(Updated 5/23/21) This list is comprised of 70+ academic journals that you can access online. Most of the journals are open-access; others offer limited access (with some free articles).
All of the publications are related to mental health, addiction, or wellness. I use many of them for research for this blog.
The research is relevant to all health professionals and to anyone who is interested in learning more about mental illness.
75 Free Online Academic Journals for Mental Health Professionals
(Updated 8/29/22) Are you looking to expand your clinical knowledge or need CEs to renew your license? In-person workshops and seminars are ideal for learning up-to-date practices and the latest research, but they are often expensive and/or require travel. And while there are plenty of online education programs that offer CEs, most charge a fee.
75 Free Online Resources for Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals
This is a list comprised of over 75 sites that provide free online education, including training courses and webinars, some offering CEs.
Please share this resource for free online education with anyone you think might benefit!
For additional resources for professional development, click here.
Free Online Training Courses and Webinars
6-Module DBT Course | An educational course designed for professionals to learn the basic principles for the diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder. There are six 20-minute modules.
Health eKnowledge | Free online courses on a variety of topics including clinical supervision, substance use, and behavioral health. You must create a free account and login to access the courses.
Healthy Minds | A public television series on mental health (and ending stigma)
Honor Our Voices | A learning module that allows you to see domestic violence through the eyes and voices of children, includes a printable guide
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy | IPSRT is an evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder. With registration, this course offers a free 8-hour online training.
Magellan Health E-Learning Center | Professional learning opportunities. Many of the continuing education courses offer free CEs approved by the following organizations: APA, ASWB, NBCC, and NAADAC.
Mental Health Professionals’ Network | Australia-based site. Webinars on topics ranging from complicated grief, complex trauma, anxiety, LGBT issues, and more.
Preventing Firearm Injury: What Clinicians Can Do | This course was developed by the BulletPoints Project, a program of the California Firearm Violence Research Center at the University of California, Davis. BulletPoints aims to teach medical and mental health care providers how to reduce the risk of firearm-related injury and death in their patients. The course is taught by Dr. Amy Barnhorst, the Director of the BulletPoints Project and a Professor of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine at UC Davis. This course provides an opportunity for participants to earn one Continuing Education (CE) credit. In order to earn the CE credit, participants must complete all activities, pass the final quiz by answering at least 70% of the questions correctly, and complete an unscored course evaluation. 🆕
SMI Adviser | Free on-demand and lives courses, search catalogue by credit type
SOAR Works: SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery Online Course | A free 20-hour course with seven comprehensive classes that teaches how to navigate the SSI/SSDI application process with clients with mental illness, who are at risk of homelessness, have a medical impairment, or a co-occurring disorder. CEUs offered for NASW.
VHA Train | Register for a free account to access on-demand trainings, some free CEs available for counselors and social workers
YMSM & LGBT | Archived webinars on topics related to treatment services for the lesbian, gay, and transgender population. You can also access a monthly webinar series held on the 4th Friday of each month. CEs offered
Zero Suicide | Articles, tools, videos, and webinars
(Updated 7/16/23) The questions to explore ask about recovery, spirituality, personal growth, and other relevant topics. As a counselor, I’ve used the questions with adults who struggle with mental illness and addiction, mostly in a group setting.
Asking open-ended questions is a basic counseling skill. Open questions invite the client to explore his or her thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. In contrast, closed questions can be answered with a yes or no.
The first section, “Conversation Starters,” is comprised of questions to explore that can be used as icebreakers, at a party, or even on a date. In a clinical setting, use a “Conversation Starter” as a group check-in. It provides an opportunity for group members to engage and to learn about their peers.
Click below for a free printable handout that includes questions to explore from each category: