Mindfulness and Meditation Best Mental Health Podcasts By Sydney Greene, MS, RDN Sydney Greene, MS, RDN Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist focusing on integrative, customized nutrition counseling and coaching for individuals in recovery from substance use. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 21, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by mental health professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics. Learn about our editorial process Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Final Verdict Compare Podcasts Frequently Asked Questions Methodology Trending Videos Close this video player Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images There were in excess of 1.7 million total podcasts at the start of 2021, a number that continues to grow. And the selection and range of health podcasts out there are huge. Scan the 225 most popular mental health podcasts on iTunes and you'll find shows covering autism, grief, narcissism, complex trauma, codependency, and binge eating. Podcasts are an excellent way to learn more about mental health issues and common interventions, as many discuss self-care and provide practical strategies for taking care of your well-being. Listeners can also learn from renowned psychologists, authors, and lecturers. It is important to note, however, that a podcast should never take the place of therapy. Read on for our roundup of the best mental health podcasts. Best Mental Health Podcasts Best Overall: The Positive Psychology Podcast Best for Anxiety: The Anxiety Podcast Best for Time Constraints: Meditation Minis Best for Humor: The Hilarious World of Depression Best for Emotional Trauma: The Trauma Therapist Podcast Best for Complex Topics: Tara Brach Our Top Picks 1 Best Overall: The Positive Psychology Podcast The Positive Psychology Podcast Learn More Why We Chose It: The Positive Psychology podcast covers all sorts of topics such as passion, mindfulness, and strengths with a focus on positive psychology so you can cherry-pick the strategies that work best for you, regardless of what you are going through. What We Like A variety of topics are covered Many episodes 4.4 stars out of 5 on the Apple app store What We Don't Like Backbone is positive psychology which may not suit all listeners Older episodes do not feature guests Host Kristen Truempy is a seasoned podcaster with a Master’s degree in applied positive psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on helping people become happier without dwelling on negative aspects of their lives. Episodes range in length from 30 to 60 minutes and they often include a special guest speaker. This podcast is widely available on the Apple App Store, Spotify, ACast, Google, and many other platforms and covers a wide range of topics: narcissism, sex, humility, self-love, and more. It's been around since 2014, so there are many episodes to dig into. 2 Best for Anxiety: The Anxiety Podcast The Anxiety Podcast Learn More Why We Chose It: The Anxiety Podcast is hosted by someone who understands anxiety on a personal level. This podcast’s mission is to overcome anxiety and reduce stress. What We Like Solely focused on overcoming anxiety Over 400 episodes What We Don't Like The host is not a licensed mental health provider Most episodes are about Tim’s personal experiences or answering listener questions Host Tim JP Collins suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, changed his life in order to recover, and now supports others in doing the same. This unique show isn't just about coping; it's about moving past anxiety and fear to live the life for which listeners were destined. Tim combines interviews and listener questions in his episodes in the hopes that listeners will relate. This podcast has over 200 reviews on Apple podcast and 4.7 stars out of 5. Episodes range in length from 10–30 minutes and the topics covered vary. Examples of some topics include meditation, forming habits, practicing gratitude, and putting yourself first. Listeners can tune into the podcast on the podcast's website, Apple, Android, and Youtube. 3 Best for Time Constraints: Meditation Minis Meditation Minis Learn More Why We Chose It: Great for those with no time to spare, Meditation Minis Podcast is designed to help you feel better quickly. Designed by Hypnotherapist Chel Hamilton, each episode is meant to help you feel better in about 10 minutes or less. What We Like Short meditations in 10 minutes or less All meditations are free Varied meditations techniques What We Don't Like There are sponsored ads at the beginning, cutting into the time of the meditation Meditations are not filtered by ability level Available on iTunes and Spotify, Meditation Minis has over 30 million downloads, 230,000 followers on Spotify, and 2000+ Apple Podcast 5-star reviews. The meditations presented in this podcast are from a wide variety of sources and do not subscribe to any particular ideology. Every effort is made to present the meditation techniques in this podcast series in a non-dogmatic, non-religious way. Host Chel Hamilton's voice is calming and clear. As one reviewer wrote, “I love these meditations. They bring me balance, they help me start my day off on the right foot or come out of a frenzied headspace when I’m winding down for bed.” 4 Best for Humor: The Hilarious World of Depression The Hilarious World of Depression Learn More Why We Chose It: When thinking of depression, humor does not come to mind...until this podcast. The Hilarious World of Depression is our top pick for a humorous mental health podcast. What We Like Brings humor to the topic of depression Works to fight the stigma against clinical depression Available on multiple platforms What We Don't Like Unclear if new episodes will be released The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with the disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. Hoping to fight the stigma against this isolating disease that affects millions, this podcast brings some laughs to an otherwise heavy topic. Listening is a chance to gain some insight, have a few laughs, and realize that people with depression are not alone and that together, we can all feel a bit better. This podcast is available on Spotify, iTunes, Radio Public, and Stitcher. 5 Best for Emotional Trauma: The Trauma Therapist Podcast The Trauma Therapist Podcast Learn More Why We Chose It: The Trauma Therapist Podcast is the best mental health podcast for trauma because of the wide variety of mental health experts who specialize in trauma that appear on this show. What We Like Specifically focused on trauma Hosted by a mental health professional Guests are leading experts in the field What We Don't Like A newsletter for trauma therapists costs roughly $20 per month This podcast has been putting out potent episodes about trauma and mental health since 2014. It has 4.5 stars on Apple Podcast and over 300 ratings. Each episode is roughly 30 minutes long. Hosted by Guy Macpherson, Ph.D., most episodes focus on a dynamic and powerful conversation between Guy and an expert in the field of psychology and trauma. Guests range from renowned doctor Gabor Mate to well-known author and psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb. Over 500 episodes span the depths of trauma, which can be accessed across podcast platforms like iTunes and Spotify. 6 Best for Complex Topics: Tara Brach Tara Brach Learn More Why We Chose It: Who better to speak about complex mental health subjects than Tara Brach, a renowned psychologist with a PhD. in clinical psychology and a meditation teacher deeply rooted in Buddhism. It is Tara’s expansive knowledge and gentle tone that makes this our top pick for complex topics. What We Like Live, recorded lectures and meditations by Tara herself Episodes are varied offering both meditation and lectures Hosted by a mental health professional What We Don't Like Episodes do not directly address mental health issues/disorders Lectures can be long, over 60 minutes Tara Brach’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with our world. Tara’s podcast receives over 3 million downloads each month. Her themes reveal the possibility of emotional healing and spiritual awakening through mindful, loving awareness as well as the alleviation of suffering in the larger world by practicing compassion in action. Podcast episodes vary from shorter meditations to longer lectures. Many different topics cover mental health covered but the overarching theme is the value of mindfulness meditation and self-compassion in relieving emotional suffering, serving spiritual awakening, and bringing healing to our world. Final Verdict Mental health podcasts differ by focus, topics covered, and type of host. Non-clinicians host some podcasts, while mental health practitioners host others. Our top pick for the best mental health podcast is Positive Psychology Podcast for its accessibility across many different platforms, length of episodes that range from 30 to 60 minutes, and the inclusion of guests. It's important to note, however, that podcasts are not a form of medical treatment and should not be seen as a substitute for therapy or medication. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, a consult with a mental health provider is recommended. Compare Podcasts Best Mental Health Podcasts The Positive Psychology Podcast Best Overall 20–60 minute episodes The Anxiety Podcast Best For Anxiety 10–60 minute episodes Meditation Minis Best For Time Constraints 4–15 minute length episodes The Hilarious World of Depression Best For Humor ~45-minute episodes The Trauma Therapist Project Best For Emotional Trauma 30–45 minute episodes Tara Brach Best For Complex Topics 10–60 minute episodes Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Mental Health Podcast? A mental health podcast is any type of podcast that discusses some element of psychology or mental health. Topics covered include trauma, depression, self-love, body image, anxiety, addiction, and more. Some podcast hosts may even interview leaders in the field of mental health. How Do I Choose the Best Mental Health Podcast for Me? The best way to pick a podcast is to listen to a few and see what resonates with you. If you struggle with an identified diagnosis, it can be useful to find a podcast that speaks directly to that issue. It is also helpful to identify with or enjoy listening to the host. How We Chose the Best Mental Health Podcasts We researched more than 10 different podcasts and assessed them based on the number of reviews, ratings, area of focus, and style of episodes. The podcasts listed here offer listeners the opportunity to learn about general and specific areas of mental health and possible interventions that can be used. While not reviewed for this piece, The Verywell Mind Podcast, is another option that is popular with listeners. The podcast covers a range of topics focused on improving psychological well-being and boosting mental strength. 10 Podcasts for Depression 1 Source Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nielsen. The podcast audience is growing, but advertiser focus should be sharpening. Updated Feb. 25, 2021. By Sydney Greene, MS, RDN Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist focusing on integrative, customized nutrition counseling and coaching for individuals in recovery from substance use. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies