Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry

by Jonathan N. Stea

A takedown of mental health misinformation and pseudoscience to educate and embolden readers who wish to make informed decisions about their mental health. According to some estimates, there are at least 600 different "brands" of psychotherapy, most of which are not supported by scientific research. There also exists countless unregulated providers of mental health services in the 5.6 trillion USD wellness industry and alternative medicine community who market themselves as "life coaches," "wellness consultants," and--depending on particular countries and jurisdictions--other various non-legally protected titles, such as "therapists," "psychotherapists," "counselors," and "practitioners." In a landscape where mental health concerns are at a fever pitch and anyone can call themselves a "therapist" without a license, the world of mental healthcare is very much caveat buyer beware. In Mind the Science, Jonathan N. Stea provides a takedown of mental health misinformation and pseudoscience to educate and embolden readers who wish to make informed decisions about their mental health. Readers are empowered to protect themselves from mental health scams, charlatanry, and poor or misguided health practices that thrive in the multi-trillion-dollar wellness industry. The book begins by acquainting readers with the nature, evolution, and seduction of pseudoscience, coaching them on how to become science and mental health literate. Next, the book teaches readers how to spot misinformation and propaganda, shining a light on various pseudoscientific practices, showing the psychological reasons that leave us vulnerable to believing misinformation, and helping readers to develop a keen eye for the tactics and tropes that are used to push propaganda in the wellness and alternative medicine communities. The book concludes with strategies and solutions, showing the concepts and science behind evidence-based ways to improve mental health and teaches what to look for when seeking real professional help. Mind the Science is the self-defense shield that we direly need to protect us against the onslaught of bogus mental health treatments and products that have increasingly flooded social media, popular media, and the business of healthcare itself. By the end, readers will be better positioned to identify mental health misinformation, to steer clear of misguided and predatory practices, and to understand what mental health really means.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Psychology, Mental Health, Health, Audiobook, Self Help

264 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Anne Jisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Not only full of good information, but very much needed! It equips one on how to spot pseudoscience, yet shows compassion and care that it's hard to do that while desperately needing help.

I highly recommend this book! Extremely important, especially in this day and she where misinformation spreads like weeds.

[Elle SeasonsofStories · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little obvious for those of us that spend a lot of time thinking critically (okay, verging on cynically) but still a fantastic reminder for those of us that spend lots of time on social media.
A pretty aesthetic is enough to make me look twice, but “wellness” as a concept is actually designed to take our money, and, in some cases, our actual health.
Some wellness grifts are more obvious than others/ better safe than sorry, and this book gives people lots of tools to examine scientifically various “cures” and “therapies” and “health practitioners” out there.
An interesting book by a Canadian clinical psychologist.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give Dr. Stea 10 stars if I could. I am so appreciative of his calling out pseudoscience and giving us the tools to spot it. This was an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone interested in debunking woo or who might be concerned that they’re in a situation that may not be science backed.

[Kirb]

I couldn't decide on a review, because I don't really think I was the target audience for this book.
As an introduction to anti-science rhetoric it is very strong, but for anyone who's already read other books on the subject, it doesn't add much that hasn't been heard before. That's not an insult, as I think this is the perfect book for someone who hasn't read much on mental health and/or misinformation, since it has great detail and actionable steps for identifying these scams. I also really appreciated the empathy and understanding the author has when talking about those who may fall for these scams, as it helped bring an open and nuanced perspective to the subject.

[J. Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally made the time to finish Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry over the holidays, and I’m glad I did. This necessary book is a timely and insightful critique of the wellness industry, written by a seasoned practitioner who has witnessed firsthand the damage it has inflicted on an already vulnerable and imperfect healthcare system in North America.

The author takes readers on a compelling journey, peeling back the layers of pseudoscience and profit-driven motives that often masquerade as solutions for mental health struggles. They expertly balance clinical rigor with accessible language, making complex topics understandable without oversimplifying.

What struck me most was the book's emphasis on protecting the integrity of science-based practices. It calls attention to how the wellness industry's promises of quick fixes and miracle cures not only mislead consumers but also erode trust in legitimate healthcare. The stories shared in the book—ranging from personal anecdotes to patient experiences, especially the final one—are sobering yet illuminating, offering a stark reminder of how much is at stake.

This is not a condemnation of self-care or alternative approaches; rather, it’s a call to action for critical thinking and informed decision-making. The book provides practical tools for navigating the overwhelming sea of wellness advice, empowering readers to prioritize their mental health while avoiding harmful trends.

If you’ve ever felt inundated by the latest wellness fads or questioned the efficacy of trendy mental health treatments, this book is for you. It’s a vital resource for anyone who values thoughtful, science-based approaches to well-being in an era where hype often overshadows truth.

[London Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a phenomenal book for people who don't understand these subjects. Mr. Stea is fighting the good fight. I appreciate.

[Megan Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little repetitive but very informative!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important contribution towards science literacy and addressing pseudoscience. I think it could be a little more concise and better organized, but I will highly recommend it to others!

[Shadira · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nurse, evidence-based practice specialist, and COVID frontliner, I cannot overstate the importance of Jonathan N. Stea’s Mind the Science. This book is not only timely but essential in today’s landscape, where misinformation about health and wellness often spreads faster than reliable, science-backed knowledge.

Stea takes on the multi-billion-dollar wellness industry with clarity and compassion, exposing the dangers of pseudoscience while offering readers a grounded, evidence-based perspective on mental health. For those of us who lived through the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frontlines, the stakes are all too clear: misinformation costs lives. Seeing friends, families, and even patients turn to unproven “miracle” cures or wellness fads instead of credible treatment was heartbreaking.

What makes this book stand out is its balance. Stea doesn’t dismiss people’s desire to feel better or seek holistic care he validates those needs but he insists on separating genuine, evidence-supported practices from marketing gimmicks and false promises. His writing empowers readers to be informed, critical thinkers without shaming them for having been drawn in by the wellness industry’s allure.

From a professional standpoint, Mind the Science should be required reading for anyone in healthcare, public health, or mental health services. It offers language and strategies we can use to guide our patients and communities toward safe, effective approaches. Personally, I found it deeply validating to see the principles of evidence-based practice brought to life in such an accessible and urgent way.

In the wake of the pandemic, where the fragility of mental health has been laid bare, this book is more than a critique—it is a lifeline. For healthcare workers, patients, and the public alike, Stea’s message is clear: our wellbeing deserves science, not sales pitches.

Verdict: A vital, empowering, and timely guide. Highly recommended for anyone navigating the noisy, confusing world of wellness claims especially those committed to protecting mental health through evidence-based practice.

[J White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stea provides wonderful information on how to spot treatments, etc. being sold to folks that are not evidence based. The book felt extremely repetitive, and many of the examples were extreme. Although people do end up in these extreme situations, more examples of nuisance (such as 'real' CBT vs something than someone called CBT, but it wasn't) would have been more insightful.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

"Consider the nirvana fallacy. It's the error in comparing realistic solutions to idealized perfect ones and then arguing that the realistic solutions should be dismissed because they're imperfect. It's important to avoid lobbing this fallacy at evidence-based mental health care. Yes, its solutions are drawn from incomplete science. We don't completely understand mental illness or why some people have an easier time recovering than others. We don't have perfect methods to even study what works and what doesn't. The solutions are necessarily tentative and infallible.
But (...) they're better than the alternatives presented in the wellness industry that are awash with pseudoscientific pipe dreams."

Personally, I found the stories of people negatively affected by wellness trends while seeking mental health care very tragic and frustrating, as well as informative. I also feel it did a good job getting me to reflect on biases against imperfect evidence-based health care... I think existing in a media landscape that's always promising this one "proven" new trick or product is guaranteed to fix everything if you're just willing to go all-in, I've unconsciously become dismissive of evidence-based treatments that we don't fully understand and that don't work for everyone. I feel like this book did me a big favor by getting me to really seriously reflect on these things.

My one criticism is that I wish that this boik went more in-depth into its topics. I felt a little it would have been more satiafying as three books: one on current psuedoscientific wellness trends, one on the history of wellness, and one on evidence-based treatments. As an introduction to these topics I think the author does a good job, but I was really left itching for more tbh.

[Natalia Sjöholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illiteracy in all its forms is a real threat to us all. Learning to think critically and objectively is no simple task and it most definitely isn't something you're born with. Science denial is rising everywhere and maybe most don't even realize the serious consequences from denying objective truths, and thinking that any opinion is as good as an experts or that of someone who studies the matter in question.

In my country I've seen this happen too, and now with the government completely trying to destroy and make big cuts to the public health system, the quacks of course want to, and also get the chance to step in on the area.

From my local movie theater organizing a health exposition, offering according to the description NLP, quantum woo and other pseudoscientific practices, (and also at least one MLM, of course), to my local private clinic having flyers advertising acupuncture, to reiki and energy healers touting their grift at local retirement homes, and all the way to the big wellness influencers spewing out lies everyday, it is a big problem we are facing here.

Seeing some people waste their money and time while becoming more delusional and hateful towards real facts and science based medicine, it is scary to think what the future will hold, and not least for those depending on the rest of the society for example to uphold the herd immunity through vaccination.

"Alternative medicine" and the wellness industry is a lucrative business and it thrives on gullible people. Please educate yourself, all the time and every day.
Why don't you start out with this amazing book?

5/5

[Heiki Eesmaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am at heart a humanistic practitioner viewing therapy as a human endeavor not well handled by natural science approaches. That said, I'm fascinated by research and believe to be fairly well read in behavioral therapies. This book is overall a defense of the medical or natural sciences view while accommodating just enough of the common factors and the processes of change views that I couldn't really criticize it on that account.

That said, I am more confused: who this book is for? The usual group would be the doubters, however I believe it to be too fiery and antagonistic to appeal to people on the fence -- but who knows, maybe it does address them successfully. If so, good!

I, myself, am pretty clearly not the addressee, and I was a little confused by the exaggerated focus on matters that are not so clearly within the purview of mental health. Lots of critique about homeopathy, which is easy to beat at. Much less about hard-to-solve problems like everything that happens in the fuzzy area of non-empirically validated interventions that probably work somewhat or empirically validated interventions that are done really poorly.

It's easy to aspire to really well-trained scientist-practitioners that also have excellent interpersonal skills and also are humanitarian enough to work in places with no resources and that there are multitudes of them that are also rapidly trained according to need. But that's not really an option even in countries with good social systems like Canada where the author is from.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today’s overwhelming online landscape of mental health information, Mind the Science is an essential guide to distinguishing evidence-based care from misinformation, grift, and harmful wellness trends. Dr. Jonathan Stea delivers a compelling and accessible exploration of how pseudoscience preys on vulnerable individuals seeking answers.

Rather than dictating what to think, Stea equips readers with the skills to think critically about mental health claims. He unpacks key cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and the deceptive tactics used to market ineffective—and sometimes dangerous—interventions. Beyond debunking myths, he provides practical tools for identifying credible sources and making informed decisions about mental health.

As someone passionate about mental health literacy, I found Mind the Science both engaging and necessary. This book belongs on the shelf of every healthcare professional, student, and anyone who wants to be a smarter consumer of mental health information. More than just a critique of pseudoscience, it is a call to arms for evidence-based thinking in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly.

[cripademia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book thoroughly. It is a good progression through how to recognise pseudoscience and misinformation. Books like this are needed ATM especially with what is happening in the US.

My only issue is one of personal preference is that I'd of liked it too delve into the political nature of science more and more reference to the history of medicine. The areas Stea did focus on these were my favourite parts.

Yet I understand this was a popular science book and one can't cover it all. A tad more nuance though and explanation to the more precise reasons why people are inclined to fall for misinformation would have been good.

But it it vital for misinformation and disinformation to be called out especially in the field of mental health. It's an area where things can go seriously wrong if misinformation is followed too far.

[Triin · Rating 5 out of 5]

See peaks olema kohustuslik kirjandus kõigile, kes tegutsevad tõenduspõhise vaimse tervise teenuste pakkumise (või nende tellimise) vallas, aga kindlasti ka ajakirjanikele, eeskätt naiste- ja terviseajakirjades. Wellness woo on ennast söövitanud liiga sügavale ajakirjandusse ja on viimane aeg see sealt välja peksta.
Stea raamat annab lugejale suurepärase pildi, miks on vaja jälgida, et vaimse tervise abi hädalisele kasu asemel kahju ei teeks ning jagab mitmesuguseid praktilisi näpunäiteid enese ja oma lähedaste kaitsmiseks soolapuhujate eest. Ennetamine on odavam ja tõhusam kui tagajärgede ravimine - ja see kehtib ka vaimse tervise kohta. Ole tark ja ära lase soolapuhujal endale udu ajada, see võib sulle nii otseselt kui kaudselt kalliks maksma minna.

[Iola Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

In UK not America so some of this is less relevant but a great challenge to anyone (like me) who has been drawn towards alternative medicine when less well but feels uneasy about the claims on reflection. It reflects a healthy scepticism of all mental health practices (CBT gets a positive as a 1-1 psycologist lead relationship, but not in the read from a manual to group sessions on line approach that I and many others have experienced delivered by the NHS. ) . I love the lines "alternative medicine with a reliable research evidence base is just medicine" and "the plural of anecdote is not data". I am left agreeing scientific iteracy is essential skill in an increasingly grifter driven economy

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an important book for any consumer of mental health services or anyone who wants to claim a modicum of critical thinking or science literacy. Stea is also a kind and intelligent writer, fighting the good fight. This is an easy read, 264 pages of very accessible writing. You'll find a bias or two of your own challenged, but mostly you'll have moments of relief when FINALLY someone else is saying that pseudoscience is unethical and just plain bad for us. (I regret to inform you that your detox foot baths won't fix your personality disorder or your cardiovascular disease. Spend that money on something you really enjoy, or a plain old doctor.)

[Rupinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of books on general skepticism as well as on debunking "alternative medicine" and its fraudulent claims. I am not aware of many books on debunking pseudoscience and credible-sounding but bogus "therapies." Today, unless one is vigilant, it is so easy to be fooled by mental health-related misinformaion peddled by social media influencers, internet marketers, and celebrity-endorsed conmen.
This book is a perfect introduction as well as a go-to resource for someone trying to restore their mental health in the middle of the pervasive minefield of misinformation.

[Ava Hall]

Mic, dropped. Dr Stea pulled together relevant experience with evidence-based science to showcase why critical thinking is so crucial in the wellness world. Though the primary focus of this book was mental health there were so many ways to apply the content to other areas as well. I appreciated the in-depth discussions on why science-backed research is so nuanced and red flags to watch out. A must read for sure!

[Līva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very valuable book in mental health field, as it really is full of pseudoscientific treatments and specialists. Although it did feel a bit too agressive ar the beginning, it is full of useful, well grounded and factual information.
Hopefully it will get translated to Latvian at some point as our nation does lack skills mentioned and described in the book to discern between science and pseudoscience, legitimate treatment an non-legitimate treatment.

[Sabrina McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to start reading this book. I found so much of the content relatable, and I needed this information so much. Knowledge is power, and Dr. Stea delivers on empowering us. It is easy to follow and his target audience is everyone that needs help weeding out misinformation. I highly recommend it to everyone. We all need to Mind The Science

[Charlotte Chan]

No notes. This was fantastic and I adored the seamless way that Jonathan blends science with his clinical experience (in the true sense of evidence-based practice). As a clinical psychologist, this book had a mental health focus, but its argument on health misinformation still holds true for so many other disciplines (nutrition especially).

[Alysse Aallyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful analysis from a Canadian psychologist in how to question pseudoscience claims and advocate for yourself in the face of alternative therapies. He's less good at explaining why we are at the mercy of all this experimental care - the US has the worst health outcomes of any advanced nation and Canadian healthcare aggressively ends mental health care way too soon.

[Benjamin Davis-Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that is recommended reading for everyone, both for those with and without science backgrounds. I listened to this as an audiobook, which I think allowed Dr. Stea's compassion to come through even more clearly, making it even easier to see that this book is truly meant to help folks, and is not simply knocking the wellness industry.

[Sanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informații utile, scrisă plăcut & necesară în timpurile astea când circulă atâtea informații false-pseudoștiință.
E o misiune grea, oamenii ăștia de știință sunt ținta atâtor mesaje pline de ură și amenințări🥲…

[Nick Salenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that is self-defense shield that we direly need to protect us against onslaught of bogus mental health treatments & products that have increasingly flooded social media, popular media & business of health care itself.

[Jonah Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Stea does a fantastic job exploring the risks and grift in
the wellness industry. I appreciate his ability to critique within his own field the limitations and functions of RCT-based research. This book is a great tool for becoming more informed about the risks of engaging with pseudoscience.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be enlightening. There are so many alternative medics options out there and they sound enticing to me but I always have questions in the back of my mind about how can this work. This book shows how to spot Pseudoscience and how to stay on track with science based medicine.

[Sanaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

الفكرة الأساسية فيه هي أن الاهتمام بالصحة النفسية يجب أن يكون مبنيًا على العلم والأدلة لا على إعلانات براقة أوترندات على وسائل التواصل

الجميل بالكتاب إنه لا يكتفي بالنقد فقط بل يقدم بدائل واقعية مبنية على العلم بعيدًا عن وهم إن صحتك النفسية مربوطة بشمعة معطرة أو حجر طاقة او يوغا او قانون جذب