Mental Health Resources Every Nurse Should Know About

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers—but also one of the most emotionally and physically demanding. Long shifts, traumatic events, staffing shortages, and emotional fatigue can take a serious toll on mental health. The reality is: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

That’s why knowing where to turn for mental health support is not just helpful—it’s essential.

Here’s a guide to the most trusted, nurse-friendly mental health resources you should have at your fingertips.

Why Nurses Need Dedicated Mental Health Support

• Burnout and compassion fatigue are common, especially in emergency, ICU, and long-term care settings.

• Moral injury—the feeling of witnessing or participating in events that go against your values—can cause deep emotional distress.

• Workplace violence and trauma impact mental wellness more than most people realize.

• Stigma often prevents nurses from speaking up or asking for help, especially in a profession that praises “strength.”

But prioritizing your mental health is not weakness—it’s an act of resilience.

Top National Mental Health Resources for Nurses

The Nurse Suicide Prevention Hotline

📞 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HELLO” to 741741

• 24/7, confidential, free support

• Staffed by trained crisis counselors

• Dedicated specifically to nurses via the Healers in Crisis initiative

American Nurses Association (ANA) Well-Being Initiative

🌐 nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/wellbeing-initiative

• Offers free guided meditations, webinars, peer support groups, and digital mental health tools

• Created in response to COVID-19, but remains active and evolving

Therapy Aid Coalition

🌐 therapyaid.org

• Matches frontline workers—including nurses—with licensed therapists

• Free or low-cost counseling services

• Virtual and local support options

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

🌐 nami.org | 📞 Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI

• Offers education, advocacy, and support groups

• Can help you connect with mental health providers and peer-led programs in your area

In-House or Employer-Based Resources (That You Should Ask About)

Even if you’re not aware of them yet, many employers offer mental health support through:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – Free short-term counseling sessions, sometimes up to 6–8 visits per year

• Mental health PTO or self-care days

• Peer support groups or debrief sessions after traumatic cases

• Access to virtual therapy apps like Talkspace, BetterHelp, or Headspace

🧭 Tip: Ask HR or a nurse manager about these benefits—it’s part of your total compensation.

Best Apps & Tools Nurses Actually Use

• Calm and Insight Timer – For quick stress relief, meditations, and better sleep

• Ten Percent Happier – A no-nonsense mindfulness app great for science-minded professionals

• Moodfit or Sanvello – Mood tracking and CBT-based tools you can use daily

• MyStrength – Often included with health plans or EAPs

Peer Support: You’re Not Alone

Sometimes the best therapy is simply talking to someone who gets it.

• The Resilient Nurse Project – Guided journaling and online reflection tools

• NurseGroups.org – Peer-led Zoom support sessions just for nurses

• Reddit /r/nursing or private Facebook groups – Judgment-free spaces to vent, ask, and connect

Being a nurse means showing up for others. But you can’t give your best when you’re running on empty. Prioritizing mental health isn’t selfish—it’s a survival skill in today’s healthcare world.