“I would just like to thank you for your amazing content and online courses. Thanks to your help I am no longer homebound by crippling panic and anxiety. I went out today into a busy town and was happy, I feel safe and liberated. I have shared all my progress with my doctor and she is ecstatic about my progress and will be recommending your courses to other patients struggling with mental health. I am medication free and happy for the first time in my life. The changes are long lasting and I now can get myself out of a low without going further down the rabbit hole.”
YOUTUBE RESOURCES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
A special thank you to Kimberly Louvin, social worker at Sam Barlow High School, for compiling and sharing this great list of resources.
If you’re looking for YouTube Channels with great videos, I often recommend Psych2go, AnxietyCanada, PsychHub, TherapistAid, AutismWorks, and Therapy In a Nutshell.
For families/adults, this channel explains many common therapy discussions well too and helps explain different types of therapy from 2 couples’ therapists: Finding Solutions Together
Here are some of the highlight of videos I have been asked for most by students:
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I’m Fine – Teen Depression PSA :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g_kA2soWOo
– a 2 minute video depicting what Depression feels like for many teens
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Anxiety – a Short Film
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A Teacher Saved My Life
General Mental Health Video
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10 Mental Illness Signs You Should Not Ignore – from Psych2Go (a great channel full of lots of resources I commonly use with teens and families to explain things in an easily, non judgemental way)
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The Mental Health Crisis affecting Latina Teens
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Black Mental Health – A Discussion by Trevor Noah
Social Anxiety – one of the top 3 topics I often have requests to talk about
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What is Anxiety – for parents to watch
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What is a Panic Attack
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Hidden Signs of Anxiety –
( I really like this channel and you may find other useful videos on this channel)
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Symptoms and Strategies for Social Anxiety in Children and Teens
( This channel has lots of great things too)
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What Is Social Anxiety?
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Social Anxiety Explanation Video (11 minutes) by a doctor
How to talk to your parents/family
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How to Tell your parents about Depression and Anxiety (when the conversation /relationship is already healthy)
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5 ways to talk about Depression/Anxiety with your parents
Focus on LGBTQ teens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn4AVjMMYX4
Youth Produced video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaRB-nbCKio
Hi there, I’m Emma McAdam!
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. And I have walked with thousands of people as they go through the process of changing their lives. Because I’ve seen so many people do it, I am absolutely confident that your brain is wired to change and deep healing is possible for you.
I know that understanding mental health can be confusing and stressful. Most people have never been taught the essential skills to work through emotions and all the resources that you can access to start healing.
My mission is to make mental health skills more accessible through YouTube videos and online courses. Therapy in a Nutshell is built around the idea that small and simple steps can turn into massive change and growth. I don’t just help people get feeling better, I help people get better at feeling.
I’ve been working in the field of change and growth since 2004. I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University, and I’m currently licensed in the state of Utah.
Sign up for my Free Anxiety Course
The Internet gets a bad reputation for being detrimental to mental health. But it’s not all bad: more and more mental health apps are providing accessible treatment to the general public, and YouTube isn’t far behind.
According to a 2021 study on seeking mental health support through video-based social media, the video streaming service showed potential to support mental health through social support, validating experience and sharing the positive experience of help-seeking.
If you’re looking for a more positive place on the web, here are our 10 favorite YouTube channels for mental health support and education.
10 Best YouTube Mental Health Channels
1. The Mighty
The Mighty’s mission is to help people connect with an online community on topics like mental health, chronic and rare illnesses, disabilities and more. Video topics range from dealing with anxiety to recognizing PTSD symptoms, plus regular series like “Ask a Bipolar Advocate” and “Mental Health Happy Hour.” Since joining YouTube in 2015 they’ve amassed almost 90,000 followers and over 26 million views. Watch The Mighty here.
2. Julia Kristina Counseling
Julia Kristina, a registered clinical counselor with an MA in counseling psychology, uses her YouTube platform to speak about mental wellness and personal development. Specifically, how to improve your quality of life through boundary setting, building self-esteem, and working through emotional triggers. Julia posts new videos every Wednesday to her nearly 300,000 subscribers. Watch Julia Kristina Counseling here.
3. Anxiety United
After struggling with his mental health for over a decade, Billy Cross created Anxiety United as a way to share his experiences and connect with others suffering from anxiety. He uses his channel as a teaching tool and as a form of accountability, offering morning coffee chats, personal vlogs and anxiety tips. Viewers can track Billy’s journey as far back as 12 years ago, before he built his following to over 20,000 subscribers. Watch Anxiety United here.
4. Kati Morton
Licensed therapist Kati Morton provides evidence-based mental health advice and education to her 1.16 million YouTube subscribers. Her videos are a blend of digestible information (like “What Is Love Bombing?” and “5 General Types of Dissociation”) and personal anecdotes about her own struggles with depression and burnout. Kati also has two podcasts and a journaling club that viewers can participate in. Watch Kati Morton here.
5. Psych2Go
Through engaging animated videos, Psych2Go aims to teach its large (9.42 million subscribers) audience about mental health topics like depression, emotional trauma, toxic relationships and physical symptoms of anxiety. The channel is geared toward a younger crowd, and describes itself on its About page as a place where fans can come to relax, chill and talk about all things life and mental wellness. Watch Psych2Go here.
6. Therapy in a Nutshell
Licensed marriage and family therapist Emma McAdam started Therapy in a Nutshell as a way to make mental health resources easier to access. She educates viewers on different treatment methods for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses using scientifically-backed methods. The channel—which has nearly one million subscribers—includes videos on how to find an affordable therapist, skills to stop overthinking, and overcoming social anxiety post-pandemic. Watch Therapy in a Nutshell here.
7. SciShow Psych
SciShow Psych is the perfect mental health video content for the whole family to enjoy. Hosted by Anthony Brown, Brit Garner and Hank Green, the weekly show delves deep into the psychology of the human brain. It uses history and ground-breaking psychological studies to help viewers understand the way we interact with the people around us. The channel has over 750,000 subscribers, with some of its most popular videos tackling ADHD and sleep, gaslighting, depersonalization and eating disorders. Watch SciShow Psych here.
8. Yoga With Adriene
For those interested in some moving meditation to improve their mental health, at 11.1 million subscribers, Yoga With Adriene is an extremely popular option. The Austin-based yogi has been uploading free, high-quality videos to YouTube for years, with a variety of yoga series, challenges, and specialized flows (like yoga for anxiety or stress relief). Adriene urges viewers to “find what feels good” on and off the mat. Watch Yoga With Adriene here.
9. Living Well With Schizophrenia
Living Well With Schizophrenia was started by a woman named Lauren, who lives with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. She began the channel, which has 170,000 subscribers, to increase understanding around schizophrenia and mental illness. She also chronicles her own experiences with hallucinations, delusions and medications. Watch Living Well With Schizophrenia here.
10. Bite Size Psych
If you’re looking for nuggets of science-based knowledge, head over to Bite Size Psych and join the rest of their almost 300,000 subscribers. The channel features fun riddles and creativity tests, plus heavily researched info on willpower, happiness and relationships. The videos are generally five minutes or less, with helpful illustrations and a clear script making the topics easily understandable for any age. Watch Bite Size Psych here.
Become a Health & Life Coach
Are you interested in learning more about mental health and wellness? Join HCI’s Become a Health & Life Coach program to learn about health, wellness, diet and nutrition. For those looking to make a career shift, you can begin coaching in as little as six months. If you’re already a coach and want to advance your skills, check out HCI’s Coach Mastery program. Feel free to get in touch with one of our clarity coaches directly by calling 1-800-303-2399.
By: Health Coach Institute
Health Coach Institute provides aspiring Health and Life Coaches with the tools, training, and support to make a great living transforming lives.
Health Coach Institute provides aspiring Health and Life Coaches with the tools, training, and support to make a great living transforming lives.
This page has many resources to assist parents and students with questions about mental health, community mental health options, special programs and services and much more.
If you need additional information please contact one of the School Counselors or the School Social Worker.
Explaining Coronavirus to your Children
Video from WDIV -
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/03/13/watch-explaining-coronavirus-to-children-what-is-it-why-are-schools-closed/
Children and COVID-19 from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children.html
Toolkit for Families with students with ASD.
This would also be appropriate for parents with young children.
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Supporting%20Individuals%20with%20Autism%20through%20Uncertian%20Times%20Full%20Packet.pdf
A story to help children understand Coronavirus
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/595fb0d16a49632afb7e2c00/t/5e73cf66459c9d6afea2bb10/1584648075946/Coronavirus+Story+for+Children.pdf
Julia Cook “The Yucky Bug” video
APA Social Distancing & Related Resources
https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/social-distancing
CDC Managing Anxiety & Stress
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Autism Speaks Resources re: COVID-19 including social stories
https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/covid-19-information-and-resources
Autism Toolkit for school closures
https://l.ead.me/bbTE3n
Coronavirus social story
https://www.flipsnack.com/KeshetChicago/coronavirus-social-story/full-view.html?fbclid=IwAR2spJ0sBUaboJC3UqxeqoHCZjOl2Smg1JSn_CqnzL6V2CQfQf_JG0ohw24
Sesame Street and Caring for Each Other
https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring
Autism and Special Needs Exercise App.
Supported in research and used by universities, parents and professionals around the world. The Free trial period has been extended to both schools and parents during these difficult times.
FAQ about CoronaVirus
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x3eApRJDPdVxpOlq1eEU124oIWpfQDK1/view?mc_cid=b04fa541f1&mc_eid=17a6856e0c
Something for Everyone
https://www.wholechildcounseling.com/post/coronavirus-resources-for-kids-parents-counselors-and-educators j
Hand-washing Steps Using the WHO Technique
Handwashing-The 12 Steps
FREE Mental Health Support and Resources Through Child Mind
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/?fbclid=IwAR2rIRsR80rCNIZeb9JtEhS7k_CEPRNujVjeQfPfWevFpQYghjatPoNp-sU
Social-Emotional Learning Online
Howard B. Wigglebottom Books for Young Children with songs
https://wedolisten.org/
Books Read By Celebrities
Lessons for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo0zW6kLPq2Ns_51AaZN0lQ
Social Emotional Learning
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SEL-Home-Learning-Packet-supports-Social-Emotional-Learning-5326481?aref=xds4gjp4
SEL Y5-gr2. Stories & activities
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BALGReH9Yks-AgHTJ_sdLJfS2YnGk-wFxf297iZYFaQ/edit?usp=sharing
SEL gr.3-5 Stories & activities
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10Z1lMNrDlp6FtlZUzfupyWA-EYcUMcEh4bJD9eNkcKs/edit?usp=sharing
Centervention
https://www.centervention.com/
Game-based interventions that focus on improving social and emotional skills in K-8 students.
Offering a free 30-day trial with lessons/activities and printables on our website that focus on SEL:
https://www.centervention.com/social-emotional-learning-activities/
Classroom Champions
https://teach.classroomchampions.org/available-programs/
The social and emotional learning lessons within Classroom Champions’ SEL Foundations Curriculum underscore the value of dreams, grit, and perseverance, especially during hard times. For ten years, Classroom Champions has been focused on students’ social and emotional learning by connecting world-class athletes with K-8 schools in every state and province across North America, achieving measurable improvements in student mental health, social and emotional development, and academic outcomes. Founder Steve Mesler (an Olympic Gold Medalist) and Board Member Christian Taylor (2-time Olympic Gold Medalist) have opened up the platform to share the entire K-8 SEL Foundations Curriculum, plus the Parent Toolkit, the video library, and access to the teacher community for free to help support educators and families. Access to Classroom Champions’ digital platform containing the entire K-8 SEL Foundations Curriculum, plus their Parent Toolkit, video library, and the teacher community.
Anxiety and Stress Management
10 Therapist and Child Approved Activities to Support Kids with Anxiety
https://familytherapybasics.com/blog/2017/10/8/10-therapist-and-child-approved-activities-to-support-kids-with-anxiety
20 Fun Activities to Help Kids With Anxiety
Worry Warriors videos (gr 3-5)
Mindfulness exercises:
Ease your anxious child: 6 simple mindfulness exercises to try today
More Mindfulness exercises:
https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/
General Mental Health Resources
A list of children’s books about mental health topics
https://childmind.org/article/best-childrens-books-about-mental-health/?fbclid=IwAR1CPcyUDQ2MSAe6DtkYhMLDqumlPMiFjdStphhE_3emBcvywSOGCKmsKUs
Resources for Early Childhood
Sesame Street and Caring for Each Other
https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring
Sesame Street Belly Breathe
Breathe Think Do Sesame Street App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe-think-do-with-sesame/id721853597
Elementary Resources
A-Z Activities for Coping
Sesame Street Belly Breathe
Breathe Think Do Sesame Street App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe-think-do-with-sesame/id721853597
Yoga and meditation for young elementary
https://awakeandmindful.com/best-kids-yoga-videos-on-youtube/
Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness
Secondary Resources
Therapy in a Nutshell – Anxiety and Relaxation video series
Therapy in a Nutshell – Help to fall asleep when stressed
Therapy in a Nutshell – Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Great resource for High School through adulthood!
https://www.virusanxiety.com/
Self Care for Teens
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OI6qdAba3rtb13XYYKf0Pubi6IxL5Y4SRQeytLcdjx8/mobilepresent?slide=id.p
A
pps
Breathe2Relax
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe2relax/id425720246
Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool that provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing.Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. Breathe2Relax can be used as a stand-alone stress reduction tool or can be used in tandem with clinical care directed by a healthcare worker. Breathe2Relax now uses HealthKit and your Apple Watch device to measure your heart rate throughout your breathing exercise to help provide an even more complete picture of the relaxation experienced.
Headspace Guided Meditation
https://www.headspace.com/meditation/guided-meditation
Calm App-Meditation & Sleep Stories
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calm/id571800810
Mindshift CBT
A user-friendly self-help tool based on proven scientific strategies, MindShift™ CBT teaches about anxiety, helping users to engage in healthy thinking and to take action. Users check-in each day to track their anxiety and work with tools in the app.
Stop Breathe Think App (ages 5-10)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stop-breathe-think-kids/id1215758068
Breathe Think Do Sesame Street App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe-think-do-with-sesame/id721853597
Autism and Special Needs Exercise App.
http://www.exercisebuddy.com/
Supported in research and used by universities, parents and professionals around the world. The Free trial period has been extended to both schools and parents during these difficult times.
Fun Family Projects and Learning Sites to Beat Boredom!
50 Fun Activities for Kids and Families
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/g1389/diy-kids-activities/?slide=5
Kindness & Compassion Word Search
https://docs.google.com/document/d/144eyGDYg7wJEtEkQ38lFt70bq-qqW_hbzo1rcJzlDr8/edit?usp=sharing
My Cup of Feelings
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LgwJEjbBQIe6mMYD_T4li04kBuudyFc4/view?usp=sharing
Fun family activities and games
https://byrdseed.tv/students/index.php?kids=true
Virtual Family Field Trips!
https://adventuresinfamilyhood.com/20-virtual-field-trips-to-take-with-your-kids.html
More fun things!
https://pbskids.org/
Free Learning Materials from Scholastic
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home–free-resources-for-school-closures.html#
Virtual Museum Tours!
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours?utm_medium=social&utm_term=59F3F59E-653B-11EA-938E-3D9296E8478F&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=travelandleisure_travelandleisure&utm_content=link&fbclid=IwAR1jkFjMun7aPZi48ZbUlZNur36mGDZRguXtzzOn2S3AuX-5fxyn6t73klY
Introduce the children to opera!
Georgia Aquarium! Jellyfish anyone!?
https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/jelly-webcam/
Educational Resources
http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com
Educational Videos
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Online Children’s Books-Read to them!
Amazing People Coming Together to Provide Online Literacy Resources
More educational websites posted by WDIV
https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/2020/03/16/10-fun-educational-websites-your-kids-will-love-to-visit-while-stuck-at-home/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=wdiv
Marine Mammals
https://outschool.com/classes/introduction-to-marine-mammals-manatees-dolphins-whales-and-more-SxuseJiX#abk7uulbl9
150+ Enrichment Tools
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KCFnWreu4v7VoO3NbgP-Qcq2LyE1FvliYSoiTLRY7Qg/htmlview?usp=sharing&fbclid=IwAR3KGzpN7Fs3ncXRdRfKaEzta19TDOp4q7EiDcM8Sf1iKcYPm2EuLAcluSE&sle=true
More fun things to do
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Sgk9Pq5eCRJFvnjM9PNdei21z5-AQ6l0-bJqFE7n25o/edit?fbclid=IwAR0kkJzc81vZ1bajAuCA5zX80vmOKmcfSf7LwvLp7R5PsQ-CKg426WQ5qME#slide=id.p
Le
arning and Studying Tools:
How to Plan a Homework Schedule:
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Homework-Schedule
Study Skills for Students:
https://www.educationcorner.com/study-skills.html
12 Strategies to Help your Child Learn:
https://www.educationcorner.com/motivating-your-child-to-learn.html
Tips for Taking Online Classes:
https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/tips-for-taking-online-classes/
Free Keyboarding Skill Builders/Activities
https://typetastic.com/
Free STEM Activities
https://www.vivifystem.com/blog/2020/3/12/top-stem-resources-for-school-closings?fbclid=IwAR2hVfaeqcsAPvEwRs-ych-NP6mO56ifpqeOvG9ilEft1UVGzbsLIgUMjGs
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Online FREE Learning Tools and Tutorials
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Great reading instruction resources
Virtual Field Trips Calendar
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qpFAQz_QJt0ZTVTixAyuGRjsKGYI23CjlaO9eLBkThE/preview?fbclid=IwAR0Usx91q6ehmq7R9pJmhPhu2vNcXEgYstWkExSijizCkVGJ6Kq_dDdk64E
