic expectations. You cannot control another person’s recovery.

• Be patient and stay ready. People’s readiness for change can shift after major life events—illness, a fall at home, housing inspections, or the death of a friend. Keep information about groups handy so you’re prepared when they finally realize they need help.

Resources and Directories for Hoarding Support Groups

There’s no single worldwide list of every hoarding support group, but several well-known organizations maintain updated resource directories that can help you find options in your area or online.

• National OCD and hoarding organizations often maintain resource directories listing hoarding disorder and OCD groups by country or state. These directories typically include both in-person and online meeting options.

• Large mental health directories allow users to filter for “Hoarding Disorder” and “Group” to find clinical programs. Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and similar platforms often include this functionality.

• Some websites allow facilitators to submit free listings, helping local or online groups reach more people searching for help. If you run a group, consider listing it in multiple directories.

• Check update dates on listings before traveling to a meeting. Aim for entries updated within the last 12–18 months, and email or call organizers to confirm current meeting times before attending.

• Communities without existing groups can sometimes start small peer-led meetings in libraries, churches, or community centers. Basic education about hoarding disorder from reputable websites and books can help a motivated person create a space for others to log in or show up and share.

• Facebook groups and online forums offer informal support, though quality varies. Look for groups with active moderation, clear rules against shaming, and a focus on mutual support rather than complaining. Some are organized so members can join discussions at any time.

Key Takeaways

• Support groups for hoarders range from informal peer meetings to structured clinical CBT programs—there’s an option for almost every situation and comfort level.

• Online hoarding support groups offer anonymity and access for those who are isolated, unable to travel, or not yet ready to meet in person.

• Groups help reduce shame, build motivation, and provide practical strategies that complement professional treatment.

• Family members benefit from their own groups to learn communication skills and set healthy boundaries.

• Finding the right group may take time—attend at least three meetings before deciding if it’s the right fit.

Moving Forward

Taking the first step toward a support group for hoarders can feel terrifying, but it’s also one of the most powerful things you can do for your recovery. Whether you start with an anonymous online meeting on a Sunday night or walk into a local community group, you’re joining thousands of others who’ve made the same brave choice.

Hoarding disorder is chronic, but it’s also treatable. With the right combination of support groups, professional treatment, and patience, meaningful change is possible. You don’t have to organize your entire life overnight—you just have to show up, listen, and take one small step at a time.

If you’re ready to start searching, begin with your local NAMI chapter, a hospital OCD program, or one of the online directories mentioned above. Your future self will be glad you did.