The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

The best mental health apps areaffordable, user-friendly, and well-designed,with few technical glitches—allowing you to improve your emotional well-being and overall wellness in enjoyable, accessible ways. High-quality therapy apps remove some of the usual barriers to mental health care, whilemindfulnessapps can help you achieve better focus and productivity. Some mental health apps allow you to accessonline talk therapyor psychiatric care from your smartphone or tablet. Others may help you to begin a meditation practice, cope with stress and anxiety, or improvesleep quality.With so many available to choose from today, we sent our research team on a mission to find the best of the best. Our teamevaluated over 55 of the top mental health appsand ranked each according to whether or not the program was built on evidenced-based therapies and provided regular content updates, the variety of therapies offered, cost, and personal user reviews. Here are the mental health apps that ranked the highest.

With so many available to choose from today, we sent our research team on a mission to find the best of the best. Our teamevaluated over 55 of the top mental health appsand ranked each according to whether or not the program was built on evidenced-based therapies and provided regular content updates, the variety of therapies offered, cost, and personal user reviews. Here are the mental health apps that ranked the highest.

The 8 Best Mental Health and Therapy AppsBest for Talk Therapy:BetterHelpBest for Depression:TalkspaceBest for Mindfulness:HeadspaceBest for Kids:Breathe, Think, Do With SesameBest for Addiction:I Am SoberBest for Better Sleep:CalmBest for Positive Thinking:HappifyBest for Anxiety:Worry Watch

Privacy

The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and TestedView AllThe Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and TestedOur Top PicksBetterHelpTalkspaceHeadspaceBreathe, Think, Do With SesameI Am SoberCalmHappifyWorry WatchSee More (5)Compare AppsGuide to ChoosingWho Is a Mental Health App Right For?Frequently Asked QuestionsMethodology

The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and TestedView All

View All

The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

Compare Apps

Guide to Choosing

Who Is a Mental Health App Right For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology

Best for Talk Therapy:BetterHelp

BetterHelpLearn MoreSpecial OfferVerywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

BetterHelpLearn More

BetterHelp

Learn More

Special OfferVerywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

Verywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

Verywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.

This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

Key Specs

Price:$70-$100/week, billed every 4 weeksPlatforms:iOS, AndroidFree Trial:No

Why We Chose It

With affordable pricing, a wide range of available therapists, and multiple communication options, BetterHelp is one of the most flexible, easy-to-use mental health apps on the market. The therapy subscription platform offers video, audio, chat, and messaging therapy via smartphone, tablet, or computer to people in all 50 states (and internationally, although most BetterHelp providers are in the U.S.).

Pros & Cons

ProsUnlimited messaging with your therapistMultiple therapy options, including live chatAll therapists are licensedFinancial aid availableConsDoesn’t accept insuranceNo medication management servicesNo psychiatric care

ProsUnlimited messaging with your therapistMultiple therapy options, including live chatAll therapists are licensedFinancial aid available

Unlimited messaging with your therapist

Multiple therapy options, including live chat

All therapists are licensed

Financial aid available

ConsDoesn’t accept insuranceNo medication management servicesNo psychiatric care

Doesn’t accept insurance

No medication management services

No psychiatric care

Our Testing

Founded in 2013,BetterHelpis one of the world’s largest and most popular online mental health care companies. A monthly subscription includes one talk therapy session per week via live video, audio, or chat, plus 24/7 unlimited in-app messaging with your therapist. We had eight testers from California, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and the U.K. sign up for therapy with BetterHelp. Overall, our positive experiences left us confident that BetterHelp is a great place for starting talk therapy, with the the convenience of joining from your phone or tablet.

BetterHelp therapists help with many common mental health concerns, from grief and stress to relationships,anxiety,depression,trauma, and more. Some providers specialize in serving clients from the LGBTQ+ community.

—BetterHelp tester, who was looking for parenting support

We felt generally satisfied with the individual therapy sessions we received, and when we didn’t, we liked how easy it was to switch providers. In one case, a therapist was a no-show for our first session and was unresponsive to messages, but we reached out to BetterHelp and quickly got a list of new therapist options. Our second therapist made it to the appointment and was punctual and very communicative.

Unfortunately, BetterHelp practices surge pricing (meaning that the prices shown differ depending on the state and how many therapists are available in that area) and doesn’t accept insurance. Still, if you need to start individual talk therapy and you want flexible scheduling and the ability to join from your phone or tablet, BetterHelp is a very accessible option.

Plans & Pricing

What Users Say

We surveyed 100 users of BetterHelp:87% rated BetterHelp as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at BetterHelp96% are likely or very likely to recommend BetterHelp to a friend or someone like them25% said having multiple session types (texting, phone, video, etc.) was an important factor in their search for a therapy service

We surveyed 100 users of BetterHelp:

BetterHelp Review

Best for Depression:Talkspace

TalkspaceLearn MoreGet $85 off your first month with code VERYWELL85.

TalkspaceLearn More

Talkspace

Get $85 off your first month with code VERYWELL85.

Talkspace offers online mental health care through a secure, HIPAA-compliant, and user-friendly app. With a streamlined therapy scheduling process and flexible subscription program, Talkspace’s app removes many of the typical barriers to online mental health care. It’s a comprehensive platform with a variety of therapy options that offers insurance coverage. Plus, many of its therapists specialize in treating depression, making Talkspace a great app to turn to if you’re dealing with this condition.

ProsProvides individual, teen, couples, and sleep therapy via the appAccepts insuranceOffers virtualpsychiatryand medication management servicesHIPAA-compliantConsLive sessions only 30 minutes longNo group or family therapyPrices not entirely clear before sign-up

ProsProvides individual, teen, couples, and sleep therapy via the appAccepts insuranceOffers virtualpsychiatryand medication management servicesHIPAA-compliant

Provides individual, teen, couples, and sleep therapy via the app

Accepts insurance

Offers virtualpsychiatryand medication management services

HIPAA-compliant

ConsLive sessions only 30 minutes longNo group or family therapyPrices not entirely clear before sign-up

Live sessions only 30 minutes long

No group or family therapy

Prices not entirely clear before sign-up

We had 11 people sign up forTalkspaceso that we could test its various service options, including individual and couples therapy, from California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Missouri, and South Dakota. Talkspace is one of the most versatile therapy apps on the market, with a wide range of available providers and specialties, including clinicians who specialize in depression.Overall, our testing experience with Talkspace was positive and helpful: We found most therapists were compassionate and professional and offered important insights and suggestions. We often developed a rapport quickly in our live phone and video sessions, and the app made it easy to access our account and any messages from our therapists. This kind of support is especially helpful for people dealing with depression.“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter."—Talkspace tester, who sought therapy after a family traumaHowever, it’s worth noting that a few therapists were not a good fit and seemed either unprofessional or unfocused in therapy sessions. Thankfully, if you need to switch therapists at any time, you can do so easily—no questions asked. Just know that it may take a few tries before you find a good match, but we think it’s important to take time to find the right provider for you.

Overall, our testing experience with Talkspace was positive and helpful: We found most therapists were compassionate and professional and offered important insights and suggestions. We often developed a rapport quickly in our live phone and video sessions, and the app made it easy to access our account and any messages from our therapists. This kind of support is especially helpful for people dealing with depression.

“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter."—Talkspace tester, who sought therapy after a family trauma

“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter.”

—Talkspace tester, who sought therapy after a family trauma

However, it’s worth noting that a few therapists were not a good fit and seemed either unprofessional or unfocused in therapy sessions. Thankfully, if you need to switch therapists at any time, you can do so easily—no questions asked. Just know that it may take a few tries before you find a good match, but we think it’s important to take time to find the right provider for you.

Insurance Accepted:Yes, accepts Aetna, Optum, Cigna, Carelon, and Regence health insurance plans; accepts FSA/HSA paymentsSubscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:Messaging-only plans start at $69 per week; video and messaging therapy starts at $99 per week; video, messaging, and workshops start at $109 per week; Talkspace psychiatry costs $299 with follow-up sessions that are $175. Bundle discounts are also available for users who want to schedule multiple follow-up sessions at a time.

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them27% said having multiple session types (texting, phone, video, etc.) was an important factor in their search for a therapy serviceTalkspace Review

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:

Talkspace Review

The Best Online Therapy Services for Depression We Tried and Tested

Best for Mindfulness:Headspace

HeadspaceLearn More

Headspace

Price:Free to download; $12.99/month or $69.99/year for a premium subscription; $99.99/year for a family plan with up to 6 accounts; $9.99/year for verified studentsPlatforms:iOS, AndroidFree Trial:Yes

Headspace is a visually gorgeous, user-friendly app with a wealth of available resources to help you practice mindfulness. It can benefit those who want to work on their mental health through mindfulness and those who find mindfulness beneficial as a supplement to therapy. The Headspace library includes soothing themed meditations, focus activities, movement and dance classes, audio sleepscapes, and more.

ProsLarge library of guided meditationsKid-friendlymeditationavailableOffers discounted student and family plansFree 7-day and 14-day trialsConsFree app features are limitedMay be difficult to cancel a subscription before the free trial is overNumber of resources could be overwhelming for some

ProsLarge library of guided meditationsKid-friendlymeditationavailableOffers discounted student and family plansFree 7-day and 14-day trials

Large library of guided meditations

Kid-friendlymeditationavailable

Offers discounted student and family plans

Free 7-day and 14-day trials

ConsFree app features are limitedMay be difficult to cancel a subscription before the free trial is overNumber of resources could be overwhelming for some

Free app features are limited

May be difficult to cancel a subscription before the free trial is over

Number of resources could be overwhelming for some

Since it was founded in 2010,Headspacehas become one of the leading online platforms for mindfulness, meditation, and self-care. The app’s guided meditations can help you learn to live more in the present, even if you’re a complete beginner. There are plenty of videos and mini-courses to help you ease into a mindfulness practice if you’renew to meditation.We tried Headspace for a month and were really impressed with its massive library of offerings. We could choose from hundreds of exercises within four different categories—Meditation, Sleep, Stress, and Mindfulness. From three-minute “mental resets” to “SOS” meditations to help you calm down to daily themed mindfulness exercises, Headspace helps you fit meditation into a busy day. There are also “sleepcasts” (ambient sounds paired with soothing narratives) to help you wind down at night.“Headspace offers exactly what it advertises: evidence-based, self-guided mindfulness and meditation exercises at an affordable price."—Headspace tester, who is a clinical psychologistIt’s worth noting that according to itsprivacy policy, Headspace may collect personal information that you’ve shared through its platform or have otherwise shared with it, and share personal information with “certain third-party service providers to help make our Platform function.” If this is a huge concern for you, it may not be a great choice.

We tried Headspace for a month and were really impressed with its massive library of offerings. We could choose from hundreds of exercises within four different categories—Meditation, Sleep, Stress, and Mindfulness. From three-minute “mental resets” to “SOS” meditations to help you calm down to daily themed mindfulness exercises, Headspace helps you fit meditation into a busy day. There are also “sleepcasts” (ambient sounds paired with soothing narratives) to help you wind down at night.

“Headspace offers exactly what it advertises: evidence-based, self-guided mindfulness and meditation exercises at an affordable price."—Headspace tester, who is a clinical psychologist

“Headspace offers exactly what it advertises: evidence-based, self-guided mindfulness and meditation exercises at an affordable price.”

—Headspace tester, who is a clinical psychologist

It’s worth noting that according to itsprivacy policy, Headspace may collect personal information that you’ve shared through its platform or have otherwise shared with it, and share personal information with “certain third-party service providers to help make our Platform function.” If this is a huge concern for you, it may not be a great choice.

While we were not able to survey any Headspace users, online reviews suggest that Headspace customers are happy with the app’s many features, especially the soothing sleepcasts and the high production quality of the guided meditations. Many users credited Headspace with taking them from meditation newbies to passionate mindfulness advocates. However, some said they thought the annual subscription was a bit pricey.Headspace Review

Headspace Review

The 7 Best Meditation Apps of 2024

Best for Kids:Breathe,Think,Do With Sesame

Semame StreetLearn More

Semame Street

Price:FreePlatforms:iOS, AndroidFree Trial:N/A

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame offers a fun, simple way for young children to learn about emotional resilience and problem-solving strategies. Kids will enjoy the colorful animation and interactive features of this mental health app, while parents may benefit from the app’s additional resources.

ProsFree to useTeaches emotional language, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skillsUses kid-friendly touch-screen technologyBilingual (English and Spanish)

Free to use

Teaches emotional language, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skills

Uses kid-friendly touch-screen technology

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

No closed captions

Not as useful for older children

Developed as part of Sesame Street’s Little Children, Big Challenges initiative,Breathe, Think, Do With Sesameis aimed at helping children ages 2 to 5 (and their parents and caregivers) develop greater resilience and healthier strategies for coping with stress. The free bilingual app is available for download in the Google Play and Apple App stores for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.In the app, your child will interact with a friendly Sesame Street monster to help them deal with one of five common day-to-day challenges. The “Breathe With the Monster” activity will teach your childdeep breathing exercisesto help them feel better when faced with a tough situation. Parents can even record their own voices saying encouraging phrases that their child will hear as they complete activities.For parents and caregivers, the app includes free resources for teaching your child problem-solving skills and self-soothing strategies. There are additional materials available on the app’s free companion website, so you can continue to help your child on their mental wellness journey.

In the app, your child will interact with a friendly Sesame Street monster to help them deal with one of five common day-to-day challenges. The “Breathe With the Monster” activity will teach your childdeep breathing exercisesto help them feel better when faced with a tough situation. Parents can even record their own voices saying encouraging phrases that their child will hear as they complete activities.

For parents and caregivers, the app includes free resources for teaching your child problem-solving skills and self-soothing strategies. There are additional materials available on the app’s free companion website, so you can continue to help your child on their mental wellness journey.

Insurance Accepted:N/ASubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:Free

While we didn’t survey users, in online reviews, many parents said their children were able to use Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame to build their emotional vocabulary and develop healthier coping skills when faced with “big feelings.” Many users said they appreciated the deep breathing exercises, which taught their children or students how to regulate their emotions in healthy ways during difficult moments. A few users said they had problems with the app freezing while loading, but others said these technical bugs had since been fixed.

Online Therapy Services for Kids and Families, Tried and Tested

Best for Addiction:I Am Sober

I am SoberLearn More

I am Sober

Price:Free for basic version; premium version is $9.99/month, $27.49/6 months, or $39.99/yearPlatforms:iOS, AndroidFree Trial:No

I Am Sober offers a variety of ways to track milestones on the road to recovery, from a sober day tracker to calculators that show you how much you’ve accomplished since becoming sober. With the premium version of the app, you can also cheer others on along their sober journey.

ProsMultiple ways to tracksobrietyand recovery milestonesCan customize the app to fit your needs and experiencesPeer support available through virtual groupsConsPremium features only available with paid subscriptionSubscription auto-renews unless auto-renewal is turned off 24 hours in advance

ProsMultiple ways to tracksobrietyand recovery milestonesCan customize the app to fit your needs and experiencesPeer support available through virtual groups

Multiple ways to tracksobrietyand recovery milestones

Can customize the app to fit your needs and experiences

Peer support available through virtual groups

ConsPremium features only available with paid subscriptionSubscription auto-renews unless auto-renewal is turned off 24 hours in advance

Premium features only available with paid subscription

Subscription auto-renews unless auto-renewal is turned off 24 hours in advance

There are countless sobriety counter apps available, butI Am Soberhas a number of features that make it stand out from the competition. In comparison to other apps geared at people who are trying to quit using a substance, I Am Sober provides a tracker that allows you to see how long you’ve been sober—down to the second. And although we could not test the I Am Sober app ourselves (we did not think it would be ethical to ask someone living with a substance use disorder to briefly test out an app), we see all the benefits of it.Some of the app’s unique features include a withdrawal timeline and a space to take a daily sobriety pledge for personal accountability. You can also use a sobriety calculator to determine how much valuable time and money you’ve saved in recovery and a milestone tracker to help you see just how far you’ve come.I Am Sober is much more customizable and community-oriented than similar apps. You can add your own visual reminders of what’s at stake, like photos of loved ones or the reasons you decided to quit to help you stay motivated on your recovery journey. There’s also a space to share your story and track your progress with others in recovery. With the premium version of the app (I Am Sober Plus), you can unlock data backup, start an online recovery group, and access more specific peer support groups geared toward particular addictions and compulsions.

Some of the app’s unique features include a withdrawal timeline and a space to take a daily sobriety pledge for personal accountability. You can also use a sobriety calculator to determine how much valuable time and money you’ve saved in recovery and a milestone tracker to help you see just how far you’ve come.

I Am Sober is much more customizable and community-oriented than similar apps. You can add your own visual reminders of what’s at stake, like photos of loved ones or the reasons you decided to quit to help you stay motivated on your recovery journey. There’s also a space to share your story and track your progress with others in recovery. With the premium version of the app (I Am Sober Plus), you can unlock data backup, start an online recovery group, and access more specific peer support groups geared toward particular addictions and compulsions.

Insurance Accepted:N/ASubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:Free (basic version); $9.99 per month, $27.49 every 6 months, or $39.99 per year (premium version, I Am Sober Plus); $0.99 for in-app purchases such as “motivation packs”

Best for Better Sleep:Calm

CalmLearn More

Calm

Price:Free to download; Calm Premium available for $14.99/month, $69.99/year, or $399.99 for lifetime membership; Calm Premium Family Plan available for $99.99/year for up to 6 accounts; Calm for Students available for $3.99/month after free 30-day trial; for Amazon Prime Student members it’s $8.99/year after a 3-month free trialPlatforms:iOS, AndroidFree Trial:Yes

Calm’s dreamy, gorgeous interface and sprawling library of resources—from guided meditations to grown-up bedtime stories—are designed specifically to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Library of sleep resources, including music, guided meditations, and soundscapes

Discounted family and student plans

7-day free trial of Calm Premium available

Premium version only available with paid subscription

Often described as the number-one app for sleep, meditation and relaxation,Calmis one of the most popular apps for people who have insomnia or poor-quality sleep. We had testers in New York and Missouri give Calm a try for a month and both were impressed with the wealth of resources that helped them achieve better sleep, as well as the library of themed meditations and music playlists for finding calm and flow throughout the day.

“Most of the stories range from 30 to 45 minutes, so I anticipated having to play multiple stories each night. To my surprise, Ineverheard the end of a story. I was not only impressed, but I ended up gettingsuchgood sleep over the course of the month."—Calm tester, who tried several of the sleep stories

—Calm tester, who tried several of the sleep stories

The only downside is that we wish there were a bit more mindfulness tools in the library, likecognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) practices or additional categories for journaling. That said, Calm really delivers when it comes to background sounds, music, stories, and themed meditations to help you find calm both day and night. Plus, you can test out Calm Premium with a free seven-day trial before committing to a subscription to see if it’s a good choice for you.

Insurance Accepted:Some Kaiser Permanente plans may cover CalmSubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:The free version has limited features. To unlock most of Calm’s offerings, you’ll need one of the following Calm Premium subscriptions: $14.99 per month, $69.99 per year, $399.99 for a lifetime membership; $3.99 per month after free 30-day trial for students; for Amazon Prime Student members it’s $8.99 per year after a 3-month free trial for Amazon Prime Student members; $99.99 per year for a family plan with up to six accounts.

However, some blind and visually impaired users said they wished the app had more image descriptions and screen-reader-friendly features for better accessibility.

Calm Review

The Best Sleep Apps to Help You Get Some Shut-Eye, Tried and Tested

Best for Positive Thinking:Happify

HappifyLearn More

Happify

Price:Free version available; Happify Plus subscription is $14.99/month, $139.99/year, or $449.99 for a lifetime membershipPlatforms:iOS, AndroidFree Trial:No

ProsWide variety of science-backed activities and gamesFocused on preventingburnoutand reaching individual goalsFun to useConsFree version is very limitedSubscriptions are relatively expensive in comparison to competitors

ProsWide variety of science-backed activities and gamesFocused on preventingburnoutand reaching individual goalsFun to use

Wide variety of science-backed activities and games

Focused on preventingburnoutand reaching individual goals

Fun to use

ConsFree version is very limitedSubscriptions are relatively expensive in comparison to competitors

Free version is very limited

Subscriptions are relatively expensive in comparison to competitors

Rooted in the principles of positive psychology and mindfulness,Happifyis geared toward helping users experience more positive emotions, boost productivity, and improve overall life satisfaction. You can complete Happify’s games, meditations, and exercises in short bursts of time on the go. It’s a good app to use if you’re looking for a way to boost your personal growth and well-being while you’re riding in the car, waiting in line at the store, or even in between sets at the gym.

Each day the app would present us with around three activities to complete and list the ones that would be available in the coming few days. Happify identifies where you need the most growth, such as building self-confidence, shutting down negative thinking patterns, or achieving greater career success, and provides you with targeted games and activities to complete in just a few minutes each day.

“There were a few activities I could do whenever I wanted via the ‘instant play’ feature: the mini-games, the savor challenges, a guided meditation, an option to send a compliment to a friend via provided images, and a breathing exercise that used the camera to track my heart rate."—Happify tester, who tried Happify Plus for a month

—Happify tester, who tried Happify Plus for a month

Plans & Prices

Insurance Accepted:N/ASubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:Free (basic version); Happify Plus, which comes with many more features, is available at $14.99 per month, $139.99 per year, or $449.99 for a lifetime membership.

Although we didn’t survey users ourselves, Happify’s reviews are largely positive, with many users sharing that the app’s gamified approach to mental health helped them get “unstuck” when they were in a rut. Some users reported that Happify’s personalized features allowed them to get a bird’s-eye view of where they needed to grow and how they could reach their goals. Others liked that the games weren’t overly time-consuming, yet were still transformational.However, a few Happify users thought the paid version of the app was a bit too expensive.

However, a few Happify users thought the paid version of the app was a bit too expensive.

Happify Review

Best for Anxiety:Worry Watch

Worry WatchLearn More

Worry Watch

Worry Watch is an affordable app that helps you track your anxiety over time. Features include a password-protected guided journal, positive affirmations, and visual charts that allow you to see which of your worries were unfounded.

ProsGuided journal feature for anxietyself-careVisual graphs help you learn from your worry patternsPositive affirmations available with regular remindersAvailable in 16 languagesConsNot available for AndroidNot many additional features availableInterface isn’t particularly visually appealing

ProsGuided journal feature for anxietyself-careVisual graphs help you learn from your worry patternsPositive affirmations available with regular remindersAvailable in 16 languages

Guided journal feature for anxietyself-care

Visual graphs help you learn from your worry patterns

Positive affirmations available with regular reminders

Available in 16 languages

ConsNot available for AndroidNot many additional features availableInterface isn’t particularly visually appealing

Not available for Android

Not many additional features available

Interface isn’t particularly visually appealing

Available in the Apple App Store only,Worry Watchaims to help people with anxiety identify their worry patterns and panic triggers. The app helped us track our anxious thought patterns over time so we could disrupt the “worry cycle.” Worry Watch includes a guided journal with follow-up prompts, coping skills for anxiety, a dailymood tracker, andaffirmationsaimed at reinforcing positive thought patterns.With the in-app journal, we could write down our everyday worries and challenges and reflect on better ways to confront them next time. By tracking our mood, we could develop greater self-awareness and learn about what triggers our negative emotions.There were also guided coping techniques that helped us relax with breathing techniques and meditation, while the positive reinforcement section offered inspirational quotes and coping strategies. All coping skills had customization options, and we could choose if we wanted music. We could also prompt the app to notify us at certain times to check in, journal, or use a coping skill.“After completing the journal regularly, I started to notice patterns in my thinking and learn about ways that my thoughts were contributing to anxious distress."—Worry Watch tester, who used it to help with anxietyOne thing worth noting is that the guided meditations use a robotic voice rather than a human voice. We found this a bit jarring and distracting, making it hard to relax. Otherwise, we thought the app had fantastic resources for coping with anxiety and we appreciated that it’s based on evidence-based anxiety treatments. This app is also a good option if you’re concerned about privacy and security: You can work offline and don’t need to sign up with any personal information.

With the in-app journal, we could write down our everyday worries and challenges and reflect on better ways to confront them next time. By tracking our mood, we could develop greater self-awareness and learn about what triggers our negative emotions.There were also guided coping techniques that helped us relax with breathing techniques and meditation, while the positive reinforcement section offered inspirational quotes and coping strategies. All coping skills had customization options, and we could choose if we wanted music. We could also prompt the app to notify us at certain times to check in, journal, or use a coping skill.

“After completing the journal regularly, I started to notice patterns in my thinking and learn about ways that my thoughts were contributing to anxious distress."—Worry Watch tester, who used it to help with anxiety

“After completing the journal regularly, I started to notice patterns in my thinking and learn about ways that my thoughts were contributing to anxious distress.”

—Worry Watch tester, who used it to help with anxiety

One thing worth noting is that the guided meditations use a robotic voice rather than a human voice. We found this a bit jarring and distracting, making it hard to relax. Otherwise, we thought the app had fantastic resources for coping with anxiety and we appreciated that it’s based on evidence-based anxiety treatments. This app is also a good option if you’re concerned about privacy and security: You can work offline and don’t need to sign up with any personal information.

Insurance Accepted:N/ASubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:Free to download; $2.99 per month or $11.99 per year to upgrade to the premium version

While we did not survey users, many Worry Watch users said they found great anxiety relief while using the app. For example, users were able to let go of their worries more easily with the easy-to-use tracking feature. Others said they liked the app’s journal feature, as it allowed them to get their feelings out and relieve stress on the go without having to set aside a scheduled time each day for journaling.Worry Watch Review

Worry Watch Review

The Best Online Therapy for Anxiety, Tried and Tested

Compare the Best Mental Health Apps

Guide to Choosing the Best Mental Health Apps

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing which mental health app is best for you. These factors include:

Mental health apps can help you if you’re dealing with a common mental health challenge, such as depression, stress, anxiety, or grief.Mental health apps can also help you deal with day-to-day problems like insomnia, lack of focus, and procrastination. Some mental health apps are designed to help people who have recently gotten sober or want to get sober.

You might especially benefit from using an online therapy app if you:

What If I’m Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, here are some other resources that may help:

Frequently Asked QuestionsIn some cases, a therapy app may be used as a substitute for in-person therapy. Some studies suggest that online talk therapy with an accredited therapist is just as effective as face-to-face therapy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, andpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).However, mental health apps that don’t provide direct therapy—such as mindfulness-based and stress-relief apps—should not be used as a substitute for therapy. Instead, they are most effective when used as a supplement to counseling.Some simple mental health apps, such as sobriety counter apps and apps that teach deep breathing techniques, are free to use. However, many apps offer a free basic version as well as a premium version with many additional features. A monthly subscription to a premium version of a mental health app often ranges from about $9 to $15 per month. For an app that offers talk therapy with a licensed therapist, typical subscription prices may range anywhere from $200 to $600 a month.Mental health apps, likeReal app, can vary greatly in terms of function, design, purpose, and features. There are six main types of mental health apps, each aimed at helping in a particular area of mental wellness. These areas include:Social support and communityTracking symptoms of a mental health conditionLife skills trainingSelf-careImproving thinking patternsCollecting data about mood and other aspects of mental healthSome mental health apps also offer online mental health care (such as talk therapy or psychiatric care) directly.Research suggests that mental health apps are effective in treating the symptoms of certain conditions. For example, one 2022 systematic review found that using Headspace improved symptoms among people withdepressionin 75% of studies. However, the research on mental health apps is ongoing, and findings are mixed. About 40% of studies found that Calm and Headspace could help with concerns like anxiety, sleep, and stress.

In some cases, a therapy app may be used as a substitute for in-person therapy. Some studies suggest that online talk therapy with an accredited therapist is just as effective as face-to-face therapy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, andpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).However, mental health apps that don’t provide direct therapy—such as mindfulness-based and stress-relief apps—should not be used as a substitute for therapy. Instead, they are most effective when used as a supplement to counseling.

Some simple mental health apps, such as sobriety counter apps and apps that teach deep breathing techniques, are free to use. However, many apps offer a free basic version as well as a premium version with many additional features. A monthly subscription to a premium version of a mental health app often ranges from about $9 to $15 per month. For an app that offers talk therapy with a licensed therapist, typical subscription prices may range anywhere from $200 to $600 a month.

Mental health apps, likeReal app, can vary greatly in terms of function, design, purpose, and features. There are six main types of mental health apps, each aimed at helping in a particular area of mental wellness. These areas include:Social support and communityTracking symptoms of a mental health conditionLife skills trainingSelf-careImproving thinking patternsCollecting data about mood and other aspects of mental healthSome mental health apps also offer online mental health care (such as talk therapy or psychiatric care) directly.

Some mental health apps also offer online mental health care (such as talk therapy or psychiatric care) directly.

Research suggests that mental health apps are effective in treating the symptoms of certain conditions. For example, one 2022 systematic review found that using Headspace improved symptoms among people withdepressionin 75% of studies. However, the research on mental health apps is ongoing, and findings are mixed. About 40% of studies found that Calm and Headspace could help with concerns like anxiety, sleep, and stress.

To find the best mental health apps, our reviewers researched more than 50 apps for alleviating and managing mental health-related issues, including gathering and assessing internally collected user survey data. The apps were assessed based on whether they were developed via research-based programs and experts, were stable and regularly updated, and offered live talk or text therapies, plus their cost, the number of positive reviews on the Apple and Google Play app stores, and any extra resources or activities offered.

The Best Mental Health Apps of 2022

Article SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Caldeira C, Chen Y, Chan L, Pham V, Chen Y, Zheng K.Mobile apps for mood tracking: an analysis of features and user reviews.AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2017;2017:495-504.Greenwood H, Krzyzaniak N, Peiris R, et al.Telehealth versus face-to-face psychotherapy for less common mental health conditions: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(3):e31780. doi:10.2196/31780Chandrashekar P.Do mental health mobile apps work: evidence and recommendations for designing high-efficacy mental health mobile apps.mHealth. 2018;4:6-6. doi:10.21037/mhealth.2018.03.02O’Daffer A, Colt SF, Wasil AR, Lau N.Efficacy and conflicts of interest in randomized controlled trials evaluating headspace and calm apps: systematic review.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(9):e40924. doi:10.2196/40924

Article Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Caldeira C, Chen Y, Chan L, Pham V, Chen Y, Zheng K.Mobile apps for mood tracking: an analysis of features and user reviews.AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2017;2017:495-504.Greenwood H, Krzyzaniak N, Peiris R, et al.Telehealth versus face-to-face psychotherapy for less common mental health conditions: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(3):e31780. doi:10.2196/31780Chandrashekar P.Do mental health mobile apps work: evidence and recommendations for designing high-efficacy mental health mobile apps.mHealth. 2018;4:6-6. doi:10.21037/mhealth.2018.03.02O’Daffer A, Colt SF, Wasil AR, Lau N.Efficacy and conflicts of interest in randomized controlled trials evaluating headspace and calm apps: systematic review.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(9):e40924. doi:10.2196/40924

Caldeira C, Chen Y, Chan L, Pham V, Chen Y, Zheng K.Mobile apps for mood tracking: an analysis of features and user reviews.AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2017;2017:495-504.Greenwood H, Krzyzaniak N, Peiris R, et al.Telehealth versus face-to-face psychotherapy for less common mental health conditions: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(3):e31780. doi:10.2196/31780Chandrashekar P.Do mental health mobile apps work: evidence and recommendations for designing high-efficacy mental health mobile apps.mHealth. 2018;4:6-6. doi:10.21037/mhealth.2018.03.02O’Daffer A, Colt SF, Wasil AR, Lau N.Efficacy and conflicts of interest in randomized controlled trials evaluating headspace and calm apps: systematic review.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(9):e40924. doi:10.2196/40924

Caldeira C, Chen Y, Chan L, Pham V, Chen Y, Zheng K.Mobile apps for mood tracking: an analysis of features and user reviews.AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2017;2017:495-504.

Greenwood H, Krzyzaniak N, Peiris R, et al.Telehealth versus face-to-face psychotherapy for less common mental health conditions: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(3):e31780. doi:10.2196/31780

Chandrashekar P.Do mental health mobile apps work: evidence and recommendations for designing high-efficacy mental health mobile apps.mHealth. 2018;4:6-6. doi:10.21037/mhealth.2018.03.02

O’Daffer A, Colt SF, Wasil AR, Lau N.Efficacy and conflicts of interest in randomized controlled trials evaluating headspace and calm apps: systematic review.JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(9):e40924. doi:10.2196/40924

Hannah Owens, LMSW

Amanda Tust

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Best for Talk Therapy:BetterHelp#

Best for Depression:Talkspace#

Best for Mindfulness:Headspace#

Best for Kids:Breathe,Think,Do With Sesame#

Best for Addiction:I Am Sober#

Best for Better Sleep:Calm#

Best for Positive Thinking:Happify#

Best for Anxiety:Worry Watch#

Compare the Best Mental Health Apps#

Guide to Choosing the Best Mental Health Apps#

What If I’m Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?#