How to start a mental health podcast

Listeners need to know what kind of voice they are hearing. Are you sharing lived experience, interviewing professionals, or are you a qualified clinician yourself? Say so in your show description and early in each episode.

Lived experience podcasts are valuable precisely because they are personal. They are not a substitute for professional care, and the best ones say that clearly.

Unless you are a qualified professional speaking within your expertise, do not diagnose, recommend treatments, or suggest stopping or changing medication. Share what helped you as your experience, not as advice for everyone.

Even qualified guests cannot assess an individual listener through a podcast. Frame their advice as general information and encourage listeners to talk to a doctor or therapist about their own situation.

Avoid detailed descriptions of methods of self-harm or suicide. Safe messaging guidelines for media recommend talking about these topics in ways that encourage help-seeking rather than describing methods.

Include crisis and support information in your show notes and mention it in episodes that cover heavy topics. In the US, people can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you have listeners in other countries, include resources for them too, or a general signpost to find local services.

Add a short content note at the start of episodes that discuss trauma, self-harm, eating disorders or suicide, so listeners can choose when to listen.

Guests who share their mental health story are trusting you. Explain how the episode will be used, let them review sensitive sections, and offer to remove identifying details or use a first name only. Respect a guest who changes their mind before publication.

For guests who want privacy, consider an anonymous format. See how to start an anonymous podcast.

Talking about difficult experiences every week takes energy. Plan breaks between seasons, have your own support in place, and give yourself permission to skip a week. A sustainable show helps more people than one that burns out its host.

Mental health episodes are intimate, so a close, clean sound matters. Record in a quiet, soft room close to the microphone. Remote guests can join from their browser, which makes it easier for people to take part from somewhere they feel comfortable.

See the mental health education podcast template for an episode structure.