Resources For Therapy: Guide To Support Groups, Apps, And Worksheets

Many resources are used to help clients seek counseling, receive benefits from therapy sessions, or understand the therapy process. As the psychology industry evolves, internet-based resources are abundant. Videos, apps, websites, and guides are unique resources to help clients understand the therapeutic process or receive extra benefits after therapy.

Note that if your first resource isn't working, many others exist. Consider asking your mental health provider for support if you're looking for a specific therapy worksheet, module, or research material. Many therapists carry books or have studies on hand to support clients looking for education in mental health. 

Where to find resources for therapy

Therapy resources include platforms and apps that offer therapy services, worksheets, and workshops where you can learn new skills and receive educational resources to connect with online. Below are a few types of resources you can consider.  

Please note that while these resources and tools can be helpful in supporting your mental health, it is a good idea to seek out assistance from health professionals directly. While tools and resources might be helpful in the relief of in-the-moment anxiety, for example, having a therapist aid you in recovering from one of the myriad of anxiety disorders will help you get the specialized treatment you may need.  Consider these therapy tools as added support rather than a main source of treatment.

Mental health apps 

Smartphones have allowed many to connect with a therapist on the go, use mental health tools, and get guided meditations from specialists. Many apps offer calming music, rain sounds, or white noise to aid in sleep. 

If you're looking for mental health education, several apps offer audio lessons and activities, health trackers, and relaxation techniques. Personal safety and emergency apps can also allow individuals to set up a network of family and friends and list coping mechanisms to use during a difficult moment. 

Many apps offer a passworded platform to write your thoughts if you like to journal but don't like writing by hand. Some might include daily mood and activity trackers. On these, you can select your mood, check off activities that you participated in that day, and review past mood and activity connections. 

These resource apps are available on Apple and Android. Search for "mental health" in the app store of your choice to find options. As many of these resources are free or low-cost, you can utilize them cost-effectively.  

Online forums and support groups 

Online forums and support groups can allow individuals to connect with others experiencing similar symptoms, diagnoses, or life situations. For those who live in rural areas, these resources offer the value of social connection. In addition, many of these resources are free to use. 

Online support groups often target addiction, depression, relationship challenges, and relationships. These groups may meet over a video chat platform or through a social media website like Facebook. 

If you join an online forum, you can talk to others experiencing your symptoms and find out what has worked for them. However, be wary that forums may not be moderated or controlled by licensed therapists, and the advice you receive from peers cannot replace the advice of a medical professional.   

Worksheets 

You may be able to find therapy worksheets or workbooks online or at a local bookstore. Although these worksheets do not replace therapy from a licensed professional, they can guide you in the self-care process and give you an activity to focus on when emotionally distressed. Worksheets might include the following: 

• Cognitive restructuring exercises 
• Mandalas or coloring pages for mindful coloring
• Journaling prompts 
• Pie charts for charting symptoms 
• Self-care brainstorming 
• Acceptance techniques 
• Open-ended questions for self-inquiry 

Some therapy modules include worksheets as part of a structured treatment plan, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which includes a workbook with structured activities to use in sessions. Therapy worksheets can also often be reached for free online from various sources. Always verify the source of your health resources before use.

Videos 

If worksheet tools alone aren’t helpful to you, consider adding a more dynamic visual element. Many licensed therapists offer therapy tips and tricks through a video platform. If you can't afford therapy or are looking for education outside of sessions, you can consider watching a video by an expert. Although videos do not provide personalized support, they can offer short-term guidance and learning. 

CBT resources

One common type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which encourages individuals to challenge unwanted thoughts to change behaviors and reactions. CBT has been proven one of the most effective forms of therapy for treating various mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression. 

CBT resources are often offered through apps, worksheets, workbooks, games, and videos to guide those interested in the therapy modality in standard practices used by therapists. Another CBT resource is the Beck Institute, which offers courses in CBT for therapists and education for individuals.  

CBT was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron Beck, a man internationally recognized as the father of CBT and one of the world's leading scientists in psychopathology. In 1994, along with his daughter Dr. Judith Beck, he established the Beck Institute in Bala Cynwyd, Philadelphia. Their facility has trained clinicians, researchers, and academic students from all over the world. Their website offers free resources such as tools and handouts for individuals looking to learn more about the therapy modality. 

If you have tried using CBT resources at home and are struggling to understand them or find benefits, you can also consider reaching out to a therapist. Therapists keep up to date on new treatment methods each year and are qualified to offer suggestions personalized to your symptoms or needs. They can help you understand the various worksheet tools and handouts associated with CBT and use them to maximum advantage.

Online therapy websites

Many individuals seek the support of online tools or resources due to barriers to acquiring in-person therapy. As resources can be free or low-cost, they can provide a short-term alternative to no treatment. However, if you're seeking therapy and feel it might not be available to you in person, consider online counseling. 

Online platforms like BetterHelp offer similar benefits to other resources, with the added benefit of licensed, experienced therapists. Online therapy platforms are often more cost-effective than traditional providers. In addition, you can choose an appointment time that fits your schedule, whether in the morning, late at night, or on the weekends.

In one review of 17 studies, researchers found that online therapy was more effective than in-person methods for certain conditions, like depression. Working with a therapist to navigate mental health concerns instead of working alone can ensure you receive the most benefit from treatment and understand each technique in detail.