Sound Mind Live is a non-profit organization that brings together musicians, music lovers and forward-thinking organizations to foster community, open dialogue and action around mental health through the power of music. Sound Mind events and programs create safe spaces where music and open conversations about mental health coexist through collaboration between artists, audiences, and organizations that provide direct mental health support. Sound Mind Live’s work includes live concerts, podcast and video programming and the annual Sound Mind Music Festival for Mental Health here in NYC each May. Their programming also provides on-site and digital mental health resources in partnership with artist tours and venues around the country.
Founded back in 2013, BetterHelp aims to remove traditional barriers to theory and make mental health care accessible to everyone. As the world’s largest online therapy service, BetterHelp provides professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format. With a network of 35,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp has helped millions worldwide take control of their mental health and achieve personal goals. Committed to expanding access to therapy globally, BetterHelp continues to address the unmet need for mental health services.
Sound Mind Live and BetterHelp are partnering for the seventh edition of the Sound Mind Live Music Festival for Mental Health. Taking place Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Brooklyn Paramount, the event will be hosted by comedian Jordan Carlos and feature sets from BØRNS, American Authors and MILCK and a spoken word presentation by Hakeem Rahim.
Tickets ($35) and VIP Tickets ($135, including private concert viewing area, two drinks and Sound Live merch and gift bag) go on sale Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:00am ET here: https://wwww.universe.com/soundmindfest
Pre-sale tickets went on sale this morning. To my knowledge, you can still sign up here: https://www.soundmindlive.org/2025-festival-presale
The Sound Mind Live Music Festival for Mental Health aims to provide crucial support, raise awareness, and create a safe space for individuals to connect, heal and find resources. Over the past handful of years, mental health challenges have been at an all-time high, with nearly 1-in-5 American adults experiencing a mental illness and suicide now ranking as the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. With rates of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation continuing to rise, there’s an urgent need for creative platforms like music festivals to raise, awareness, foster connections and break stigmas around mental health and therapy.
“We are beyond excited to bring together such a powerful combination of music, mental health advocacy, and community at this year’s festival,” said Chris Bullard, Executive Director of Sound Mind Live. “The Sound Mind Festival is not just about great performances—it’s about creating a space where people can come together to heal, share their stories, and find the support they need. Mental health is something we all navigate, and through music, conversation, and connection, we hope to inspire hope and spark change.”
This year’s festival features thought-provoking panels on mental health and social justice, as well as a special live recording of the Sound Mind/Consequence podcast Going There with Dr. Mike, featuring a surprise artist guest.
Over a dozen leading mental heath organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health will be on site offering keynote talks and live resources. Attendees will also take part in a powerful, immersive audience singing moment led by Gaia Music Collective.
On Saturday, May 2025, Sound Mind Live will host live performances, wellness workshops, singing circles and an ecstatic dance party at Sound Mind Center, the nonprofit’s DUMBO venue dedicated to inspiring a deep connection through the power of the arts and wellness. Sound Mind Center is a hub of creativity, community and healing that features a wide array of programming weekly, including live concerts, dances, comedy, storytelling, wellness retreats and workshops and more, Those folks, who buy tickets for the festival on May 18 will also receive free entry to the events at Sound Mind Center on May 17.
Additionally, tickets for the panels and keynotes on May 17, 2025 can be purchased here: https://www.tixr.com/groups/soundmindlive/events/sound-mind-center-immersive-experience-day-part-of-the-sound-mind-festival–138347
For those unable to attend in person, the festival will be available as a one-time-only stream on the Sound Mind Live YouTube channel in partnership with YouTube Health. This year’s event is made possible with the proud support of BetterHelp. Attendees can get their first week of therapy free at https://www.betterhelp.com/soundmind.
“As a global leader in mental health advocacy and access, we’re thrilled to partner with Sound Mind to break down the barriers to mental health support,” said Fernando Madeira, President of Better Help. “Together, we’ll confront the stigma around mental health challenges and remind everyone that there’s strength in asking for support.”
Other Sound Mind Live Festival for Mental Health partners include WFUV Radio, Consequence, Spinach Records, and more.
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