Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn more about a variety of subjects at your own pace, on your own time, and in your own space. You can find podcasts about almost any subject out there — yes, including mental health. The right mental health podcasts can help you keep a positive attitude, teach you coping skills to better deal with stress in your life, enhance your relationships, and enjoy life more.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a mental health condition like chronic depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, podcasts can provide comfort and ultimately help you navigate things in a healthy manner.
Below are some of our favorite podcasts that are good for your mental health.
1. “Inside Mental Health” by Psych Central — Hosted by Gabe Howard
This weekly podcast seeks to take the “scary” out of mental health. Each 30-minute episode is hosted by Gabe Howard, an award-winning author and mental health activist, and features different mental health experts as guests. Shows focus on practical information and insights about living with a mental health condition.
Recent topics have included:
Do Non-Monogamous Relationships Have Jealousy Issues?Mothering with SchizophreniaJewel Talks about her Anxiety, Lyrics and LifeWhat Is Narcissism Exactly
Why we love it: This award-winning podcast is relatable and makes even a complex mental health issue understandable and interesting.
You can find “Inside Mental Health” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Pandora.
2. “The Courageous Life” — Hosted by Joshua Steinfeldt
Another one of our picks for best mental health podcasts is “The Courageous Life.” The weekly podcast describes itself as a “global conversation…about overcoming fear and growing courage to pursue what matters most in life, work, and love.”
Host Steinfeldt interviews experts in healthcare, positive psychology, mindfulness, and other related fields. It also profiles “everyday heroes.”
Recent topics have included:
George Mumford – Courage, Compassionate Action, and Finding GreatnessDr. Sunita Puri – The Eleventh Hour: Lessons on Life, Acceptance, and CourageSharon Salzberg – Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World
Why we love it: Both engaging and comprehensive, “The Courageous Life” shares insightful musings on the most important aspects of living — like how to overcome your fears so you can truly learn to live your best life.
You can find “The Courageous Life” on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Stitcher.
3. “The Anxiety Coaches Podcast” — Hosted by Gina Ryan
One of the best mental health podcasts for people living with anxiety, “The Anxiety Coaches Podcast” offers new topics twice a week. Gina Ryan, a nutritionist and anxiety coach, hosts interviews and offers helpful insights into living with anxiety.
Topics discussed on recent episodes have included:
Is Perfectionism Keeping You Anxious?Anxiety Relief Through Awareness of Pain6 Tips to Soothe and Eliminate Anxiety Attacks
Why we love it: With more than 12 million downloads, there’s no doubt that “The Anxiety Coaches Podcast” will live up to listeners’ expectations. It’s definitely raised mental health awareness. The short (just 20 minutes!) episodes make this podcast perfect for on-the-go listening during quick drives around town or when you want to unwind before bed at night.
You can find “The Anxiety Coaches Podcast” on Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, and Pocket Casts.
4. “Therappuccino” — Hosted by Bisma Anwar
Definitely one of the best podcasts right now, the “Therappuccino” podcast is hosted by Bisma Anwar, a New York-based licensed mental health counselor and Talkspace online therapist. These periodic episodes cover a broad range of mental health topics, ranging from self-care that promotes mental wellness and how sleep and mental health are related, to pandemic anxiety. There’s even a little bit about coffee.
Topics discussed in recent episodes have included:
Mental Health in 2022Navigating your relationship with food during the holidaysPost Pandemic AnxietyMandala- Emotional Wellbeing for People of Color
Why we love it: With a wide range of subjects that focus on everything from food issues, how to promote positive psychology, to how to set boundaries to post-pandemic anxiety, “Therappuccino” discusses a relevant mental health topic for everyone.
You can find “Therappuccino” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audible
5. “Dear Therapists” — Hosted by Lori Gottlieb & Guy Winch
The weekly “Dear Therapists” podcast features real-life stories about what it means to be human. Hosts Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch are respected therapists, Ted Talk presenters, and authors who bring listeners into therapy sessions (with permission, of course). You’ll hear patients’ real-life situations and listen to recommendations and “homework” assignments.
Episodes end by checking back in with patients months later to hear about their progress. This engaging podcast even encourages listeners to submit questions about any mental health topic and situations online for consideration by podcast producers.
Recent topics have included:
Doug’s Fear of IntimacyHow to Have Hard Conversations: How to Stop Being AvoidantFamily Struggles: How We Move Through Them
Why we love it: This dynamic duo offers double the expert-fun with their collaboration on “Dear Therapists.” We love the unique take on this podcast, where listeners get to be a fly on the wall of real-life therapy sessions.
You can find “Dear Therapists” on Apple Podcast, Megaphone, iHeartRadio, and Stitcher.
6. “The Emotions Mentor” — Hosted by Rebecca Hintze
“The Emotions Mentor” is a weekly podcast that seeks to help listeners learn ways to keep their emotions under control, even in this crazy world. Mental health professional Rebecca Hintze leads discussions about current social issues and how they affect our emotional health like how social media affects mental health.
Recent topics have included:
How to Stop Judging Yourself and OthersDone Is Better than PerfectScience Is the Best: 5 Proven Ways to Make You Genuinely Happier
Why we love it: “The Emotions Mentor” is a powerful, 40-minute exploration of current social issues and how they relate to our mental health.
You can find “The Emotions Mentor” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Choosing the Right Mental Health Podcast for You
Just like finding the right therapist can take a few tries, you might have to listen to a couple of podcasts before you find a series you really connect with. The best mental health podcasts will be ones that address topics you can identify with and that have a tone and point of view that speaks to you.
Taking the time to find one or two podcast series you enjoy can pay off in the long run. It can help you effectively learn how to improve your mental health. Podcasts can also help you establish a sense of community and avoid feeling isolated as you focus on managing your mental health.
“Mental health podcasts can be a useful source of information on various topics such as wellness, self-care, mental illness, and coping strategies. Some additional mental health podcasts that are hosted by mental health professionals are “Unlocking Us” by Brene Brown, “Dear Therapists” by Lori Gottlieb, and “Where Should We Begin” by Esther Perel.”
Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHC
Finding podcasts that are good for your mental health isn’t difficult. You can start with our list and expand on it. Ask good friends, family members, or even your mental health care team which mental health-related podcasts they love to listen to. The more you learn about your own mental health, and the more you listen to how others cope with similar challenges, the better you’re likely to feel.
Talkspace is an online therapy platform that is changing how people think, feel, and go about getting therapy. We’ll help you take your mental health to a healthier new level.
Find out why so many people use and love Talkspace. From podcast recommendations to learning effective coping strategies, Talkspace is changing the therapy landscape with an all-inclusive, one-stop shop that makes mental health care accessible to everyone.
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