Support when traditional care is offline

Certified peer support nights and weekends.

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If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988

Certified peer support specialists connecting with members through the One Small Step platform

4.9/5

Average rating

45 mins

Average session

Real people, real connection.

One Small Step certified peer support specialist on a video call with a member

01

Real experience

Connect with certified peers who have lived through mental health or addiction challenges, and are trained to help you heal.
02

Empathy, not judgment

Our peers listen, understand, and walk with you. No clinical distance, just real support.
03

On your schedule

Evidence based peer support, proven to help and available evenings and weekends, when you need it most.

Meet the peers

Your personal AI guide for peer support.

Our AI Guide answers your questions about peer support, explains what to expect, and helps you feel ready before connecting with a real person.

Learn what peer support is and how it works
Get answers to common questions in a judgment-free space
Real-time safety routing when you need immediate help

Try the AI Guide

Results from early partner sites.

4.9

Out of 5 stars

35%

Reduction in crisis services utilized

50%+

Patients return for multiple sessions

Partner With Us About Us

Backed by research. Featured in media.

HITLAB 2025 whitepaper: Empowering Recovery and Well-Being Through Real-Time Human Connection — evaluation of One Small Step

Independent evaluation

Empowering Recovery & Well-Being Through Real-Time Human Connection

HITLAB conducted a comprehensive heuristic evaluation of One Small Step, finding strong adherence to user-centered design, empathy-driven communication, and emotional safety across both web and mobile platforms.

Read the whitepaper →

Podcast

How Peer Support is Filling Gaps When Traditional Mental Health Care Fails

One Small Step founder Mike Meaney discusses the science and mission behind certified peer support in a candid conversation on after-hours care, lived experience, and building trust.

Listen on Spotify →

Peer-reviewed research

From our Head of AI Research & Engineering

Scaffolding Empathy

Training counselors with simulated patients and utterance-level performance visualizations.

Virtual Agents for Alcohol Use Counseling (Best Paper Award 🏆)

Exploring LLM-powered motivational interviewing for substance use disorder treatment.

Key supporting literature

Eddie et al. (2019) — Systematic review of 24 studies found peer support linked to reduced substance use, improved retention, and greater treatment satisfaction.
Reif et al. (2014) — SAMHSA-commissioned review rated peer recovery support at moderate evidence for reducing relapse and improving engagement.
Magidson et al. (2021) — Recovery coach program at Massachusetts General Hospital showed 44% fewer hospitalizations and 66% more outpatient visits.

Real stories from people we serve.

"Mike has helped me through 2 breakthroughs... two steps with One Small Step :)"

"I had a wonderful time talking to J. He was able to give me some good suggestions and great advice. I love One Small Step, it is an amazing platform. Thank you all for your support."

"Helped focus and relieved stress and anxiety."

"I was going to leave treatment before I talked to you."

"I felt safe enough to be vulnerable and open in my session. I received a lot of positivity and great advice that I will be trying to implement in my life. Thank you so much for your time and experience!"

"I really enjoyed my conversation with him. We had a different type of topics which was fine. I really appreciate that. I appreciate him as a person and as a peer support."

"Everyone I have spoken to have been helpful. Thankful that this service exists."

"Such a positive thing."

"Just nice to talk sometimes."

"I like how the peer support can relate and understands how I am feeling and what I am going through. I like how she knows how to validate and be supportive with no judgment."

"It felt really good to have someone to talk to about my troubles and also my goals. I would gladly use this service again in the future! Keep up the good work!"

"Awesome program helped me in rehab and enjoy the peers who work here."

"I had a great experience with Peer Support tonight and will gladly use this service again in the future!"

"You guys are always calm and patient and kind. It sounds simple, but when you are suffering any amount of negativity hurts worse. Here it's safe to be able to talk to people who are available emotionally to help as well. Thank you"

"One small step has been so helpful! I want to thank everyone for helping and working together just wanted to show my love and appreciation."

"I'm really enjoying this app. It's hella cool."

"Mike has helped me through 2 breakthroughs... two steps with One Small Step :)"

"I had a wonderful time talking to J. He was able to give me some good suggestions and great advice. I love One Small Step, it is an amazing platform. Thank you all for your support."

"Helped focus and relieved stress and anxiety."

"I was going to leave treatment before I talked to you."

"I really enjoyed my conversation with him. We had a different type of topics which was fine. I really appreciate that. I appreciate him as a person and as a peer support."

"Everyone I have spoken to have been helpful. Thankful that this service exists."

"Such a positive thing."

"Just nice to talk sometimes."

"I like how the peer support can relate and understands how I am feeling and what I am going through. I like how she knows how to validate and be supportive with no judgment."

"It felt really good to have someone to talk to about my troubles and also my goals. I would gladly use this service again in the future! Keep up the good work!"

"Awesome program helped me in rehab and enjoy the peers who work here."

"I had a great experience with Peer Support tonight and will gladly use this service again in the future!"

"One small step has been so helpful! I want to thank everyone for helping and working together just wanted to show my love and appreciation."

"I'm really enjoying this app. It's hella cool."

Certified peers with lived experience.

Cassie

Cassie is passionate about spiritual healing and consciousness, bringing a calm and supportive presence to every conversation.

Mike

Mike has been sober from alcohol for over a decade. He is calm, friendly, and passionate about helping others take the first step toward recovery.

Mia — certified peer support specialist at One Small Step

Mia

Mia is passionate about helping others navigate their recovery journey. She brings a compassionate and understanding approach to every conversation.

Russ

Russ has been in recovery for many years and brings positive energy, insight, and a wealth of lived experience to every conversation. His story is one of resilience, having navigated an extraordinary comeback.

You're not alone. Start your first session now.

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