Just Some Therapists to Follow on TikTok for Mental Health Advice
Guys, the TikTok algorithm is kinda scary. Like, I’ll just think about a cute puppy, and all of a sudden, my FYP serves up 10 videos of baby golden retrievers. (I’m definitely not complaining, it’s just pretty wild.) So as a routine therapy-goer and overall anxious person, it was only a matter of time before therapist accounts started to pop up on my feed.
If you haven’t come across one of these vids yet, a quick scroll through the #TikTokTherapist page should get you up to speed. Basically, there are a ton of licensed therapists who’ve joined the platform to spread mental health awareness, share tips, and make funny videos too (because duh)—and their accounts are blowing up. TBQH, I’m not surprised. They’re pretty much offering a mini dose of therapy for free.
Can following therapists on TikTok actually be helpful?
“I think anything that can break mental health stigma is helpful,” says licensed mental health counselor Rachel Gersten, cofounder of New York City–based Viva Wellness. “These accounts show therapists being real people and being relatable, being funny, and just really normalizing all types of mental health concerns,” she adds. In other words, watching these TikToks can make therapists, therapy, and talking about mental health feel a lil less intimidating.
The tips themselves can be useful too—just keep in mind that the advice these therapists are offering is usually super general. “You do need to take everything you see on the internet that’s health care or mental health advice with a grain of salt because it might not apply to you. And that’s fine, there’s nothing wrong with you—you can’t put advice on social media that is going to apply to every single person looking at it,” says Gersten. So if a particular breathing technique or mood-boosting exercise you see from a TikTok therapist works for you, great. If not, don’t sweat it.
But know that these videos aren’t a substitute for actual therapy
While you might learn some helpful coping strategies, watching TikTok therapists isn’t the same as therapy. You’re not getting specific guidance based on your current sitch like you would if you were meeting with a therapist one-on-one, explains Gersten. And you’re also missing the therapeutic relationship (aka the bond between a therapist and their client) over TikTok, she adds.
If you’re dealing with anxiety or mood issues that are getting in the way of your daily life or you’d just prefer advice that’s tailored to you, that’s when it’s time to find a therapist outside of TikTok, says Gersten.
The TL;DR: TikTok therapists’ videos can definitely be helpful, but the advice just might not always work for you. And they’re not the same as going to therapy, k? Now that we’ve got that down, here are 10 therapist accounts that are worth a follow.
If your anxiety is through the roof lately
Want anxiety tips from someone who *gets it*? Follow psychotherapist Nadia Addesi, RSW. She’s open about her own struggles with anxiety, which makes her advice extra helpful.
If you want mental health info that’s specifically for BIPOC
As Shani Tran, LPCC, mentions in the above TikTok, therapy isn’t always culturally inclusive—but it should be. That’s why a lot of her posts are about the experiences of Black therapists and clients.
If you have PTSD or want to learn about trauma
Micheline Maalouf, LMHC, chooses a different mental health topic to cover on her page each month. For July, she’ll be posting about trauma, its various forms, and what you can do to cope like a pro.
If you want your tips with a side of humor
Therapy doesn’t always have to be serious, and Justin Puder’s, PhD, TikToks prove that. He’s not afraid to joke about the process (while also sharing helpful tips on relationships, grief, and more).
If you’re looking for advice on literally everything
Marquis Norton’s, PhD, account is all over the place…in the best way possible. He addresses everything from alcohol abuse to toxic relationships to negative coping skills, so you’re bound to find info on at least a few topics that resonate with you.
If you need a lil encouragement
In addition to talking about anxiety, depression, and relationships, Julie Smith, PhD, uses her platform to share encouraging messages, like this one, that always bring me out of a funk. Oh, and she shares cool facts about the brain too.
If you have specific mental health Qs
Have a mental health question that WebMD can’t answer? Psychiatrist Melissa Shepard, MD, is your go-to. She answers her followers’ questions on the reg.
If you struggle with confidence
FWIW, nobody is confident all the time. But if it’s something you want to work on, check out Kojo Sarfo, DNP, PMHNP-BC. He has a five-part series on exactly how to improve your confidence.
If you have ADHD
Lindsay Fleming, LPC, covers a ton of different topics on her TikTok. But you should definitely hit her with a follow if you have ADHD, since she covers the disorder pretty regularly.
If you’re having ~relationship drama~
Shane Birkel, LMFT, is a couples therapist, so his TikToks are all about relationships. Have your BF or GF watch them, too, if you wanna solve your issues.
You Might Also Like
