Top 7 Mental Health Apps You Should Try

Discover the top 7 mental health apps you should try! Transform your well-being with user-approved tools and therapies.

Leora B.H. Staff

June 26, 2024

Top 7 Mental Health Apps Overview

In today's digital age, mental health apps have gained significant popularity as a convenient and accessible means of supporting mental well-being. These apps provide individuals with a wide range of tools and resources to address their mental health needs. In this section, we will provide an overview of mental health apps and explore the benefits they offer.

Overview of Mental Health Apps

Mental health apps are mobile applications designed to support and improve mental well-being. They transcend traditional help-seeking boundaries by offering timely support, regardless of waiting time and physical distance. These apps provide a range of features, including mindfulness exercises, guided meditation, mood tracking, journaling, and access to professional assistance.

One of the key advantages of mental health apps is their cost-effectiveness. Many of these apps offer minimal or no fees for their services, making mental healthcare more accessible to a broader population. By eliminating financial barriers, individuals can access interventions according to their financial abilities.

Another significant benefit of mental health apps is their ability to combat the stigma associated with seeking help. These apps provide discreet access to mental healthcare, allowing users to receive support anonymously. This anonymity can help individuals overcome discomforts associated with identifying themselves and facing negative social evaluations.

Benefits of Using Mental Health Apps

Using mental health apps can offer several advantages for individuals seeking support and improved mental well-being. Some of the key benefits include:

Convenience: Mental health apps allow users to access support and resources at their own convenience, overcoming constraints associated with traditional clinical settings. Users can engage with these apps anytime and anywhere, providing timely assistance when needed.
Accessibility: By eliminating geographical barriers, mental health apps make support and interventions more accessible to individuals in remote areas or those with limited access to traditional mental healthcare services. This accessibility can be particularly beneficial for individuals residing in rural areas.
Cost-effectiveness: Many mental health apps offer cost-effective treatment options, reducing financial barriers to accessing mental healthcare. These apps provide affordable or free interventions, making support more affordable and inclusive.
Complementing Traditional Interventions: Mental health apps can complement traditional therapeutic interventions by providing additional tools and resources. They can enhance therapeutic outcomes by reducing symptoms of mood disorders, improving socioemotional competency, and tailoring relevant goals for each user in real-time.

While mental health apps offer valuable resources, it's important to keep in mind that they are not a substitute for professional care. In cases of severe mental health conditions or emergencies, it is crucial to seek immediate professional help. For more information on how to handle a mental health crisis, please refer to our article on how to handle a mental health crisis.

In the following sections, we will explore some notable mental health apps and their specific features and benefits. These apps are designed to cater to different needs, including mindfulness and relaxation, therapy and counseling, and more.

Notable Mental Health Apps

In the realm of mental health apps, there are several notable options that have gained recognition for their impact and effectiveness. Here, we will explore three such apps: Headspace, Ketamine Therapy Benefits, and SonderMind Virtual Platform.

Headspace and its Impact

Headspace has emerged as a popular mental health app that offers a variety of features to promote mindfulness and meditation. Research conducted by the Stress Free UC Study found that using Headspace for just 10 minutes daily significantly reduced stress, and the benefits persisted for up to two months even after discontinuing use [2]. The user-friendly interface and guided meditation programs make it accessible to individuals seeking to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily lives.

Ketamine Therapy Benefits

Ketamine therapy, although not a traditional mental health app, has gained attention for its potential benefits in treating various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Ketamine therapy has shown near-immediate effects, with the benefits lasting for days or weeks after a single treatment. When used as prescribed and monitored by a medical team, ketamine has been deemed safe and effective. It's important to note that ketamine therapy should be administered under professional supervision and not solely through an app.

SonderMind Virtual Platform

SonderMind is an online and mobile platform that aims to connect individuals with mental health care providers. It offers features such as a brief questionnaire for provider matching, in-network providers for most major insurance plans, video appointments, secure communication with providers, and progress tracking. SonderMind's virtual platform provides convenient access to mental health care, making it easier for individuals to connect with licensed professionals and receive the support they need [4].

These notable mental health apps offer unique features and benefits to address various aspects of mental well-being. It's important to remember that while these apps can be valuable tools, they should not replace professional help when needed. It's always advisable to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and treatment options.

Exploring mental health apps can be a helpful complement to other forms of mental health support. To learn more about addressing mental health concerns in different contexts, such as teenagers or relationships, consider reading our articles on addressing mental health in teenagers and how mental health affects relationships. Additionally, for tips on self-care and managing mental health, refer to our article on self-care tips for better mental health.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Apps

In the realm of mental health apps, there are various options available that focus on mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These apps aim to provide users with tools and resources to support their mental well-being. Two notable apps in this category are Calm and Happify.

Calm: A Mindfulness Oasis

Calm is a popular mindfulness app that offers a wide range of features to promote relaxation and inner peace. The app provides guided meditations, tools for better sleep, relaxing music, and nature scenes to create a serene and calming environment. Users can choose from a variety of meditation sessions, tailored to different needs and experience levels. Calm also offers video tutorials on mindful movements and mindfulness masterclasses taught by industry experts.

The app's soothing visuals and audio help users engage in mindfulness practices, reducing stress and promoting a sense of tranquility. With its diverse content and user-friendly interface, Calm has gained recognition as a leading mindfulness app.

Happify for Mental Wellness

Happify, developed by Twill, is an app rooted in psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It offers a unique approach to improving mental wellness through engaging activities and games. Users can measure their happiness score by inputting weekly data about their emotions, behaviors, and activities. This score serves as a metric to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Happify provides a range of activities designed to enhance mental health and well-being. These activities draw from evidence-based techniques and positive psychology principles. By engaging with fun games and interactive exercises on various devices, users can develop skills to manage stress, build resilience, and foster positive emotions.

Both Calm and Happify exemplify the benefits of incorporating mindfulness and relaxation practices into daily life. These apps offer accessible and convenient resources for individuals seeking to prioritize their mental well-being.

By utilizing mental health apps like Calm and Happify, individuals can engage in mindfulness practices, enhance their emotional well-being, and develop skills to navigate the challenges of everyday life. These apps serve as valuable tools that can complement traditional interventions and support individuals in their journey towards better mental health.

To further explore mental health topics and strategies for self-care, you may find our articles on addressing mental health in teenagers, how to handle a mental health crisis, how mental health affects relationships, and self-care tips for better mental health informative and beneficial.

Therapy and Counseling Apps

When it comes to accessing therapy and counseling services conveniently, therapy and counseling apps have become increasingly popular. These apps provide individuals with access to professional mental health support from the comfort of their own homes. Two notable therapy and counseling apps are Talkspace and BetterHelp.

Talkspace: Accessible Therapy

Talkspace is a leading mental health app that offers online mental health care through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. The app aims to reduce barriers to mental health treatment by providing services that are more affordable and accessible than traditional in-person therapy. Users can complete a brief assessment and are then matched with a therapist based on their responses, usually within 48 hours.

Talkspace offers a variety of therapy options, including individual, teen, couples, and sleep therapy. The app also provides virtual psychiatry and medication management services. With Talkspace, users have the flexibility to communicate with their therapist through text, video, or audio messages, allowing them to receive support whenever they need it. The app's user-friendly interface and convenient features make therapy more accessible and convenient for many individuals seeking mental health care.

BetterHelp: Online Mental Health Care

Another prominent player in the field of therapy and counseling apps is BetterHelp. As one of the largest online mental health care companies, BetterHelp offers therapy via video, audio, chat, and messaging to individuals in all 50 states and internationally. The platform provides therapy for various mental health concerns, ranging from grief and stress to relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

BetterHelp aims to connect users with licensed therapists who specialize in their specific needs. The app's convenient and flexible nature allows users to schedule sessions at their convenience and communicate with their therapist through their preferred mode of communication. Whether it's through live video sessions or asynchronous messaging, BetterHelp provides individuals with the opportunity to receive professional mental health support on their terms.

By utilizing apps like Talkspace and BetterHelp, individuals can access therapy and counseling services in a way that suits their lifestyle and needs. These apps provide a convenient and affordable option for those seeking mental health support, making therapy more accessible and reducing some of the barriers associated with traditional in-person therapy. To explore more resources on mental health, check out our articles on addressing mental health in teenagers, how to handle a mental health crisis, how mental health affects relationships, and self-care tips for better mental health.

User Perspectives on Mental Health Apps

When it comes to mental health apps, hearing from users who have firsthand experience can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness and impact. In this section, we will explore user reviews and experiences, as well as the overall impact of mental health apps on users.

User Reviews and Experiences

User reviews play a crucial role in understanding the real-world impact of mental health apps. By sharing their personal journeys, users shed light on how these apps have influenced their mental well-being. It's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

For example, some users have shared positive experiences with medications like Pristiq for anxiety and depression. They have mentioned that after an adjustment period of 4-6 weeks, the medication has been life-changing, providing increased motivation, improved mood, and improved overall well-being [6]. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication and to consider the potential side effects and individual suitability.

Impact of Mental Health Apps on Users

Studies have shown that mental health apps can have a positive impact on users, particularly when used consistently. In a study conducted on essential workers and unemployed individuals, participants used mental health apps for four weeks and reported significant changes in depression and anxiety levels over time. However, it's important to note that these improvements may not solely be attributable to app use and could be influenced by other factors.

The overall impact of mental health apps can vary depending on the individual's needs, preferences, and commitment to using the app. It's crucial to find an app that aligns with your specific goals and provides features tailored to your mental health concerns. Additionally, apps should be used as a complement to professional mental health care, not as a substitute.

Remember, mental health apps can be a useful tool in managing your well-being, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's important to explore different options, seek professional guidance, and consider a holistic approach to mental health that includes self-care practices, therapy, and other forms of support.

To delve deeper into the subject of mental health, consider exploring topics such as addressing mental health in teenagers, how to handle a mental health crisis, how mental health affects relationships, and self-care tips for better mental health.

By understanding user perspectives and considering the overall impact of mental health apps, you can make informed decisions about integrating these tools into your mental health journey. Remember, everyone's experience is unique, and finding the right combination of support is key to maintaining your mental well-being.