The best mental health podcasts are designed to integrate seamlessly into our non-stop schedules. Our collective pace (hint: it’s fast!) is ironically the reason it can be difficult to prioritize self-help And why it is so essential. “As a therapist in private practice, I always encourage my clients to seek out and utilize resources that complement their mental health,” says Dr. Terri Bacow, a CBT psychologist based in New York. “We are all painfully busy and listening to podcasts is a wonderful way to get support in an efficient and effective way.”
In addition to boosting our daily mental health routines, podcast hosts and guests serve to educate listeners, making them a valuable resource on the go. “Podcasts are a great way to learn more deeply, connect and introspect on any topic, especially mental health,” says Dr. Daryl Appleton, which specializes in mental health care for high performers. “I like to remind my clients that the media we consume matters. Adding feel-good and even challenging podcast episodes and topics is a useful way to continue growth and development.”
While experts are quick to note that podcasts are not a replacement for therapy, they do provide concrete coping skills that can be easily integrated into your daily life for immediate improvement. And finally, mental health podcasts can promote a sense of community, even if you’re listening alone. “The magic of mental health podcasts is that they help people feel less alone,” says Bacow. “You can find a sense of community there, but also empathy, compassion and understanding.”
Here, 15 of the best mental health podcasts, as recommended by therapists.
Hosted by Untamed author Glennon Doyle, along with her wife Abby Wambach and sister Amanda Doyle, We can do difficult things (the title is a nod to Doyle’s personal mantra) focuses on life’s difficulties and the ways to deal with them. “I love the brilliant minds and raw, unfiltered style of Glennon, Abby and Amanda as they tackle some of the most important issues we face individually and collectively,” says psychiatrist and executive coach Dr. Anna Yusim.
An agreed favorite among our experts, Where should we start? helps couples solve complex problems. “Esther talks about the common struggles couples face and is able to break down her therapy sessions that are acceptable to therapists and non-therapists alike,” says Alyssa Mancao, psychotherapist and wellness practitioner. “It provides actionable tools and insights that people can use within their own relationships; and it also destigmatizes the problems that ordinary couples face.”
“This podcast is the epitome of, ‘It’s okay not to be okay,’” Appleton says. “Each episode is valid and raw and features great guests and dialogue around some of life’s toughest topics. It is one of my favorites because on a tough day I need a moment of clarity and the feeling of being seen.”
It’s impossible to fully address mental health without talking about physical health. Family physician and author Rangan Chatterjee, MD explores this connection, talks to health experts, and shares ways to help you supplement (or overhaul) your routines and feel better.
“I could listen to Laurie forever,” says Yusim, who works closely with Santos at Yale. “She is such a brilliant thinker and speaker who expertly integrates the latest scientific research to help us understand how we can be happier and more fulfilled on a regular basis.”
The happy hour for mental illness talks about mental health with a refreshing candor, leaving listeners feeling safe – and free to grin through whatever comes their way. “Laughter is always my drug of choice,” says Appleton. “This podcast brings great guests from the fields of mental health and science and infuses conversations with humor. Ideal if you need a pick-me-up or a smile during a difficult time.”
Although this comedy podcast is no longer releasing new episodes, its backlog of funny and honest conversations is worth a spot on this list. Listen as public radio host John Moe talks to guests about coping with depression, giving listeners insight into their own experiences (or those of a loved one) and reminding us that we are not alone in our less sunny emotions.
“This great anxiety podcast covers all aspects of anxiety and includes discussions about other mental health conditions, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD),” says Bacow. “It’s impossible not to find a topic that’s interesting to you.” And as a bonus: “Several episodes are dedicated to success stories, which give listeners hope without falling into toxic positivity.”
Appleton’s own podcast uses research and common sense to help listeners separate fact from feeling. “I made Feelings and other F-words as a way to answer the questions I get most often,” she says. “This podcast analyzes the science of why we are the way we are and provides tangible action steps on what we can do about it.”
“I love this podcast, who among us hasn’t been ghosted?” says Bacow. “The host, Greta, is warm and wonderful and talks about her own experiences with ghosting. While ghosting is a very specific experience, there are many mental health aspects to dealing with this type of rejection, and I recommend this podcast to all my clients who have had this (sadly all too common) experience.
Hosted by clinical psychologist Robert Duff, this podcast explores a range of topics related to mental health, without what Duff calls “psychobabble.” “He is doing an excellent job making psychiatry accessible to the general public,” says Yusim. “I love how open he is about his own life and story on his podcast.”
Psych Central’s award-winning podcast features conversations on a wide range of topics through the lens of mental health, including historical events and their lasting impact, current collective events (think burnout and cancel culture), specific types of therapy, and more much more. more.
“This podcast has over 300 episodes and is just fantastic!” says Bacow. “Episodes discuss compelling topics ranging from how trauma affects the brain, to dealing with imposter syndrome and perfectionism, to cultivating friendships in adulthood, and speaking to the importance of mental health for everyone.”
Author of The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin talks about active happiness, from daily tips and tricks to new routines and perspective shifts. Topics include everything from how to fall asleep faster, how to make connections (and remember names), how to deal with regret, and much more.
Listening to conversations about mental health is one thing; implementing daily practices is another. “For those of us who can’t sit still for too long, this podcast offers a micro-dose in meditation,” says Appleton. “Each episode is perfect for 5 to 10 minutes of mediation, on-demand and when you need it most.”
If you feel hopeless, seek professional medical help immediately. Call 988 on any phone in the United States to connect to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, where someone is available to talk 24 hours a day.
