250+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets

Mind Remake Project’s comprehensive guide for free therapy worksheets, featuring a large collection of websites offering valuable resources at no cost.

Bookmark this page! Welcome to the updated edition of Mind Remake Project’s comprehensive guide for free therapy worksheets, featuring a large collection of websites offering valuable resources at no cost for both mental health professionals and consumers.

Explore a vast assortment of free therapy worksheets, download informative mental health factsheets, and delve into supplementary and bonus materials from reputable publishers like Guilford Press and Oxford Publishing. For a deeper understanding of clinical practices, access guidelines from trusted organizations such as SAMHSA and the American Psychiatric Association.


The previous version of this post, 200+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets, is still available for reference, but it has been archived, as many of the featured webpages no longer exist or the once free resources are now for a fee.

The majority of sites included in this guide were carefully selected based on the following criteria:

  • Ease of Use: Sites with minimal ads and intuitive navigation were prioritized.
  • Quantity: Sites offering a substantial volume of free resources were favored.
  • Quality: Sites providing high-quality and informative materials were chosen.
  • Accessibility: Sites that did not require registration or email sign-up to access free resources were preferred.

Before downloading any resource from the sites below, please read and adhere to the site or organization’s copyrights or limitations. For example, some of the materials may only be available for personal use.

I firmly believe that mental health resources should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial constraints. However, if you are able to, please consider making a donation to the sites or organizations that generously provide free valuable materials (when applicable).

I am not benefiting financially or otherwise from the links in this post, and I am not affiliated with the companies or organizations whose links are included in this post. Also, I am not endorsing any products or services. I am simply sharing these links because I believe they may be useful to my readers; Mind Remake Project’s mission is to provide free mental health resources.


Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets

Here’s a list of sites with free therapy worksheets, guides, and other tools for mental health professionals and consumers:

Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts

Acorns to Oaktrees | Eating Disorder Worksheets/Eating Disorder Forms A small collection of handouts for eating disorders and body image.

ACT With Compassion ACT-based worksheets, handouts, exercises, and more for working with self-criticism and shame, as well as resources based on compassion-focused therapy, radically open DBT, and emotion-focused therapy.

ADHD ReWired | Therapy Worksheets Thought records, behavior charts, and other tools for ADHD management.

Alzheimer’s Association | Downloadable Resources for Patients & Caregivers Handouts on Alzheimer’s and dementia. Some resources are also available in Spanish.

Andrews University | The Relaxation Room Several self-care and stress management handouts for college students.

Anger Management Resource | Anger Management Worksheets A few free therapy worksheets, handouts, and articles for anger management.

Anger Resources | Anger Management Tools, Seminars, & Self-Tests Assessments, articles, worksheets, and more on anger topics.

Anxiety Canada Worksheets, guides, handouts, factsheets, and more for anxiety.

Australian Academic Press (AAP) | AAP Downloads Several free downloads, including a CBT worksheet packet.

Beck Institute | CBT Worksheet Packet A 74-page worksheet packet from the Beck Institute.

Belmont Wellness | Psychoeducation Handouts and free therapy worksheets from mental health author and motivational speaker Judy Belmont.

Berkeley University Health Services | Handouts Student handouts on mental health topics.

Between Sessions Hundreds of free therapy worksheets and workbooks derived from evidence-based therapies, designed by experienced professionals.

Black Dog Institute | Resources Mental health resources and support tools for anxiety, depression, and more that are research-informed and recommended by professionals.

Brené Brown | Resources “A collection of tools that’ll take you deeper into our work—and help you make it your own.”

Brescia at Western University | Resource Toolbox Downloadable tools for students on wellness topics.

CAMHS | Young People Downloads on various mental health topics for parents, children, and adolescents.

Campus Mind Works at University of Michigan | Tools & Checklists Worksheets, tools, and handouts for students on wellness topics.

Carepatron | Templates Free templates with the creation of a (free) account, from Carepatron, a practice management company.

Carolina Integrative Psychotherapy | Forms & Worksheets for Clients & Group Participants DBT worksheets for individuals, couples, and families.

Carol Lozier, LCSW | Dialectical Behavior Therapy Printables: Worksheets & Handouts A small collection of DBT worksheets and handouts.

CBT Psychology for Personal Development | CBT Worksheets Several free CBT worksheets and forms. This site also offers OCD worksheets for children and 2 relaxation handouts.

CCI | Self-Help Resources for Mental Health Problems A wealth of evidence-based online resources to support practitioners or for self-help.

Center for Prolonged Grief | Resources Several printable guides and other resources for grievers.

Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress | Therapist Resources Client handouts, assessments, info sheets, toolkits, training resources, links, and more from UW Medicine Harborview Medical Center.

Change to Chill | Worksheets/Handouts Free therapy worksheets, coloring pages, audio files, mindfulness exercises, and more from Change to Chill, a free mental wellbeing resource site for teens and young adults.

Choose Help | In-Depth Articles About Mental Health & Addiction A selection of print-friendly articles on addiction and recovery topics.

Christina Bell, Registered Psychologist | Downloads Free downloadable toolkits on boundaries, sleep, relationships, and more.

Client Worksheets from Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders (Treatment Improvement Protocols Services) 44 free therapy worksheets on addiction and recovery from SAMHSA/NIH.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles | Free Online CBT Workbook A free online 8-module workbook from Albert Bonfil, PsyD, and Suraji Wagage, Ph.D., JD, for learning CBT.

Connect Core Concepts in Health | Wellness Worksheets Health and wellness worksheets for students.

Coping.us Printable tools for coping from James J. Messina, Ph.D., and Constance Messina, Ph.D.

Corner Canyon Counseling | Patient Education for Mental Health Articles, assessments, assignments, and information on a wide range of mental health topics.

Counselling Tutor Guides on counseling theories and techniques.

Counselors Associated | Free PDFs A small collection of PDF downloads for stress reduction, self-improvement, and more.

Courage to Nourish | Eating Disorder Recovery Resources Free tools for disordered eating and body image; email signup required.

Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute | Resources Printable handouts, articles, stress reduction exercises, assessments, workshops, and more.

David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pages | Disaster Mental Health Handouts 14 disaster handouts for adults, children, and families.

DBT Peer Connections | DBT Handouts & Worksheets DBT resources from Rachel Gill.

DBT Self-Help | Diary Cards Free downloadable diary cards from DBT Self-Help, the largest free Dialectical Behavioral Therapy resource dedicated to making DBT accessible to all.

DBT® Skills Training Manual, 2nd Edition The entire collection of DBT handouts from Mindsplain.

DBT® Skills Training Handouts & Worksheets, 2nd Edition The entire collection of DBT worksheets from DBT Campus.

Dearborn County CASA | 8 Dimensions of Wellness 4 free wellness downloads.

Destiny’s Odyssey | Self Discovery – Self Awareness Free resources for self-discovery and personal growth.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) | Skills, Worksheets, & Videos Free DBT worksheets and more for learning the core skills of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training with Adolescents-Workbook A 131-page PDF workbook from Mindful Mind & Body.

Dialectical Behavioral Skills Training | DBT Work Sheets Index Free DBT worksheets.

DNA-V Resources ACT-based meditations and worksheets.

Doorways to Self-Esteem | Self-Esteem Activities A modest collection of handouts/activities for building self-esteem.

Dr. Daniel Fox | Worksheets Free therapy worksheets for emotion regulation, anger, and more from Daniel J. Fox.

Dr. Grant Blashki | CBT Worksheets A small collection of downloadable therapy worksheets along with links to CBT videos.

Dr. John Barletta | Articles Handouts and more on a variety of topics such as wellness, relationships, and self-compassion.

Dr. John Forsyth | Free Resources 2 free worksheet packets for anxiety.

Dr. Jonathan S. Abramowitz | Free Stuff for Consumers & Professionals Several CBT forms and handouts for OCD and anxiety disorders.

Early Psychosis Intervention | Downloads A toolkit for individuals dealing with psychosis.

EchoHawk Counseling Christian-friendly worksheets and materials on a variety of mental health topics.

Emotional Affair Journey Free therapy worksheets, articles, guides, and more for emotional affair recovery.

Emotionally Focused Therapy TRI EFT Alliant | Forms for Couples A list of forms to use in EFT couples counseling.

Eppler-Wolff Counseling Center | Handouts Worksheets and handouts to help students cope with the transition from high school to college and to have a better college experience overall.

Essential Life Skills | Self-Help Worksheets A collection of free downloadable tools and worksheets on topics related to wellness, balance, and resilience.

Excel at Life | Free Audios Index Free audios with transcripts to energize, motivate, relax, and more.

Faith G. Harper | Worksheets & Printables A modest collection of worksheets and handouts on emotions/sensations, positive psychology, solution-focused problem-solving, and more.

F.A.S.T. Lab at Stanford Medicine | Printable Versions of CPT/CBT Worksheets English and Spanish worksheets from the Fidelity, Adaptation, Sustainability, and Training Lab at The National Center for PTSD.

Gentle Stress Relief | Stress Relief Resources That Work Stress relief resources covering a number of different perspectives. (Click here for anger management tools from Gentle Stress Relief.)

Get.gg – Getselfhelp.co.uk CBT self-help and therapy resources.

Good Knowledge | Good Medicine Questionnaires, information leaflets, PowerPoints, and other handouts on personal development and mental health from Dr. James Hawkins.

GoYourOwnWay | Document Downloads Handouts and tools for Veterans on various topics such as addiction, fear, spirituality, and more.

Hamilton’s Funeral Home | Printable Grief & Loss Resources A fairly extensive collection of printable handouts on grief and loss.

HappierTHERAPY | Mental Health Worksheets Hundreds of free therapy worksheets with a unique feature: Every downloadable worksheet includes a how-to guide for clinical use. DISCLAIMER: A drawback to using HappierTHERAPY is that the majority of the worksheets contain typos and formatting errors. While this site doesn’t meet quality criteria for selection, the worksheets can be easily edited using a program like Foxit PDF Editor.

Harm Reduction for Alcohol (HAMS)| Worksheets A small collection of worksheets from the HAMS book on how to change drinking habits.

Healing Private Wounds | Resources Faith-based handouts on healing from sexual abuse.

Health Powered Kids | Health Lessons & Lesson Plans for Kids Lesson plans on health and wellness topics; many of the lesson plans include printable worksheets for children.

Health Vista | Health Education Resources Free workbooks, worksheets, and handouts on a wide range of health topics including mental health issues such as addiction, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and more.

Healthy Minds | Worksheets Free mental health worksheets for children.

Here to Help | Wellness Modules 11 wellness modules that can be explored interactively or printed as PDFs.

Hoffman Institute Tools Downloadable tools to assist in discovering patterns, finding compassion and forgiveness, and creating a more empowered, fulfilled life.

Hope Couples Counseling | Couples Worksheets Faith-based worksheets, handouts, and more for couples therapy.

Hospice & Palliative Care | Bereavement Handouts A small collection of handouts on grief topics.

HowTherapyWorks A few free resources for clients/consumers on the therapeutic process from Jeffery Smith, MD.

How We Love | Freebies Several free downloads on love and relationships.

Ineffable Living | Free Mental Health Worksheets-Printable PDF Library Hundreds of worksheets and journal prompts on topics such as codependency, trauma, abuse, self-love, relationships, and more. For a small fee, download all worksheet bundles and gain access to the “VIP Library.”

Inner Health Studio | Easy Relaxation Techniques Free relaxation scripts, audio and video downloads, mental health worksheets, and self-help techniques for coping with stress more effectively.

Integrity Counseling Handouts Client handouts on addiction and recovery topics.

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) | Brochures, Fact Sheets, & Handouts Handouts and guides from IOCDF with the most up-to-date information on OCD and related disorders.

Invisible Lioness | 8 Helpful “Letting Go of Resentment” Worksheets Links to PDF downloads for coping with resentments and letting go.

Irene Greene, MSED: Greene Growth & Training | Self-Care & Wellness Resources Free self-care and wellness downloads.

James Drew Psychotherapy | Forms A small collection of free therapy worksheets and handouts on feelings, communication, values, goals, and more.

Joanna Anastasia | Worksheets for Building Body Confidence & Self-Acceptance Free therapy worksheets for developing a body positive attitude.

Journey to Recovery | Mental Health Worksheets 350+ therapy tools designed by a psychologist, including worksheets, journals, and lesson plans. While not entirely free, a subscription is only $10/month or $100/year.

Keeping Life Real Worksheet collections on various topics, many that were originally published by Between Sessions:

Living CBT | Free Self-Help A collection of 20+ CBT worksheets.

Living Life to the Full (LLTTF) | Resources A modest collection of handouts and worksheets from LLTTF; materials can be accessed through the courses. Books and additional resources can be purchased from the shop.

LoveToKnow | Free Anger Worksheets 7 downloadable anger management worksheets.

Mental Health CE Course Articles Course content handouts on a variety of mental health topics.

Mental Health Worksheets This site is similar to HappierTHERAPY in that it offers a large quantity of free worksheets, but of low quality. (HappierTHERAPY and Mental Health Worksheets are both PressPublish sites.)

Mindfulness Exercises Hundreds of free downloadable mindfulness scripts with video and/or audio guidance.

Mind My Peelings | Worksheets & Infographics Several free resources for anxiety, depression, and mental health.

Mind Remake Project | Free Worksheets & Handouts Free therapy worksheets, workbooks, handouts, card decks, and more from this site.

MindWell Click through the different modules to access the handouts and free therapy worksheets. Professional tools and resources are also available.

MN Trauma Project | Downloadable Resources to Use in Therapy A short list of trauma worksheets.

Montreal Psychologist | Self-Help Toolkits Articles and handouts on worry, depression, assertiveness, and more.

Morning Light Counseling | Counseling Library Dozens of free printable PDF handouts on a variety of counseling topics.

Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) | Library Motivational interviewing worksheets and handouts from MINT.

Multicultural Psychology | Downloadable Worksheets & Documents Evidence-informed worksheets, exercises, and guidelines for use in prevention, intervention, and educational/training contexts.

My Crossing Paths | Book Handouts Free therapy worksheets and handouts for trauma, addiction, and more.

MyGriefAssist | Factsheets A collection of 43 printable handouts written by experts in the field on grief topics.

My Group Guide | Free Therapy Worksheets, Group Activities, & More Select group materials can be downloaded for free. For access to the full library (600+ resources), a subscription is $15.99/month.

Mylemarks | Free Downloads Nearly 50 free therapy worksheets for children.

Nancy L. Johnston | Downloads A small collection of downloads on codependency, enabling, and more.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) | Your Healthiest Self: Wellness Toolkits 5 wellness toolkits for environmental health, emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships, and preventative wellness.

New Beginnings Family Counseling | Handouts Tools and handouts on communication, attachment styles, emotions, and more.

No Body’s Perfect | Worksheets Free therapy worksheets for use in the classroom or home environment, as well as worksheets for adult helpers working on their own body image and mental health.

Oklahoma TF-CBT Therapy Resources Printable trauma-focused handouts and assessments for therapists to use with children and adolescents.

Online CBT Resources Free therapy worksheets and questionnaires from Andrew Grimmer, a counselling psychologist and accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapist in the UK.

Oregon State University Learning Corner | All Worksheets Handouts and worksheets for college students on time management, wellness, organization skills, and more.

Pasadena Marriage Counseling | Free Marriage Counseling Resources A small collection of free therapy worksheets for couples.

Paul David, Ph.D. | Articles by Dr. Paul David Articles on addiction, relationships, loss, and more.

Peacefully | Worksheets to Help Those Coping with Grief A collection of handouts and worksheets on grief topics.

Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D. | Addiction Recovery Worksheets A modest collection of free therapy worksheets and handouts for addiction and recovery.

Personal Development Insights | Personal Development Worksheets Free worksheets for personal growth.

PlantLoveGrow | Free Tools Free downloads and resources to assist parents, teachers, and health professionals.

PositivePsychology.com Free positive psychology worksheets, assessments, and more; browse blog posts to find and access the tools. Worksheet packets can also be purchased for $17.

Present Centered Therapy | Self-Help Library Handouts on topics including communication, relationships, anxiety, ADHD, anger, depression, and more.

Psychological Self-Help: A Free Online Psychological Self-Help Book Not worksheets, but free book chapters for download on self-help topics. (The book can be downloaded in its entirety as well.)

PsychPoint | Mental Health Worksheets Handouts and free therapy worksheets designed by mental health professionals for clinical use. The standard worksheets can be downloaded for free after a 60-second waiting period (for each worksheet). Alternatively, a subscription is $99 for instant downloads and enables access to the full library. (Note: Only licensed clinicians in the United States can sign up.)

Radical Forgiveness | Free Tools A modest collection of free therapy worksheets on forgiveness.

A Recovery Story | Worksheets A small collection of addiction and recovery worksheets.

Rec Therapy Today | Activity eBooks Downloadable workbooks on self-esteem, social skills, emotions, gratitude, and more.

The Relationship Institute | Resources & Information Articles, handouts, and assessments for marriage and relationships.

Self-Esteem Experts | Recommended Self-Esteem Worksheets A small collection of free therapy worksheets for building self-esteem.

Simple Practice | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Worksheets Email signup is required to access the worksheet bundle.

Sleep & Depression Laboratory | Resources Worksheets and tools for sleep, worry, and depression from Dr. Colleen E. Carney.

SMART Recovery | SMART Recovery Toolbox Sensible tools based on developing cognitive thinking skills to support addiction recovery.

Social Workers Toolbox A collection of free therapy worksheets and other resources for children and adults.

Social Work Tech | Tools Therapist-developed tools to use in clinical practice.

Step UP! Resource Library Worksheets and handouts for students on prosocial behavior and bystander intervention.

Taking the Escalator | Therapy Tools A large collection of tools and resources for addiction and recovery groups and for trauma.

TalkPlus | Downloads Free therapy worksheets and documents as well as self-help guides and information booklets.

Teens Finding Hope | Worksheets & Information to Download Spanish and English worksheets for teens on mental health topics.

Telehealth Therapy Resources A collection of free therapy worksheets and resources for telehealth clinicians on anger, anxiety, goals, grief, trauma, and more.

Texas Health & Human Services | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Resources A modest collection of CBT worksheets, guides, and training materials. Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.

TheraNest | Therapy Tools & Resources for Mental Health Providers Email signup is required to access the free templates.

Therapist Aid Hundreds of free evidence-based therapy worksheets and other tools for mental health professionals.

THERAPlatform Free therapy worksheets, tools, e-books, videos, and handouts for mental health workers of all kinds.

ThinkCBT | Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Resources CBT resources, tools, and worksheets that can be downloaded and used free of charge by clinicians and members of the public.

Tim’s Resource Notebook A small collection of handouts on various topics such as relationships, emotions, and values.

TPT (teacherspayteachers.com) | Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans Worksheets, games, lesson plans, and more on a variety of topics. To access free resources, click the “free” box to filter and search.

Trauma Research & Treatment | Trauma Toolkit A small collection of handouts for trauma.

University at Buffalo School of Social Work | Self-Care Starter Kit℠ Handouts and more on self-care topics.

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center | Integrated Health & Mental Health Care Tools Downloadable resources for health and wellness from UIC Center.

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center | Self-Directed Recovery Workbooks, booklets, assessments, and more for self-determination and self-directed recovery.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs The VA offers a variety of different resources for Veterans, including free therapy worksheets, educational handouts, assessment tools, workbooks, manuals, and more. Several pages featuring free materials are linked to below:

Utah Education Network | Prevention Dimensions: Lesson Plans Downloadable lesson plans and handouts on self-esteem, conflict resolutions, stress, and more for children from kindergarten to sixth grade.

Veronica Walsh’s CBT Blog | Free Downloadable Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Worksheets/Handouts Print/use these free therapy worksheets only with the blog author’s permission.

Winona State University | Resilience Toolkit Reflections, exercises, videos, and other materials for developing the ability to bounce back in the face of stressful situations and inevitable setbacks.

Wellbeing Services | Worksheets 72 free therapy worksheets from Wellbeing Services of South Glasgow.

The Wellness Society | Therapy Resources & Coaching Tools A modest collection of free wellness tools. Alternatively, the entire Mental Wellbeing Toolkit can be purchased for $37.

Wisconsin Hawthorn Project | Handouts & Worksheets Handouts and free therapy worksheets for trauma in English and Spanish.

Yale School of Medicine | Spiritual Self-Schema Development Worksheets Free therapy worksheets to help individuals discover their spiritual path.

Your Life Your Voice from Boys Town | Tips & Tools Articles and PDF printables on a variety of mental health topics for teens and young adults.

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Sites with Free Supplementary Materials

Please note that the materials linked to below are intended for use with the book (for book purchasers). They are not standalone tools or substitutes for the book.

ACT Mindfully | Psychology Tools & Free Resources A variety of free therapy worksheets and other resources to use with Russ Harris’ self-help books: The Happiness Trap, The Confidence Gap, The Reality Slap, and ACT With Love, as well as his textbooks: ACT Made Simple, Getting Unstuck In ACT, and ACT Questions and Answers.

Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind | Jennifer Shannon, LMFT Click on any of the book tabs for free therapy worksheets and audio files.

Guilford | Psychology, Psychiatry, & Social Work To access supplementary materials on Guilford’s site, click on any publication. Some publications offer practical tools for download, sample chapters, and/or companion websites with free materials.

New Harbinger Publications, Inc. To access the tools on this site, create a free account. (Please note that not all publications come with supplementary materials, especially the older publications.)

Overcoming Mental Health Problems-Self-Help Guides The “Overcoming” books are available for purchase on Amazon or the publisher’s site; many come with free supplementary materials for download.

Oxford Clinical Psychology | Oxford Academic In general, this is not an open access site, but some of the book chapters, forms, and appendix materials are available for free.

PESI Publishing PESI supplementary materials are available only for book purchasers in the worksheet download center. Codes or website addresses are frequently found on the back page of a publication or in the introductory chapter.

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Sites with Free Factsheets & Information Guides

AllinaHealth | Patient Education Guides A modest collection of factsheets and guides on health topics, including mental health and addiction.

Cleveland Clinic Health Library Health information and treatment guides that can be printed to PDF and saved.

Cornell Health | Fact Sheet Library A large collection of factsheets on various health topics.

HelpGuide.org All of the articles can be downloaded as PDFs and printed.

Mental Health Foundation | UK Free publications, guides, and reports.

Mind | A-Z Mental Health Topics A variety of topics, but only select guides are available in PDF format for easy download.

NHS Foundation Trust | Self-Help Leaflets These downloadable self-help leaflets are each between 25-40 pages, making them a more comprehensive resource than a typical factsheet. Topics include abuse, anger, sleeping problems, anxiety disorders, self-harm, and more.

NHS Inform | Self-Help Guides Self-help booklets on depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and more.

NIMH | Fact Sheets Mental health factsheets from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Nutrition.gov | Printable Materials & Handouts Resources for healthy eating.

Osher Center for Integrative Health | Clinician & Patient Education Wellness modules and handouts on self-care and professional care.

Patient | Mental Health | Depression, Anxiety, & Sleep Disorders A comprehensive directory of evidence-based clinical information.

PsychU | Resource Library Factsheets and free therapy worksheets on psychology topics.

University of Utah Health | OCIH Educational Materials Patient handouts on health topics in English and Spanish.

Verywell Mind All of Verywell Mind’s articles are print-friendly. They can also be saved as PDFs.

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Clinical Practice Guidelines

The following guidelines can be found on American Psychological Association’s website:


This set of practice guidelines is from the American Psychiatric Association:


Lastly, SAMHSA publishes free practice guides (in additional to workbooks, manuals, pamphlets, etc.) which can be downloaded directly or ordered.

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Do you support Mind Remake Project’s mission to provide free mental health resources? If so, consider sharing a link to a free resource in a comment or email me directly to recommend a site.


Guest Post: Technostress & Your Mental Wellbeing

Technology has become an essential part of our lives. We use smartphones and laptops on a daily basis to socialize, work, learn, and entertain ourselves. While technology may make our lives easier and more productive, it can also lead to “technostress,” a type of stress caused by technology.

Stress & Technology: Finding a Healthy Balance

This article will explore the causes and effects of technostress, and provide tips on how to manage it effectively and find a healthy balance with technology. It also includes two free printable handouts for healthy tech habits and stress management.

The Impact of Technology on Daily Life

Internet usage in the United States has grown significantly over the years, with the number of users increasing from 294.53 million in 2019 to 313.6 million in 2022. Over 90% of Americans have access to the Internet today. By 2028, it is estimated that there will be over 340 million Internet users in the US.

Technology has had a profound impact on our lives in terms of communication, information access, education, work, shopping, and entertainment. When used appropriately, technology makes our lives easier. Our smartphones can help us track emails, manage our bank accounts, access the news, and complete a wide range of other tasks.

Technology has revolutionized the way we do things and has become an essential part of our day-to-day activities. However, as a result, many of us are also experiencing technology-related stress.

Technostress: A Modern-Day Epidemic

The term technostress was coined in the 1980s by Craig Brod, an American psychologist, author of Technostress: The Human Cost of the Computer Revolution. Brod originally defined technostress as a disease caused by the inability to cope with new technology.

With the advancement of technology and the invention of new devices, technostress has acquired a new meaning. It is now more broadly defined as any negative impact that the use of tech can have on a person. This can include stress caused by information overload, the constant feeling of needing to be connected, and the difficulty of keeping up with the latest technological advances.

A 2015 study found that Facebook users felt compelled to use the site frequently due to FOMO (fear of missing out) and to maintain their relationships. In 2017, research indicated that the overuse of cell phones led to technostress, with negative consequences for health, work, and personal wellbeing. And in 2019, researchers found that social media users continued to use social platforms despite experiencing technostress, exhibiting excessive and compulsive behaviors, the same way someone with an addiction continues to use despite negative consequences.

What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic has normalized remote work, which has led to an increase in the use of tech devices at home. A 2022 research study indicated that during the enforced remote work period, the use of technology for both work and personal purposes resulted in technostress.

How to Tell If You’re Experiencing Technostress

Technostress can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health. While the severity of symptoms will vary from person to person, common signs include:

  • Increased heartrate
  • Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues
  • Muscle tension
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Eyestrain
  • Skin disorders (i.e., dermatitis, psoriasis)
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Apathy
  • Changes in behavior

Technology-induced stress often coexits with other work-related problems, such as “workaholism” and burnout. It can also negatively impact work through decreased motivation and increased absenteeism. In its advanced stages, technostress can cause memory impairment.

Additionally, technostress can cause problems at home. In relationships, it can lead to conflict and disconnection because people with technostress may be irritable, withdrawn, and less likely to engage in social activities.

Technostress & the Importance of Balance

When is the last time you switched your cell phone to “off”? This “always on” culture and the overconsumption of digital media have led to problems such as Internet addiction and issues with work-life balance.

Think of the times when, instead of spending quality time with our loved ones or enjoying a well-deserved break, we’re glued to our phones, checking emails or scrolling mindlessly through our social media feeds. And with the shift to remote working, the line between work and life has blurred, giving our minds less time to rest.

Even kids and teens are significantly exposed to digital technology, which can lead to overstimulation and stress. This highlights the need for a healthy balance when using tech.

4 Strategies for Finding Balance in a Digital Age

To combat technology-induced stress and find a healthy balance, try these techniques: 

1. Digital Detox

Being exposed to too much information can be stressful, especially if you’re using your devices the majority of the time. Taking a break from technology for a few days can help reduce stress and provide other benefits, such as improved sleep and mental health.

Here are a few tips to help you take a break:

  • Identify what you want to detox from: This could be certain devices, apps, websites, or activities. For example, you might want to reduce your use of social media or stop playing games on your phone.
  • Schedule a time away from screens: This could be for a few days, weeks, or even just a few hours each day. If you can’t be away from your devices for work, try to set aside specific times when you won’t use them, such as during lunchtime, after work, and before bed.
  • Turn off notifications: Notifications from your smartphone can distract you from your work, personal time, or sleep. Turning them off can help you focus on other tasks or get the rest you need.
  • Limit app usage: If you find yourself checking certain apps too often and want to break the habit, use your phone’s settings to limit your usage time. 
  • Inform your family and friends: If you decide to do a digital detox, tell your family and friends beforehand so they know to contact you on your preferred channels.

2. Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques

Many of us spend too much time scrolling mindlessly through our social media feeds, putting off other tasks for later. We do this for many reasons, including procrastination, FOMO, or lack of self-control.

Unfortunately, aimless scrolling can make us feel stressed and anxious, especially if we consume negative or distressing content. Additionally, scrolling for large amounts of time can lead to burnout. Instead, we can choose to be mindful of the media we consume. This means slowing down and being intentional about what we search for.

Young people who are affected by technostress can also utilize stress management techniques to improve their mood. If you have children and teens, ask them to practice these strategies on a regular basis to help center themselves.  

For example, if they are suffering from information overload, they can try guided imagery, a type of meditation where they visualize a peaceful place to calm their minds. They may also benefit from using stress management handouts and worksheets, such as the ones below, to learn how to manage and reduce stress.

Free PDF: 9 Stress Management Techniques
Free PDF: Healthy Tech Habits for Managing Stress

3. Time Management

If you find yourself overusing your devices every day, causing you to neglect other tasks, consider developing your time management skills. Here are some tips:

  • Identify your time usage: Track how much time you spend on each activity, including work, house chores, hobbies, rest, and technology use. You may find that you’re spending too much time on your devices.
  • Set boundaries between work and personal life: This means defining your work hours and reserving time for personal tasks, such as social media use. Avoid checking work emails or messages outside of work hours unless absolutely necessary.
  • Eat the frog: Prioritize the “frog,” the most important or challenging task on your to-do list. Completing this task first will help you avoid procrastination and free up your energy for other tasks.

4. Healthy Tech Habits

Establishing healthy tech habits can help you avoid technostress. You and your family will benefit from these; it’s a good idea to practice them often.

  • Identify tech-free zones: Designate certain areas in your home as “tech-free” spaces, such as the dinner table, bedroom, and bathroom.
  • Set aside technology-free time: Schedule tech-free activities throughout the week, such as playing sports, visiting the park, or spending time with family. This will help you reduce stress and prevent burnout.
  • Avoid bringing your phone to bed: Using your smartphone before bed can disrupt your sleep. Choose relaxing activities leading up to bedtime instead, such as taking a bath, journaling, or drinking lavender tea.

The Rewards of a Balanced Life

When we use technology wisely, it can benefit us in many ways, such as improving communication, providing easy access to information, making shopping convenient, enabling collaborative learning, and creating opportunities for remote work.

Finding a healthy balance when using technology can improve our quality of life and help us avoid physical and mental health problems, such as technology-induced stress. Additionally, being in control of our tech usage can help us achieve work-life balance, giving us more time for family, hobbies, relaxation, and self-care.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, technology is a powerful tool that can be used to enrich our lives and make them easier. However, it is important to use technology in a healthy and balanced way. The overconsumption of digital media can have negative consequences for our physical and mental health, as well as our relationships and work-life balance.

Finding a healthy balance with technology starts with being mindful of how we use our devices. By following the strategies in this article, we can develop a healthier relationship with technology and use it to enhance our lives, not detract from them. This way, we can enjoy the benefits of technology without letting it control us.


About the Author:

Michael is a licensed clinical social worker with a private therapy practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He specializes in helping children and teens with mental health concerns. He is passionate about providing effective and compassionate care. He is an advocate for mental health awareness, and is the founder of Mental Health Center Kids, a website that provides resources and support for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals who care for children and teens.


200+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts

An extensive list of 200+ sites with free therapy worksheets and handouts on various topics, for clinical use or for self-help.

This post is archived; I will no longer be updating this page. For the newest edition of this guide, please see 250+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets.

(Updated 11/28/23) If you’re a counselor or therapist, you’re probably familiar with Therapist Aid, one of the most well-known sites for providing no-cost therapy worksheets. But Therapist Aid isn’t the only resource for free clinical tools! This is a list of over 200 sites with free therapy worksheets and handouts.

free therapy worksheets
Image by Free stock photos from www.rupixen.com from Pixabay

See below for links to websites with free therapy worksheets and handouts for clinical use and self-help.


Click here for therapy worksheets, handouts, and guides posted on this site. Access additional free printables by joining Mind Remake Project’s Facebook group, Resources for Mental Health Counselors & Social Workers. 🆕


Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts

Therapy Worksheets for Mental Health

Therapy Worksheets for Substance Use Disorders & Addiction

Depression, Stress, & Anxiety

Trauma & Related Disorders

Psychosis

Grief & Loss

Anger

Self-Esteem

Values & Goal-Setting

Wellness & Resiliency

ACT, CBT, & DBT Therapy Worksheets

Therapy Worksheets for Children & Youth

Therapy Worksheets for Adolescents & Young Adults

Therapy Worksheets for Marriage/Relationships & Family

Additional Therapy Worksheets & Handouts


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Please contact me if a link isn’t working or if you’d like to recommend a site with free therapy worksheets!

free therapy worksheets

500 Free Printable Workbooks & Manuals for Therapists

A list of over 500 free printable workbooks, manuals, toolkits, and guides for mental health professionals or self-help.

(Updated 4/9/23) The following list is comprised of links to over 500 free printable workbooks, manuals, toolkits, and guides that are published online and are free to use with clients and/or for self-help purposes. Some of the manuals, including Individual Resiliency Training and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychotic Symptoms, are evidence-based.

Please repost this and/or share with anyone you think could benefit from these free printable workbooks and clinical tools!


For free printable workbooks and guides designed especially for youth/family, click here. For additional free printable workbooks and resources on a variety of mental health topics, see 200+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts and 50 Free Mental Health Worksheets & Handouts.


Free Printable Workbooks, Manuals, & Self-Help Guides for Mental Health Professionals & Consumers

Disclaimer: Links are provided for informational and educational purposes. I recommend reviewing each resource before using for updated copyright protections that may have changed since it was posted here. When in doubt, contact the author(s).


Substance Use Disorders & Addiction

Free printable workbooks, manuals, toolkits/self-help guides for substance and behavioral (i.e., food, gambling, etc.) addictions and recovery


There are several SAMHSA workbooks listed below; you can find additional free publications on SAMHSA’s website. For fact sheets and brochures, go to the National Institute on Drug Abuse website or the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. If you’re looking for 12-step literature, many 12-step organizations post free reading materials, workbooks, and worksheets; don’t forget to check local chapters! (See 12-Step Recovery Groups for a comprehensive list of recovery support group sites.)

Other great places to look for free printable workbooks and resources for addiction include education/advocacy and professional membership organization sites. (Refer to the Resource Links page on this site for an extensive list.)


💜 = Resource for Veterans
🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQ+ Resource

Anxiety & Mood Disorders

Free printable workbooks and other resources for anxiety (generalized, social phobia/anxiety, panic attacks), depressive and bipolar disorders, and prenatal/postpartum anxiety and depression


For more factsheets, brochures, and booklets, see SAMHSA, National Institute of Mental Health, NHS UK, CMHA, and education/advocacy sites listed on the Resource Links page on this site.


💜 = Resource for Veterans

Anxiety Disorders
Depressive & Bipolar Disorders
Postpartum Anxiety & Depression

Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders

A small collection of free printable workbooks, manuals, toolkits, and guides for schizophrenia spectrum and related disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive & Hoarding Disorders

Free printable workbooks, manuals, and guides for obsessive-compulsive, hoarding, and related disorders and issues

Trauma & PTSD

Free printable workbooks, manuals, and guides for trauma (including vicarious trauma) and PTSD

💜 = Resource for Veterans

Eating Disorders

Free printable workbooks and toolkits/guides for anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders

Suicide & Self-Harm

Free printable workbooks and toolkits/guide for suicide prevention and recovery and for non-suicidal self-injury

For additional resources for suicide, see 100+ Resources for Suicide Prevention & Recovery.

Grief & Loss

Free printable workbooks and toolkits/guides for grief and loss

For additional resources for grief and loss, see Grief & Loss: A Comprehensive Resource Guide and 3 Powerful TED Talks on Grief.

Anger

Free printable workbooks, manuals, and guides for coping with anger

For additional anger management tools, see 75 Helpful Anger Management Resources.

Self-Esteem: Free Printable Workbooks & Guides

Healthy Relationships & Communication

For additional related tools, see 50 Free Marriage & Relationship Assessment Tools.

Meditation & Mindfulness

Resiliency, Personal Development, & Wellness

Free Printable Workbooks for Forgiveness
  • DIY Workbook Series from the Positive Psychology Research Group at Virginia Commonwealth University (All of the following workbooks can be accessed through this link)
    • The Path to Humility: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Humble Person (84 pages)
    • The Path to Forgiveness: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Forgiving Person
    • Your Path to REACH Forgiveness: Become a More Forgiving Person in Less Than Two Hours
    • Moving Forward: Six Steps to Forgiving Yourself and Breaking Free from the Past (70 pages)
    • Experiencing Forgiveness: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Forgiving Christian
    • The Path to Patience: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Patient Person
    • The Path to Positivity: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Positive Person
  • Moving Forward: Six Steps to Forgiving Yourself (Self-Directed Learning), 2nd Ed. | (Printable workbook) Source: Virginia Commonwealth University/ForgiveSelf.com, 69 pages) 2015
Free Printable Workbooks & Guides for Sleep
Free Printable Workbooks & Guides for Stress

Self-Care

Free printable workbooks, toolkits, and guides for self-care

Nutrition & Exercise

Free printable workbooks, manuals, and guides for diet, physical activity, and health


CBT, DBT, & MI

Note: The free printable workbooks and other resources listed in the following section may also be listed in other sections of this post.


CBT: Free Printable Workbooks & Manuals
DBT: Free Printable Workbooks & Manuals
Motivational Interviewing

Additional Free Printable Workbooks, Manuals, & Self-Help Guides

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free printable PDF workbooks

Please comment with links to additional free printable workbooks and PDF resources for therapy or self-help!