Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • Therapy Worksheets
    • Anxiety Worksheets
    • Depression Worksheets
    • Relationship Worksheets
    • CBT Worksheets
    • Therapy Worksheets for Kids
    • Therapy Worksheets for Teens
    • ADHD Worksheets
    • All Therapy Worksheets
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo

Newsletter

Search Icon
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • Therapy Worksheets
    • Anxiety Worksheets
    • Depression Worksheets
    • Relationship Worksheets
    • CBT Worksheets
    • Therapy Worksheets for Kids
    • Therapy Worksheets for Teens
    • ADHD Worksheets
    • All Therapy Worksheets
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • Diaphragmatic BreathingDiaphragmatic Breathing
  • Benefits of ItBenefits of It
  • Conditions It Can ImproveConditions It Can Improve
  • Potential RisksPotential Risks
  • How to StartHow to Start
  • Exercises to TryExercises to Try
  • Finding a ProfessionalFinding a Professional
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
Meditation Meditation Meditation for Depression Meditation for Anxiety Best Meditation Apps

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Definition, Benefits, & Techniques

Headshot of Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW

Author: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW

Headshot of Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani LCSW

Gabrielle specializes in EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and also integrates eclectic approaches such as sound healing and expressive arts.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Kristen Fuller MD

Kristen Fuller, MD is a physician with experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine. She has a focus on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Published: January 20, 2023
  • Diaphragmatic BreathingDiaphragmatic Breathing
  • Benefits of ItBenefits of It
  • Conditions It Can ImproveConditions It Can Improve
  • Potential RisksPotential Risks
  • How to StartHow to Start
  • Exercises to TryExercises to Try
  • Finding a ProfessionalFinding a Professional
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
Gabrielle Juliano-Villani LCSW
Written by:

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani 

LCSW
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Diaphragmatic breathing engages the diaphragm in order to fill the lungs with air more efficiently. Even though we breathe automatically, normal breaths are typically shallow. Diaphragmatic breathing allows us to be more mindful and promotes relaxation. It can also help lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and increase core strength.

Best MindfulnessApps 2023

Best Mindfulness Apps

After reviewing dozens of mindfulness apps, we compiled a list of our top seven picks. Key features like journaling, meditation tools, and educational content were carefully considered. While Headspace stands out as the best overall choice, each app on the list is budget-friendly and provides a great way to bring mindfulness into your daily life.

Read More

What Is Diaphragmatic Breathing?

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly (or abdominal) breathing, is a breathing exercise for anxiety type of breathwork and mindfulness that uses the diaphragm to increase lung capacity. Typical breaths are shallow and use the chest muscles, which does not fill lungs to max capacity. Diaphragmatic breathing is also a grounding technique that can be used to calm anxiety as it encourages one to focus on taking slow, deep breaths. Tai Chi and yoga also include diaphragmatic breathing in their practices.

A foundational study on the relationship between respiration and chest muscles established that the diaphragm is closely connected to the vagus nerve.1 This nerve can be stimulated by deep breaths, resulting in decreased anxiety and stress. Diaphragmatic breathing can also positively impact cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems.2

Diaphragmatic breathing works by:

  • Strengthening the diaphragm
  • Decreasing oxygen demand
  • Increasing postural stability
  • Increasing lung capacity
  • Engaging the vagus nerve to promote relaxation
  • Decreasing cortisol levels
  • Increasing postural stability

Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is a great practice to add to a mindfulness routine–not only for a person’s mental health, but also their physical health. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises encourage relaxation, which can in turn improve sleep quality, focus, and core muscle stability.

Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing may include:

  • Better stress management skills: Diaphragmatic breathing improves stress management skills by disengaging a person’s “fight or flight” response by strengthening the body’s relaxation response.
  • Improved muscle functioning: Diaphragmatic breathing can increase oxygen flow to the muscles, helping them grow stronger.
  • Reduced blood pressure: Practicing diaphragmatic breathing stabilizes blood flow and dilates blood vessels, improving blood pressure
  • Reduced heart rate: Diaphragmatic breathing engages the parasympathetic nervous system, in turn decreasing heart rate
  • Improved chronic breathing conditions: Individuals with COPD or asthma who practice diaphragmatic breathing can increase airflow and strengthen their lungs (under medical supervision).
  • Strengthened diaphragm: The diaphragm is responsible for 80% of one’s breathing. Engaging it can build diaphragmatic strength and positively impact other areas of the body such as the pelvic floor.3
  • Improved core stability: A strong diaphragm helps stabilize inner core muscles for better balance.4
  • Improved symptoms of PTSD: Diaphragmatic breathing is a form of mindfulness and can help a person manage PTSD symptoms by increasing relaxation during moments of anxiety, hypervigilance, or PTSD flashbacks.

Conditions Diaphragmatic Breathing Can Improve

There are many benefits of controlled breathing in general, but diaphragmatic breathing has certain advantages that make it particularly effective. For starters, diaphragmatic breathing can be used to improve symptoms of anxiety, athletic performance, and respiratory function for those with breathing conditions.5

Conditions that may be improved by diaphragmatic breathing include:

Anxiety Disorders

Regularly practicing diaphragmatic breathwork engages the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), alleviating symptoms of anxiety by disengaging “fight or flight” responses. Although it’s normal to react negatively to stress, those with anxiety often spend more time in a stressful state, which can cause both emotional and physical distress.

While practicing diaphragmatic breathing, the vagus nerve is engaged and automatic bodily functions–such as blood pressure, digestion, and heart rate–become more regulated. Because anxiety disorders are often accompanied by physical symptoms, this can be very beneficial.

Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing for regulating anxiety symptoms include:

  • Lowered heart rate and blood pressure: A common symptom of anxiety is an increased heart rate. Diaphragmatic breathing increases oxygen in the blood, dilating the blood vessels to lower blood pressure. This increases relaxation and lowers one’s heart rate.
  • Decreased production of cortisol: Cortisol is a hormone released during times of stress. Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that can lessen stress and therefore decrease cortisol production.
  • Improved sleep quality: Diaphragmatic breathing increases relaxation and allows a person to feel more calm, making it easier to fall (and stay) asleep.
  • Decreased racing or worrying thoughts: Someone with anxiety can struggle with racing thoughts or constant worrying. Diaphragmatic breathing brings them back to the present moment to focus on the here and now, not other concerns.

Cardiovascular Conditions

A recent study found that practicing deep breathing exercises for five minutes a day, six days per week could lower blood pressure.6
COPD often occurs comorbidly with cardiovascular disease, and both can make you short of breath when walking or exercising.7
Improved diaphragmatic functioning can help in managing these symptoms.

Diaphragmatic breathing improves cardiovascular functioning by:

  • Lowering blood pressure: Diaphragmatic breathing can lower blood pressure by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system. Effects can be felt immediately, but when practiced consistently, diaphragmatic breathing can produce long-term results.
  • Improving respiratory capacity: Diaphragmatic breathing fills the lungs to their capacity, which allows for better lung and muscle strength.
  • Increasing oxygen in the blood: An imbalance of oxygen in the blood can be a risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
  • Preventing complications from cardiovascular surgery: Controlled breathing after cardiovascular surgery may help prevent lung collapse.8
  • Increasing venous return to the heart: When the diaphragm is engaged, this increases blood flow. Arteries are then stretched, engaging the parasympathetic (aka “rest and digest”) nervous system to promote relaxation.9.12

Asthma

Diaphragmatic breathing can help improve quality of life for people with asthma by decreasing the amount of flare-ups and boosting the effectiveness of other treatment methods.10 Those with asthma may also experience anxiety about their symptoms, such as worrying about when they may experience another asthma attack. Diaphragmatic breathing can help them manage their anxiety.

Diaphragmatic breathing can provide respiratory benefits, such as:

  • Increased oxygen to the lungs: Diaphragmatic breathing helps fill the lungs to capacity and decreases the oxygen needs of other parts of your body.
  • Decreased shortness of breath: Diaphragmatic breathing helps slow down the breath and reduce the energy needed to breathe.
  • Increased muscle relaxation: When stressed, chest muscles can tense up. Diaphragmatic breathing can relax these muscles.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks and is often described as an “intense form of anxiety.” Panic attacks occur with little to no warning and have intense physical symptoms. People who have had a panic attack may describe it as being “frozen” with fear or feeling like they can’t breathe. Diaphragmatic breathing can help a person relax during these attacks and feel more at ease.

Diaphragmatic breathing can help manage symptoms of panic disorder by:

  • Helping muscles relax: When a person experiences panic or stress, the muscles in the body tense up. Diaphragmatic breathing helps relax those muscles.
  • Managing shortness of breath: When practiced during a panic attack, diaphragmatic breathing helps slow down the breath and reduce the energy necessary to breathe.
  • Encouraging mindfulness: Diaphragmatic breathing encourages a person to engage in mindfulness, helping to manage anxiety and panic symptoms.

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are mental health disorders that affect a person’s patterns of thinking and behavior, which impairs their everyday and occupational functioning as well as their ability to maintain relationships. Those with personality disorders can improve their symptoms with effective treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and mindfulness tools, like diaphragmatic breathing.

Diaphragmatic breathing can help manage symptoms of personality disorders by:

  • Improving emotional regulation: Individuals who have a personality disorder may struggle with emotional regulation. Diaphragmatic breathing is one way to regulate emotions by focusing on the present and remaining grounded.
  • Improving focus: An inability to maintain focus is a symptom of some personality disorders, and diaphragmatic breathing can help improve one’s concentration.

GI Problems

Diaphragmatic breathing can also be used to manage stress caused by GI problems. When a person is stressed, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and releases stress hormones that can affect digestion. Controlled breathing not only helps us relax, but enhances the digestion process.

Diaphragmatic breathing can help improve GI functioning by:

  • Activating the diaphragm: When the diaphragm is engaged, this can act as an internal “massage” for the intestines and stomach, which can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and pain.11
  • Easing panic: During stressful moments, diaphragmatic breathing can help calm the digestive tract
  • Reducing GERD: Diaphragmatic breathing helps manage symptoms of GERD, like belching, and could reduce the need for medications.12

Best Meditation Apps

Best Meditation Apps

After testing dozens of meditation apps, we carefully selected the top nine to make your decision easier. Evaluating each app based on key factors such as meditation library size, cost, personalization, and unique features, this list will help you find the best fit for your daily meditation practice.

Read More

Potential Risks of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing may not always work as a standalone treatment, especially for those with COPD and asthma. It’s important to discuss including this practice as a part of treatment with a care team. A doctor can help train individuals slowly in this type of breathwork if it is suitable for them and their condition.

Diaphragmatic breathing could potentially worsen anxiety symptoms if a person is not used to the feeling of being present in their body. Experiencing and accepting their symptoms as they occur can be overwhelming, or they may feel even more worried if the practice is not working for them.

Helpful Tips for Starting Diaphragmatic Breathing

When you add diaphragmatic breathing into your routine, it can be helpful to let go of any judgments you may have and allow yourself to be open to the experience. It can be beneficial to start by lying down so that you’re able to fully focus on your breath. Try listening to a script or a youtube video if you’re worried about doing it correctly or not.

If you have a breathing condition, talk to your doctor first before trying diaphragmatic breathing. They may want to observe you and train you on the practice before you do it on your own. Practicing just a few minutes each day can make diaphragmatic breathing easier, and the best part is that no equipment is needed! Take note of any bodily sensations or emotions you feel throughout the process.

Below are tips for starting diaphragmatic breathing:

  • Locate a video or script: Find a video you can listen to that will walk you through the process, or familiarize yourself with a script before you get comfortable.
  • Find a comfortable environment: This could include lying down, sitting, or standing in a place free from distractions.
  • Dedicate a certain amount of time: You can start by dedicating five to ten minutes per day. It may be helpful to practice at the same time to create a routine.
  • Keep practicing: The more you practice, the more you will feel the effects of diaphragmatic.

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises to Try

The great thing about diaphragmatic breathing is that all you need is you! No equipment is needed and it can be used at any time. This type of breathing can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. Eventually, you’ll feel comfortable practicing it in public (like if you’re stressed out in line at the grocery store!), in a yoga class, while meditating, or with a breathwork instructor.

Below are four diaphragmatic breathing exercises to try:

Sitting Down

Engaging in diaphragmatic breathing while sitting is an option after you gain more experience with this type of breathing, as it can be more difficult to relax in this position. You can use diaphragmatic breathing while sitting anywhere, even on a plane or stuck in traffic and feeling stressed.

To practice diaphragmatic breathing while sitting, follow these steps:

  • Sit comfortable in a chair with your knees bent.
  • Keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed. You may close your eyes or fix your gaze if it helps you relax.
  • Place one hand in the middle of your chest and the other on your stomach, below your rib cage.
  • Inhale through your nose and imagine the air going into your stomach. Your stomach should move outward and your chest should not move.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles to draw them inward and exhale through your mouth. Again, your chest should move as little as possible.

Standing Up

Many of us don’t have the best posture, which impacts our breathing as our diaphragm does not have the space to fully expand. Standing up allows the spine to extend and the diaphragm to be fully engaged in the breath.

To practice diaphragmatic breathing standing up, follow these steps:

  • Find a comfortable standing position without locking your knees.
  • Keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed.
  • Place one hand in the middle of your chest and the other on your stomach, below your rib cage.
  • Inhale through your nose and imagine the air going into your stomach. Your belly should rise and your chest should not move.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles to draw them inward and exhale through your mouth. Again, your chest should move as little as possible.

Lying down

Lying down is a good way to start practicing diaphragmatic breathing, as it’s usually easier for people to relax in position. You’ll want to make sure you are in a quiet, comfortable place where you have time and space to practice.

To practice diaphragmatic breathing lying down, follow these steps:

  • Lay down with a pillow under your knees and head for support.
  • Keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed.
  • Place one hand in the middle of your chest and the other on your stomach, below your rib cage.
  • Inhale through your nose and focus on the air going into your stomach. Your belly should rise and your chest should not move.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles to draw them inward and exhale through your mouth. Again, your chest should move as little as possible.

While meditating

You can add diaphragmatic breathwork very easily into a meditation practice. You can practice just by focusing on the breath or integrating this with a guided meditation.

To practice diaphragmatic while meditating, follow these steps:

  • Find a comfortable position, you may want to sit or lay down.
  • Keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed.
  • You can set an intention for what you want to achieve with this meditation.
  • Place one hand in the middle of your chest and the other on your stomach, below your rib cage.
  • Notice what it feels like to be connected with your body as you feel supported by whatever you’re sitting/laying on.
  • Bring your attention to your breath–notice what happens when you breathe in and out. Does your chest move? What feelings or emotions come up?
  • Inhale through your nose and imagine the air going into your stomach. Your belly should rise and your chest should not move.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles to draw them inward and exhale through your mouth. Again, your chest should move as little as possible. What do you notice?
  • Repeat for the next few minutes or more.

Where to Find a Professional

It can be helpful to meet with a professional before trying diaphragmatic breathing, especially if you’re unsure about where to start. Those with a breathing condition should discuss this practice with their healthcare team before starting. There are a number of professionals who can help you with this type of breathwork.

Professionals who can help you practice diaphragmatic breathing include:

  • Yoga teachers: Diaphragmatic breathwork is a fundamental part of yoga and has been around for thousands of years. Yoga teachers can help you learn more about how to perform diaphragmatic breathing correctly.
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT): MBCT is a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness that teaches people about their thoughts in order to address unwanted emotions. This type of therapy may include diaphragmatic breathing as a way to stay in the present moment.
  • Respiratory therapists: These professionals are trained to work with people who have cardiopulmonary issues and can provide necessary interventions. They can teach you proper breathing techniques if you have a respiratory condition.
  • A physician: Your primary care doctor or other specialist may be able to guide you on practicing diaphragmatic breathing correctly.
  • Physical therapists: PTs are often trained in breathwork and can teach you how to add this into your routine.

Final Thoughts

Diaphragmatic breathing is a type of breathing that involves engaging the diaphragm to fill the lungs more efficiently. It can be used as a relaxation technique to help manage symptoms of anxiety, stress, and physical health conditions. Diaphragmatic breathing can be a great addition to your treatment plan and provide long-term benefits.

Diaphragmatic Breathing Infographics

Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing   Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing   Conditions Diaphragmatic Breathing Can ImproveDiaphragmatic Breathing Exercises to Try

Sources

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Sewall, H., & Pollard, M. E. (1890). On the Relations of Diaphragmatic and Costal Respiration, with particular reference to Phonation. The Journal of Physiology, 11(3), 159–264. https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.1890.sp000327

  • Hamasaki, H. (2020). Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative Review. Medicines, 7(10), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7100065

  • Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises. (n.d.). Physiopedia. Retrieved from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Diaphragmatic_Breathing_Exercises

  • Hsu, S. L., Oda, H., Shirahata, S., Watanabe, M., & Sasaki, M. (2018). Effects of core strength training on core stability. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(8), 1014–1018. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.30.1014

  • Yamaguti, W. P., et al. (2012). Diaphragmatic Breathing Training Program Improves Abdominal Motion During Natural Breathing in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 93(4), 571–577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2011.11.026

  • Craighead, D. H., et al. (2021). Time‐Efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Endothelial Function, NO Bioavailability, and Oxidative Stress in Midlife/Older Adults With Above‐Normal Blood Pressure. Journal of the American Heart Association, 10(13). https://doi.org/10.1161/jaha.121.020980

  • Morgan, A. D., Zakeri, R., & Quint, J. K. (2018). Defining the relationship between COPD and CVD: what are the implications for clinical practice? Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, 12, 175346581775052. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753465817750524

  • Westerdahl, E., et al. (2003). The immediate effects of deep breathing exercises on atelectasis and oxygenation after cardiac surgery. Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal, 37(6), 363–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/14017430310014984

  • Sharma, M., Frishman, W. H., & Gandhi, K. (2011). RESPeRATE. Cardiology in Review, 19(2), 47–51. https://doi.org/10.1097/crd.0b013e3181fc1ae6

  • Diaphragmatic Breathing for GI Patients (n.d.). Michigan Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/digestive-and-liver-health/diaphragmatic-breathing-gi-patients

  • Ong, A. M. L., et al. (2018). Diaphragmatic Breathing Reduces Belching and Proton Pump Inhibitor Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 16(3), 407-416.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2017.10.038

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

Your Voice Matters

Can't find what you're looking for?

Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!

Request an Article

Leave your feedback for our editors.

Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.

Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)

Leave Feedback

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment

Psychiatry, with You in Mind

Talkiatry – Our psychiatrists can diagnose your condition, prescribe medication, and monitor your progress. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Free Assessment

Mental Health Newsletter

A free newsletter from the experts at ChoosingTherapy.com for those interested in meditation & mindfulness. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

ChoosingTherapy.com Directory 

Find local therapists that offer online and in-person therapy. Search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, and location. Find a therapist near you.

*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows.

For Further Reading

  • 21 Best Books On Mindfulness
  • Calm App Review 2022: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
  • VA guide to diaphragmatic breathing
  • Breathwrk App Review 2022: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
  • 12 Meditation Guide
  • Best Yoga Apps of 2022

Best Mindful Drinking Apps

Best Mindful Drinking Apps

If you’re thinking about joining the sober curious movement and you’d like to cut back on drinking, mindful drinking apps are a great place to start. Practicing mindful drinking can take some time, attention, and patience, but with the help of the right app, you can completely transform your relationship with alcohol.

Read More

Best Online Therapy Services of 2025: Our Firsthand Experiences & Recommendations

Best Online Therapy Services

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.

Read More

Meditation newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by mental health issues. Get helpful tips and the latest information

ChoosingTherapy.com Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on X
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2025 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.

X