The Best Mental Health Apps

We are fortunate that in today’s era of technology we have access to a wide array of devices and the best therapy apps that are useful for assisting with the treatment of mental health conditions, including online therapy. Even with the many mental health apps available today, seeking appropriate support and therapy from appropriate mental health professionals is important.

These apps are not meant to replace professional help—simply to give you some tips, guidance, or distractions that will help you cope with certain symptoms. A doctor or mental health provider is always going to provide more thorough treatment so that you can address the root of your issues. These mental health apps, however, can be great tools for coping when you’re on the go and need a little support. Read on for information on the apps that aim to improve mental health. 

The Best Mental Health Apps for Depression, Anxiety & Beyond

Happify

Happify is an app that helps with relieving stress and managing anxiety. This app can help users build resilience and strengthen coping skills with the use of games and other activities. It is science-based, and users can plan their goals using this app. This app is available for both Android devices and iOS.

PTSD Coach

This app is designed for those who have or may have post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people associate PTSD with veterans, but anyone can endure traumatic events and develop PTSD.

This app offers tools for users to track their symptoms and it also helps them with managing symptoms. Apart from these useful tools and trackers, it also helps the user with locating the nearest treatment programs. In cases of emergencies, it can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline quickly. This app is only available in the USA, and it can be downloaded on both Android and iOS devices and is a free app.

TogetherAll

TogetherAll is an app offering support networks and live therapy in the UK and Canada. Users can talk about their mental health issues, similar to support groups. Users can also take self-assessment tests. This is a paid app, but it’s also affordable, and some users may qualify for free, like those who are certain government employees or whose employers have enabled free use of the app. Apart from it allowing users to connect, it also provides discussion boards, and support from licensed therapists is provided. With this app, you will never feel as though you’re alone in whatever you might be living with. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Calm

Calm is an app that offers guided meditation, and it can help with bringing peace and joy to your daily life, helping you to overcome negative thoughts and practice stress relief. It’s even suitable for people who are unfamiliar with meditation, as it’s designed for beginners. Basic courses on meditation are available for free. Advanced meditation guides are available, but these have subscription fees. This app is ideal for people that are experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress or are looking for career success by achieving mindfulness. Calm is available on both Android and iOS devices and there is a free version.

Sanvello

Sanvello offers clinically validated techniques and support to help with the relief of anxiety and depression symptoms. It’s available on the App Store and Google Play.

Breathe2Relax

Breathe2Relax is an app that’s specifically designed for stress management. The app teaches therapeutic breathing exercises and helps you practice self-care. It is available for both Android and iOS devices.

Recolor

Need a new hobby? Then Recolor is the perfect app for that. Recolor is an adult-friendly coloring app. Coloring is also another therapeutic technique that will help with calming the mind. You can set the difficulty also, which makes it perfect for both beginners and advanced users. This app is free, and it is available for both iOS and Android devices and is great if you are focusing on improving mental health care. 

IntelliCare

This guided tool helps with managing worry with helpful techniques. It also provides distractions and provides daily tips on how to cope with worry. IntelliCare also provides you with statistics on your progress. You can download this app on both Android and iOS devices.

Sober Grid

Sober Grid is an app that’s geared toward recovering substance users. The app provides 24/7 support networks where users can talk about their progress and experiences, and both give and receive support. It’s available on both Android and iOS devices.

Headspace

Headspace has become a popular app. It has many benefits, and it can help with multiple issues. It offers meditation lessons that focus on most aspects of the user’s personal life such as relationships, wellness, and performance. It has hundreds of themed sessions—even insomnia sessions. Even busy individuals can benefit from this app, as it accommodates users with busy schedules by providing them with shorter sessions. It's available for both Android and iOS devices.

Recovery Record

Recovery Record is an app that’s geared toward people who are living with and recovering from eating disorders. It offers meal plans, and meal logs, and you can allow your chosen medical and mental health professionals so they can help you in recovery. This app also allows users to journal their way through their recovery and feelings. Progress can also be tracked through this app via questionnaires. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

BetterHelp

Numerous recent studies are showing that the practice of online therapy administered through mental health apps or online platforms can be useful for those experiencing issues with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and several other mental health concerns. In a study published in Current Psychiatry Reports—a peer-reviewed medical journal—researchers examined the effects of mobile therapy apps for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The report notes that these modalities offer easier use, particularly due to the proliferation of smartphones, and that there is evidence that shows that mobile apps can successfully reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers mention that these apps often include many useful aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy tools (CBT), which is a widely accepted form of treatment that helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns that may be underlying unwanted actions or feelings.

Online or smartphone-enabled therapy sessions can help you work through complicated emotions arising out of mental health issues. You can check out the BetterHelp application available on both iOS and Android app stores, where you can sign up for therapy with a licensed counselor who will provide you with unique and personalized support through whatever difficulties you may be facing. You’ll fill out your preferences and specific issues you’d like to work on, and BetterHelp will match you with a therapist you’ll work with remotely—by video, phone, chat, and messaging. One thing to note is that, currently, BetterHelp does not provide therapy for children, so if you're a parent looking for a therapist for your child, more research is required. A licensed mental health professional knows how to properly utilize the resources available through the BetterHelp app as they guide you on the path to improved mental health and help you work through mental illness if you have one or multiple mental health disorders. Read below for counselor reviews, from those who have sought help through the BetterHelp app in the past.

Therapist Reviews

“I love the BetterHelp app because it allowed me to put in the specifics of what I was looking for in a therapist as well as what I needed from my therapist. Beverly was the first profile I reviewed and it matched perfectly. She has helped me get through short-term concerns as well as long-term problems even when I didn’t have counseling sessions because she gave me so much knowledge I was able to continue practicing the skills that she had taught me when I was not able to have sessions regularly. I’m excited to begin regular sessions again and I’m happy that she is available for me.”

“John is a great listener and engages well across all tools available via the application. He’s responsive to email and text messages and makes the most of any face-to-face/zoom type sessions. I found his techniques very helpful in working through family issues. Highly recommend John as a counselor. Demonstrates keen insight and empathy.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some apps that help with mental health?

There is a variety of apps that have a multitude of features to support your mental health journey. For example, sleep can play an important part in someone's overall well-being. Sleep apps can help people identify and improve healthy sleep habits.

Other apps can do the same thing for your moods by giving you a safe area to record your daily mood. Eventually, you can use this information to personalize your routine by understanding what sort of regime works best for you. 

Of course, many other applications can help with things like monitoring alcohol consumption, providing guided meditations, and offering personalized physical fitness advice. 

Are there apps to help with anxiety?

There are plenty of apps out there that give you the ability to manage and record your anxiety. Some, like BreathWork, will help you to hone your breathing techniques and naturally calm yourself down after or during a stressful situation. These apps can be excellent for someone who's trying to holistically manage their anxiety, instead of using prescription drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy to treat it. 

In addition to these apps, however, therapy can be helpful in that counselors provide you with real-time, personalized feedback to improve your anxiety. This can be much more effective in meeting the needs of a client than an app that only provides general suggestions or content. 

Especially for clients with higher levels of anxiety who are considered to be at a higher risk, therapy should be the first option they select. 

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