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
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
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.
Best Nursing Apps That Make Work and Life Easier
What Causes Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare and How to Manage It
The Future of Nursing Scrubs: Smart Fabrics and Modern Design
Transitioning to Non-Clinical Allied Health Roles
Virtual Reality in Therapy: A New Way to Heal
Inside the NICU: Managing the Emotional Toll