Key Takeaways Key Takeaways

  • If you’re looking for the best mental health podcasts, why not get your podcast recommendations from the experts themselves? This top 10 list was handpicked by licensed therapists who actually listen to these shows—so you can feel comfortable knowing that every podcast listed was selected by a mental health expert.

  • This top 10 podcast list includes some podcast picks for everyone and some that are exclusively for clinicians.

  • From educational insights to emotional support and a touch of humor, these podcasts have a lot to offer.

10 Mental Health Podcasts Therapists Actually Listen To and Recommend

In a world where wellness content is everywhere but quality can vary wildly, finding mental health resources that are both engaging and evidence-based can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. That’s why we’ve asked our own mental health professionals to curate this list of podcasts that combine clinical expertise with compelling storytelling.

Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your experiences.

These aren’t just any mental health podcasts—they’re the ones therapists themselves tune into for professional growth, recommend to their clients, and even enjoy during their own self-care time. From grief and depression to happiness research and culturally responsive therapy, these audio shows offer something for just about everyone on their mental health journey.

Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your experiences.

However, it is important to note that we are providing this list as a courtesy. These podcasts are not a substitute for the personalized professional help of a licensed mental health clinician, and our providing this list should not be considered our approval of any content produced by anyone other than LifeStance.

1. Bialik Breakdown by Mayim Bialik

bialikbreakdown.com

Hosted by actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, this podcast brings together psychology, personal storytelling, and humor in conversations with celebrities and experts. It focuses on mental health, well-being, and the intersection of mind, body, and spirit, with a scientific approach.

The host’s background in neuroscience is what drew Nicholette Leanza, MA, LPCC-S, to give this podcast a try. She now listens regularly, appreciating how Bialik blends academic insight with an entertaining format that makes even complex topics feel approachable.

2. Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin

gretchenrubin.com/podcasts

This cheerful and insightful podcast is built around the idea of small habit changes leading to a more satisfying life. Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft share personal anecdotes and happiness hacks, all rooted in behavioral science and habit research.

Kaira Gramley, LPCC, finds this podcast to be a mood-booster and a practical tool. She describes it as “a light-hearted accountability group” and credits it with helping her discover habit strategies that align with her personality—and adds that she often passes on to clients, too.

3. Where Should We Begin? by Esther Perel

estherperel.com/podcast

Renowned couple’s therapist Esther Perel invites listeners into one-time therapy sessions with couples (and occasionally individuals or families), offering a rare, fly-on-the-wall experience of therapeutic work in action.

Douglas Ryder, MA, IMFT, LMFT, listens to this podcast not only for the compelling sessions but also to gain insight into another therapist’s thought process. He notes that it has sharpened his own clinical instincts—but he also acknowledges the importance of context: “She has a team and the benefit of editing, so it’s inspiring—not something to compare yourself to.”

4. The Connected Life by Justin & Abi Stumvoll

justinandabi.com/the-connected-life

Focused on vulnerability and emotional healing, this podcast explores the challenges of relationships and personal growth through real, unscripted conversations. Hosts Justin and Abi share their own experiences in a way that’s equal parts raw, goofy, and grounding.

Kaira Gramley, LPCC, says this podcast resonates deeply because it doesn’t just talk about emotional healing—it shows it happening in real time. “They model the messiness and beauty of growth,” she says, noting how it helps both therapists and listeners feel more connected to the human side of change.

LifeStance Health is a national leader in mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness with multiple locations in 33 states. Services vary by location.

Find a provider near you:

5. Therapy for Black Girls by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

therapyforblackgirls.com/podcast

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, created this show to make mental health more accessible to Black women and girls. She covers topics ranging from anxiety and self-esteem to cultural identity and systemic inequality, all through an affirming and empowering lens.

Several LifeStance professionals highlight this podcast as an essential listen for anyone seeking culturally informed care. They admire Dr. Bradford’s ability to blend clinical knowledge with cultural context in a way that is both validating and deeply informative.

6. Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

lifestance.com/podcasts

Produced by LifeStance, this podcast features licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists sharing their insights on everything from anxiety and relationships to trauma, parenting, and personal growth. Each episode offers practical, evidence-based advice in a conversational tone that’s easy to digest.

While originally created to help educate the general public about mental health, Convos from the Couch has become a favorite among professionals as well. Because it’s hosted by a LifeStance therapist and frequently features LifeStance colleagues, it often feels like listening in on an informal peer consultation—part knowledge share, part support circle. For many clinicians, it’s become a meaningful way to stay connected, inspired, and grounded in their work.

7. Unlocking Us by Brené Brown

brenebrown.com/podcast-show/unlocking-us

Hosted by bestselling author and researcher Dr. Brené Brown, this podcast explores vulnerability, shame, empathy, and courage through thought-provoking conversations. Brown’s grounded, research-based style makes this a favorite for anyone seeking to understand the emotional forces behind personal and social change.

8. The EMDR Podcast by Dr. Andrew Dobo

emdrpodcast.com

Designed for clinicians trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), this podcast dives into the nuances of working with clients who present with complex trauma. It assumes foundational EMDR knowledge and focuses on expanding clinical applications.

Nicholette Leanza, MA, LPCC-S, recently completed her EMDR training and was immediately drawn to this podcast as a learning companion. She calls it “an invaluable resource” for any therapist who wants to sharpen their EMDR skills or get a thoughtful refresher between sessions.

9. Terrible, Thanks for Asking by Nora McInerny

feelingsand.co/podcasts/terrible-thanks-for-asking

Author Nora McInerny created this podcast to explore how people really feel when life falls apart. Born from her own experience of grief and loss, the show is raw, witty, and unflinchingly honest—reminding listeners it’s okay not to be okay.

10. The Hilarious World of Depression by John Moe

hilariousworld.org

Hosted by writer and public radio personality John Moe, this podcast explores the realities of living with depression through candid and often humorous conversations with comedians, artists, and creatives. Drawing from his own experience with depression and the loss of his brother to suicide, Moe brings both depth and levity to the discussion, helping to break the stigma around mental illness.

Authored By 

LifeStance Health

LifeStance is a mental healthcare company focused on providing evidence-based, medically driven treatment services for children, adolescents, and adults.

Contributed By

Nicholette Leanza, MA, LPCC-S

Nicholette is a faculty member at John Carroll University’s Clinical Counseling program, and she is also the host of the LifeStance podcast, Convos from the Couch.

Kaira Gramley, LPCC

Kaira Gramley is a professional counselor who has been practicing since 2017. She holds a Masters in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from John Carroll University.

She believes that gaining insights from our past can help us be empowered in our current day-to-day choices and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and attachment-based therapy. She counsels adolescents, adults and couples ages 14+. She also has completed Level 2 training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is actively pursuing Certification. Her areas of interest include relationship issues, parenting, and perfectionism.

In her spare time, Kaira has an active lifestyle and enjoys exploring the coffee shops around Cleveland.

Douglas Ryder, MA, IMFT, LMFT

Douglas Ryder, IMFT, is a dedicated therapist serving individuals, couples, and families across Ohio. With a broad range of experience, Douglas has worked in community mental health, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, school-based programs, and outpatient care. He embraces the complexity of human experiences and offers support to those who feel their challenges might be too much for others to handle. Douglas specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, alcohol and drug use, couples issues, and gender identity concerns. He has a particular interest in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, those navigating polyamory, and parent-child communication challenges.

His therapy approach emphasizes practical, goal-driven changes tailored to each unique situation, ensuring progress is both meaningful and sustainable. In addition to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT , Douglas employs couples and marital counseling, family therapy, and parenting skills to help clients navigate their relationships and personal growth. He is deeply committed to creating a supportive space for populations including LGBTQ+, first responders, military veterans, and individuals affected by head injuries or adoption/foster care experiences.

Douglas s approachable and collaborative style ensures that clients feel heard and empowered. He views therapy as a partnership, working alongside clients to make life s stressors more manageable and identify pathways to improvement. Outside of his practice, Douglas enjoys weightlifting, CrossFit, cooking, playing board games, engaging in tabletop role-playing games, and spending time with his two dogs, Dolly and Roxy.