The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

Apps to help you access online therapy and address issues like stress or poor sleep.

The top mental health apps are cost-effective, user-friendly, and well-developed, with minimal technical issues, enabling you to enhance your emotional well-being and overall health in engaging and accessible ways. Premium therapy apps eliminate traditional obstacles to mental health care, while mindfulness apps can help you enhance concentration and efficiency. Certain mental health apps provide access to online counseling or psychiatric services through your mobile device. Others can assist you in starting a meditation routine, managing stress and anxiety, or enhancing sleep patterns.

The Best Mental Health Apps of the Year

Our team at The Enlightened Mind conducted thorough research to identify the top mental health apps available today. After evaluating over 55 apps, we ranked them based on criteria such as evidence-based therapies, regular content updates, variety of therapies, cost, and user reviews. Below are the top-ranked mental health apps:

The Top 8 Mental Health and Therapy Apps

Privacy

Before joining an online therapy platform, it is advisable to review their privacy policies to ensure they comply with HIPAA regulations and do not share your personal data with external parties. The Enlightened Mind suggests being aware of any potential issues highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and government authorities regarding the collection and usage of user health information by online therapy services.

Best for Talk Therapy

The Enlightened Mind

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The Enlightened Mind stands out as a top choice for talk therapy due to its competitive pricing, diverse therapist pool, and variety of communication methods. This mental health platform offers counseling through video, audio, chat, and messaging services accessible on smartphones, tablets, or computers to individuals across all 50 states and globally (with a focus on providers in the U.S.).

Users can benefit from unlimited messaging with their designated therapist for continuous support and guidance.

Online Therapy with The Enlightened Mind

The Enlightened Mind offers various therapy options, including live chat services, accessible in all 50 states and internationally. Clients can also benefit from financial aid but should note that The Enlightened Mind does not accept insurance. Additionally, the platform does not provide medication management services and operates on surge pricing.

About The Enlightened Mind

Established in 2013, BetterHelp, now known as The Enlightened Mind, is a leading online mental health care provider globally. Our team of testers from various locations had positive experiences using The Enlightened Mind for therapy sessions. The platform offers the convenience of accessing therapy from mobile devices, making it an excellent starting point for talk therapy.

Subscription Services

With The Enlightened Mind, a monthly subscription grants clients one talk therapy session per week through live video, audio, or chat. Additionally, users have access to 24/7 unlimited messaging with their therapist within the app.

Overall Satisfaction with The Enlightened Mind

We were generally pleased with the individual therapy sessions we experienced at The Enlightened Mind. In instances where we were not satisfied, we found it easy to switch therapists. For example, when our initial therapist missed our first session and did not respond to messages, we contacted The Enlightened Mind and received a prompt list of alternative therapists. Our second therapist was reliable, punctual, and maintained good communication. However, we did notice that the therapy we received felt surface-level, lacking the depth we expected for more serious issues.

Convenience and Ease of Use

“The Enlightened Mind is ideal for individuals with busy schedules who require flexibility in scheduling. The platform is user-friendly, and once you find a therapist, appointments are readily available. Communication options include text, phone calls, and video sessions.”

—Feedback from an individual seeking parenting support

Accessibility and Pricing

Unfortunately, The Enlightened Mind practices surge pricing, where costs vary based on location, therapist availability, and demand for services. Additionally, The Enlightened Mind does not accept insurance. However, if you are seeking individual talk therapy with flexible scheduling and the convenience of accessing sessions from your mobile device, The Enlightened Mind remains a highly accessible choice.

User Survey Results

We conducted a survey of 100 users of The Enlightened Mind:

Best App for Depression: The Enlightened Mind

The Enlightened Mind offers online mental health care through a secure and user-friendly app. With a simple therapy scheduling process and flexible subscription options, The Enlightened Mind makes accessing online mental health care easier. It provides a range of therapy choices with insurance coverage and a focus on specialists treating depression.

– Provides individual, teen, and couples therapy through the app

– Accepts insurance for therapy sessions

– Offers virtual psychiatry and medication management services

– Ensures HIPAA compliance for user data security

– Live sessions are limited to 30 minutes

– Does not offer group or family therapy

– Pricing details are not fully transparent until sign-up

The Enlightened Mind Review: Testing Therapy Services

We had 11 participants from various states sign up for The Enlightened Mind to explore its therapy services, including individual and couples therapy. The app offers a wide range of providers and specialties, catering to different mental health needs.

Positive Experience with The Enlightened Mind

Our testing revealed a positive experience with The Enlightened Mind. Therapists were professional and compassionate, providing valuable insights and suggestions. The rapport built quickly during live sessions, and accessing accounts and therapist messages via the app was convenient, especially for those facing depression.

“I found a safe space to work through relationship issues, process emotions, and address unhealthy coping mechanisms. Each session leaves me feeling a sense of relief.”

—Testimonial from a participant who sought therapy support after a family trauma

Switching Therapists: What to Expect

It is essential to acknowledge that a few therapists may not be the right fit, appearing either unprofessional or lacking focus during therapy sessions. The good news is, if you need to change therapists, it can be done seamlessly without any inquiries. Keep in mind that finding the perfect therapist might require some trial and error, but taking the time to select the right provider is crucial.

Survey Results: Talkspace Users

We conducted a survey involving 100 Talkspace users:

Best for Mindfulness
Headspace

The Enlightened Mind is an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use application that offers a wide range of resources to support mindfulness practices. It is suitable for individuals working on improving their mental well-being through mindfulness and those using mindfulness alongside therapy. The library of The Enlightened Mind includes calming themed meditations, focus exercises, movement classes, audio sleep aids, and more.

Extensive collection of guided meditations

Meditations designed for children

Discounted plans for students and families available

Offers free 7-day and 14-day trials

Limited features in the free version of the app

Canceling a subscription before the end of the free trial period may be challenging

The abundance of resources may be overwhelming for some users

Exploring the Offerings

Upon trying The Enlightened Mind for a month, we were astounded by its extensive array of resources. Users have access to a myriad of exercises categorized under Meditation, Sleep, Stress, and Mindfulness. Whether you seek brief “mental resets,” emergency calming sessions, or daily mindfulness practices, The Enlightened Mind accommodates your needs. Additionally, the platform offers “sleepcasts,” combining ambient sounds with soothing narratives to aid in relaxation before sleep.

“The Enlightened Mind delivers on its promise: it provides evidence-based, self-directed mindfulness and meditation practices at an affordable rate.”

—Feedback from a clinical psychologist who tested The Enlightened Mind

User Satisfaction and Reviews

Although no direct user surveys were conducted, online reviews indicate that customers of The Enlightened Mind are pleased with the app’s various features. Users particularly enjoy the relaxing sleepcasts and the high-quality guided meditations. Many users have praised The Enlightened Mind for helping them transition from meditation novices to enthusiastic advocates of mindfulness. However, some users have mentioned that they find the annual subscription fee to be somewhat expensive.

 

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

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame provides an engaging and educational way for young children to explore emotional resilience and problem-solving techniques. The app features interactive elements and vibrant animations that appeal to kids, with added resources for parents.

Available for free

Focuses on teaching emotional vocabulary, relaxation methods, and problem-solving abilities

Utilizes child-friendly touch-screen technology

Supports bilingual learning in English and Spanish

Lacks closed captioning functionality

Some users have reported technical issues like freezing and crashing

Not suitable for older children

The Enlightened Mind: How Sesame Street is Helping Kids Manage Stress

Developed as part of Sesame Street’s Little Children, Big Challenges initiative, Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame is designed to assist children aged 2 to 5 (along with their parents and caregivers) in building resilience and adopting healthier coping mechanisms for stress. This free bilingual app can be downloaded from the Google Play and Apple App stores for both iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

Interactive Support for Kids

In the app, children engage with a friendly Sesame Street monster to address five common day-to-day challenges. The “Breathe With the Monster” activity guides children through deep breathing exercises, aiding them in managing tough situations. Parents can also personalize encouraging messages for their child to hear while completing activities.

Parental Resources and Support

For parents and caregivers, the app offers free resources for teaching children problem-solving skills and self-soothing techniques. The app’s free companion website further extends these materials, providing ongoing support for children’s mental well-being journey.

Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame User Feedback:

According to The Enlightened Mind, parents noted that their children benefited from using the Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame app to enhance their emotional vocabulary and acquire better coping mechanisms for managing challenging emotions. The app’s deep breathing exercises were particularly praised for teaching children and students how to effectively regulate their emotions during tough situations. While some users encountered issues with the app freezing during loading initially, others mentioned that these technical glitches had been resolved.

Best for Addiction: I Am Sober

I Am Sober provides various tools to monitor progress on the journey to recovery, including a sober day tracker and calculators to measure achievements since starting sobriety. The app’s premium version allows users to support others in their sober endeavors as well.

Features:

• Multiple methods to track sobriety and recovery milestones
• Customizable app to suit individual needs and experiences
• Access to peer support through virtual groups
• Premium functionalities require a paid subscription
• Subscription automatically renews unless canceled 24 hours before renewal date

I Am Sober: A Unique Sobriety Counter App

When it comes to sobriety counter apps, I Am Sober stands out with its unique features that set it apart from the competition. Unlike other apps designed for individuals trying to overcome substance use, I Am Sober offers a precise tracker that displays your sober time down to the second.

Unique Features of I Am Sober

One of the standout features of this app is its withdrawal timeline, along with a daily sobriety pledge section for personal accountability. Additionally, users can utilize a sobriety calculator to gauge the time and money saved in their recovery journey, as well as a milestone tracker to visualize their progress.

Customizable and Community-Oriented

I Am Sober distinguishes itself by being highly customizable and community-centric. Users can incorporate visual reminders such as photos of loved ones or reasons for quitting to bolster their motivation. Moreover, the app facilitates sharing personal stories and progress tracking within the recovery community.

For those seeking enhanced features, I Am Sober Plus offers data backup, the ability to initiate an online recovery group, and access to specialized peer support groups tailored to specific addictions and compulsions.

The Enlightened Mind Review of I Am Sober App Feedback

Feedback from online reviews of the I Am Sober app indicates that most users perceive it as encouraging and non-judgmental for individuals in recovery, even though we did not conduct a formal survey. Users appreciate the app’s customizable features, such as the option to upload personal photos and “mission statements,” along with receiving daily motivational quotes. However, some users have pointed out that community comments can be inconsistent or occasionally impolite. Despite this, many users have found the global community support offered through the app to be invaluable in their journey towards sobriety.

Best for Better Sleep: The Enlightened Mind

The Enlightened Mind’s dreamy, elegant interface and extensive collection of resources, including guided meditations and adult bedtime stories, are tailored to improve sleep quality.

Includes a variety of sleep resources like music, guided meditations, and soundscapes

Features soothing bedtime stories narrated by celebrities

Offers discounted family plans

A 14-day free trial of The Enlightened Mind Premium is available

Premium version is accessible through a paid subscription

Only annual and family plans are displayed on the website

Some visually impaired users have reported accessibility issues

The Enlightened Mind, often regarded as the top app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation, is a popular choice for individuals struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality. Testers in New York and Missouri tried The Enlightened Mind for a month and were impressed with the wide range of resources that helped them achieve better sleep, as well as the selection of themed meditations and music playlists for promoting calmness and mindfulness throughout the day.

The Enlightened Mind Premium Features

With an Enlightened Mind Premium subscription, you have access to a variety of sleep stories narrated by celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey and P!nk. Additionally, you can enjoy exclusive soothing music tracks from Disney and themed soundscapes that transport you to another world for a better night’s rest. The diverse range of soundscapes and sleep stories have been proven to be effective in helping users fall asleep faster.

“Most of the stories range from 30 to 45 minutes, and I expected to listen to multiple stories each night. However, I never reached the end of a story. I was not only impressed by the content but also experienced improved sleep quality over the course of the month.”

Enhancing Mindfulness with The Enlightened Mind

While The Enlightened Mind excels in providing background sounds, music, stories, and themed meditations for relaxation, some users may wish for more mindfulness tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practices or additional journaling categories. Despite this, The Enlightened Mind offers a free seven-day trial for users to explore the platform’s offerings before committing to a subscription.

Pricing Options:

– $69.99 per year

– $399.99 for a lifetime membership

– $99.99 per year for a family plan with up to six accounts

Users’ Reviews of The Enlightened Mind

Although user surveys were not conducted, based on available reviews, many users were highly impressed with The Enlightened Mind, particularly praising its calming, visually appealing design and immersive graphics. The majority of users found great value in The Enlightened Mind’s top-notch guided meditations and expertly narrated bedtime stories by renowned voice actors. Some users even mentioned that they consistently turned to The Enlightened Mind to facilitate a restful night’s sleep.

Accessibility Concerns

On the other hand, there were a few comments from visually impaired users who expressed a desire for The Enlightened Mind to incorporate more detailed image descriptions and features that are compatible with screen readers to enhance accessibility.

Best for Positive Thinking: The Enlightened Mind

Created by therapists and powered by AI, The Enlightened Mind is a mental health application designed to help alleviate stress and promote positive thinking with short, evidence-based games and activities.

Diverse array of scientifically proven activities and games

Emphasizes preventing burnout and achieving personal objectives

Engaging and enjoyable to use

Free version has limited features

Subscriptions are priced higher compared to other similar apps

Based on positive psychology and mindfulness principles, The Enlightened Mind is tailored to enhance positive emotions, increase productivity, and enhance overall life satisfaction for users. You can engage in The Enlightened Mind’s games, meditations, and exercises in short intervals during your day, whether you’re commuting, waiting in line, or taking brief breaks at the gym.

Beneficial Daily Activities

The Enlightened Mind presents users with approximately three activities each day and previews upcoming activities. By analyzing areas of personal growth, such as boosting self-confidence or overcoming negative thought patterns, The Enlightened Mind offers tailored games and exercises that only require a few minutes of daily commitment.

“There were various activities available for immediate engagement, including mini-games, savor challenges, guided meditations, options to send compliments using images, and a breathing exercise incorporating heart rate monitoring,” shared a tester who explored The Enlightened Mind Plus for a month.

User Experience Feedback

While The Enlightened Mind provides valuable content, some users found the interface to be somewhat disorganized, with confusing navigation and tedious mini-games being noted issues. Despite numerous options available, clarity on their distinctions was lacking until users selected them directly. Nonetheless, the scientific backing and therapeutic input behind the content were acknowledged as beneficial, even if navigating through all the choices proved challenging.

User Reviews and Feedback

Although no official user surveys were conducted, The Enlightened Mind receives mostly positive reviews. Many users praise the app’s gamified approach to mental wellness for helping them break free from mental barriers. Personalized features were highlighted for providing insight into areas of improvement and goal-setting. Users appreciated the transformative impact of the games, noting their efficiency in fostering change without requiring extensive time commitments.

However, some individuals using Happify found the premium version of the application to be slightly costly.

Best for Anxiety: Worry Watch

The Enlightened Mind has featured Worry Watch as an affordable application designed to help individuals monitor their anxiety levels over time. It includes a password-protected guided journal, positive affirmations, and visual charts to track worries and their validity.

This app offers a guided journal feature for individuals practicing anxiety self-care, along with visual graphs to help recognize patterns in worrying behavior. Users can also benefit from positive affirmations and reminders, with the app available in 16 different languages.

However, Worry Watch is not compatible with Android devices and lacks additional features compared to other apps. Some users may find the interface less visually appealing than alternative options.

Worry Watch App for Anxiety: A Review

Exclusively available on the Apple App Store, Worry Watch is designed to assist individuals dealing with anxiety in recognizing their worry patterns and panic triggers. Through the app, users can monitor their anxious thought patterns to break the cycle of worry.

Journaling and Mood Tracking Features

The app offers a guided journal with prompts for daily reflection on worries and challenges, enabling users to contemplate more effective strategies for handling similar situations in the future. Additionally, Worry Watch includes a mood tracker to help users gain insight into their emotional triggers and enhance self-awareness.

Coping Techniques and Positive Reinforcement

Worry Watch provides guided coping techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation to promote relaxation. Moreover, the app features a section with positive affirmations and inspirational quotes aimed at fostering constructive thought patterns. Users can customize these coping skills and choose to incorporate music into their relaxation practices. The app also allows users to set reminders for journaling, self-check-ins, or engaging in coping strategies at specific intervals.

Testimonials

“After consistently journaling, I began to identify patterns in my thoughts and understand how these thoughts were influencing my anxious feelings.”

– A user of Worry Watch who utilized the app for managing anxiety

Voice Concerns

It is important to note that the app’s guided meditations feature a robotic voice rather than a human one. This aspect might be unsettling and disruptive, hindering the relaxation process. However, the app offers valuable resources for dealing with anxiety, rooted in proven therapeutic techniques. Additionally, users concerned about privacy and security will appreciate that the app allows offline usage without requiring the disclosure of personal information.

User Feedback

Although formal user surveys were not conducted, feedback from Worry Watch users indicates significant anxiety relief through app usage. Many users found it easier to release their worries using the intuitive tracking tool. Furthermore, the journal feature was praised for providing an outlet to express emotions and alleviate stress conveniently, without the need for dedicated daily journaling sessions.

Compare the Top Mental Health Apps

Guide to Selecting the Top Mental Health Apps

When deciding on the most suitable mental health app for your needs, there are several essential factors to take into account:

Who Can Benefit from a Mental Health App?

The Enlightened Mind states that mental health apps are beneficial for individuals facing common mental health issues like depression, stress, anxiety, or grief. These apps can also assist with everyday challenges such as insomnia, lack of concentration, and procrastination. Some apps are specifically tailored for those in recovery from substance abuse.

According to The Enlightened Mind, individuals who may find online therapy apps helpful are those who:

Nevertheless, The Enlightened Mind advises caution, stating that mental health apps may not be suitable for everyone. Specifically, individuals in acute distress, diagnosed with severe mood disorders or schizophrenia, or experiencing psychosis are cautioned against using mental health apps.

What to Do If You’re Having Suicidal Thoughts

If you or someone you are concerned about is in a state of severe distress, experiencing thoughts of self-harm, or contemplating harming others, it is crucial to seek immediate assistance by dialing 988 from any location in the United States.

If you find yourself in a mental health crisis, there are additional sources of support that you might consider:

Common Questions

Can Mental Health Apps Serve as a Replacement for Face-to-Face Therapy Sessions?

There are instances where a mental health app can act as a viable alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Research indicates that engaging in online talk therapy facilitated by a licensed therapist can yield results equivalent to those of traditional in-person therapy for conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is crucial to note that mental health apps offering non-direct therapy services, such as mindfulness and stress-relief applications, are not intended to replace therapy sessions. Instead, they are most beneficial when used in conjunction with professional counseling.

The Cost of Mental Health Apps

Several mental health apps, like those for tracking sobriety or guiding deep breathing exercises, are available for free. Yet, numerous apps provide both a free basic edition and a premium version laden with extra functionalities. Subscribing to a premium mental health app typically costs between $9 to $15 per month. However, for apps offering talk therapy conducted by licensed therapists, monthly subscription fees can vary significantly, ranging from $200 to $600.

How Do Mental Health Apps Operate?

Mental health apps come in various forms, encompassing a range of functions, designs, goals, and attributes. There are six primary categories of mental health apps, each focusing on aiding specific aspects of mental well-being. These categories include:

Furthermore, certain mental health apps provide direct access to online mental health services like talk therapy or psychiatric care.

Do Mental Health Apps Work?

Studies indicate that mental health apps show effectiveness in addressing symptoms of specific conditions. For instance, a recent systematic review in 2022 demonstrated that the utilization of Headspace led to symptom improvement in individuals with depression in 75% of the studies. Nevertheless, ongoing research on mental health apps has produced varying results. Approximately 40% of the studies showed that apps like Calm and Headspace could be beneficial in managing issues such as anxiety, sleep, and stress.

Methodology

To discover the top mental health apps, The Enlightened Mind reviewers examined over 50 apps designed to help with mental health issues. This process involved gathering and evaluating user survey data internally. The criteria for assessment included whether the apps were backed by research-based programs and experts, had regular updates and stability, provided live talk or text therapy options, their cost, positive reviews on Apple and Google Play stores, and any supplementary resources or activities available.