Congratulations on making it to summer and through another year of medical school! That’s no small feat, and you should be proud of how far you’ve come. Whether you’re wrapping up your first year and taking a well-deserved break, or deep in board prep, now is a great time to pause and check in with your mental health.
Amid the constant pressure and demands of medical training, mental health can easily fall to the bottom of your priority list—but ignoring it often comes at a cost. Taking even a few minutes to assess how you’re really doing can make a big difference.
To help, I’ve pulled together a list (with some help from ChatGPT) of free mental health and wellness resources for medical students. Many are also useful for your future patients and colleagues. I hope you find something here that helps you recharge, refocus, or just breathe.
Mental Health Support & Counseling
Campus-Based Student Support Services: Most medical schools offer free, confidential counseling to students, including short-term therapy, wellness workshops, and referrals. Contact your school's Office of Student Affairs or Wellness Center.
Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141 (U.S.) Free and confidential support from volunteer psychiatrists. Open to medical students, residents, and physicians. Hours: 8 AM–1 AM EST, 7 days/week
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HELPLINE" to 62640. Free support for anxiety, depression, or general stress. Offers listening support, referrals, and crisis resources.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. 24/7 emotional support from trained crisis counselors. For anxiety, panic, burnout, or suicidal thoughts.
Mindfulness, Meditation and Wellness
UCLA Mindful App: Free guided meditations, breathing exercises, and weekly podcasts. From UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center.
Headspace: Some schools offer free access. Not available? Try the educator or student trial plans. Features mindfulness, sleep, stress relief, and focus tools.
Insight Timer: 100% free app with 100,000+ meditations, music, and talks. Focuses on sleep, anxiety, and self-compassion.
Peer Support and Community
Reddit & Medical School Forums: Communities like r/medical school and r/Step1 offer real talk, support, and humor. Great for study advice, validation, and stress relief.
PeerRxMed: Free, confidential buddy system for medical professionals. Encourages regular check-ins to combat burnout.
Buddy/Mentorship Programs: Many schools pair students for peer support. A great way to connect, debrief, and share resources.
Tools for Focus and Balance
Focusmate (Free Plan): Virtual co-working sessions to help you stay focused and accountable.
Pomofocus or Tomato Timer: Simple Pomodoro-style tools to manage time and reduce burnout.
Bonus: Free Wellness Courses
The Science of Well-Being (Yale on Coursera): A free, evidence-based course on building happiness and resilience. Created by Dr. Laurie Santos. Coursera Link
You’ve done something amazing by getting through another year of med school. Make sure your mental health gets the same care you give your studies. Be kind to yourself—you deserve it.
