10 Best Mental Health Apps
In today’s fast-paced world, managing mental health has become increasingly important, and mental health apps provide accessible tools to help you stay grounded, manage stress, and maintain emotional well-being. Whether you're looking for mindfulness exercises, therapy resources, or ways to track your moods, these apps offer support right from your phone. Here are ten of the best mental health apps to consider.
1. Headspace
Headspace is a popular app for meditation and mindfulness, offering guided exercises that focus on everything from stress relief to improving sleep. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality audio, with a range of sessions designed to help beginners and advanced users alike.
Key Features: Guided meditation, sleep sounds, mindful exercises, breathing techniques.
Available on: iOS, Android
2. Calm
Calm is another leading app that specializes in meditation, relaxation, and sleep. It offers guided meditations, sleep stories, calming music, and breathing exercises. Calm’s programs are designed to reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia, making it a great all-in-one relaxation tool.
Key Features: Guided meditations, sleep stories, music tracks for focus and relaxation, daily meditative exercises.
Available on: iOS, Android
3. BetterHelp
BetterHelp connects users with licensed therapists for online counseling through text, phone, or video calls. It's one of the largest online therapy platforms and offers a more affordable, flexible alternative to traditional therapy.
Key Features: Access to licensed therapists, secure messaging, video or phone sessions, flexible subscription plans.
Available on: iOS, Android
4. Moodfit
Moodfit is a versatile app designed to improve mood and track mental health progress. It includes tools like mood tracking, gratitude journaling, and customized mental health goals. Moodfit also offers resources to help understand and manage anxiety and depression.
Key Features: Mood tracking, mental health exercises, gratitude journaling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based exercises.
Available on: iOS, Android
5. Sanvello
Sanvello combines elements of CBT, mindfulness, and mood tracking to help users manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It offers guided journeys, meditation sessions, mood tracking, and a supportive community to foster mental well-being.
Key Features: CBT tools, mood tracking, guided journeys for anxiety and stress, community support, meditation exercises.
Available on: iOS, Android
6. MindShift CBT
MindShift CBT, developed by Anxiety Canada, is a self-help app that focuses on CBT techniques to reduce anxiety. It includes tools for managing worry, setting goals, and challenging negative thoughts, making it an effective app for dealing with social anxiety, panic, and phobias.
Key Features: Anxiety management tools, CBT-based strategies, relaxation techniques, goal setting.
Available on: iOS, Android
7. Happify
Happify uses science-based games and activities to help improve your mood and reduce stress. Based on positive psychology, the app offers activities that promote well-being and resilience, making it a fun, interactive way to boost mental health.
Key Features: Positive psychology exercises, engaging games, daily goals, happiness trackers.
Available on: iOS, Android
8. MoodMission
MoodMission is an app designed to help users overcome low moods and anxiety. By completing simple, evidence-based "missions," users can boost their mental health and build resilience. Each mission is personalized based on how the user is feeling at the moment.
Key Features: Personalized mental health missions, mood-boosting exercises, actionable tasks, progress tracking.
Available on: iOS, Android
9. 7 Cups
7 Cups offers free emotional support and counseling through trained volunteer listeners, as well as access to licensed therapists for an additional cost. It’s a supportive community for anyone struggling with mental health issues or looking for someone to talk to.
Key Features: Chat with trained listeners, support groups, affordable therapy options, self-help guides.
Available on: iOS, Android
10. Reflectly
Reflectly is an AI-driven journal that helps you track your mood and reflect on your daily thoughts. With mood tracking and guided prompts, Reflectly encourages self-reflection and mindfulness, making it an ideal app for those who want to develop a daily journaling habit.
Key Features: Mood tracking, guided journal prompts, positive thinking exercises, personalized insights.
Available on: iOS, Android
Final Thoughts
Mental health apps provide a valuable tool for self-care and support, allowing users to access therapy, manage stress, track moods, and practice mindfulness from the comfort of their own homes. These apps make mental health resources accessible and affordable, complementing other forms of therapy or personal development. Finding the right app is a personal choice, so explore and choose one that best fits your needs. Remember, these apps are supportive tools but should not replace professional medical care if needed.