Nearly 50 million U.S. adults are impacted by mental illness, and these numbers are likely to rise in the face of a loneliness epidemic. That’s why mental health apps are stepping up to provide users with the support they need through everyday devices.
Mental Health Apps
- Calm
- Talkspace
- Headspace
- Happify
- NOCD
- Circles
Most people are familiar with the keys to physical health, like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly. But mental health is often harder to track, and people experiencing a decline in their mental health may not even know it.
Mental health apps encourage users to take a more proactive approach by giving them access to vital resources and insights. Thanks to advances in mobile tech, connecting with a therapist or practicing a mindfulness exercise is just a tap away.
What Is a Mental Health App?
Mental health apps offer access to care in a mobile format, be it therapy appointments via video call, digital exercises for breathing and mindfulness or messaging platforms for chatting with mental health providers. These resources often come with flexible scheduling options or content that can be accessed 24/7.
While mental health apps may make care more convenient, they are not meant to replace healthy habits and robust support systems. Mental health technology merely supplements health professionals and best practices by connecting users to the information and expertise they need to immediately address mental health issues.
With that in mind, here are mental health apps placing crucial mental health tips and resources in the hands of users.
Explore how you can take action to support the mental well-being of your employees and in turn, help your workforce thrive.
Top Mental Health Apps
SonderMind
Key features: Brief questionnaire for provider matching; in-network providers for most major insurance plans; video appointments; secure communication with providers; progress tracking
SonderMind is an online and mobile platform that facilitates virtual and in-person mental health care appointments. Users fill out a questionnaire so that they can be matched with in-network therapists and psychiatrists they can schedule a time to meet with in person or through a video session. The app also gives patients a tool for tracking their progress toward mental health goals they’re working on with their provider.
Calm
Key features: Mindfulness video lessons and masterclasses; relaxing music and nature scenes
Calm is a mindfulness app that offers guided meditations and tools to support better sleep. Users can relax by listening to soothing music and soaking in natural sights and sounds on the app. Calm also promotes a more peaceful state of mind during exercise, offering video tutorials on mindful movements and mindfulness masterclasses taught by industry experts.
Talkspace
Key features: Network of licensed therapists; brief assessment matches each user with the appropriate therapist; services much less expensive than traditional in-person therapy
With over 60,000 five-star reviews, Talkspace is growing in popularity among people who use therapy and mental health coaching apps. Talkspace aims to reduce barriers to mental health treatment by connecting its users with in-network therapists and specialists, making it easy to talk with mental health professionals all through the app. To get started, users complete a brief assessment and are paired with a therapist based on their responses, usually within 48 hours.
Headspace
Key features: Audio meditation sessions; resource library of articles and tutorials delivering mental health insights; workout videos
Headspace is a wellness app that offers access to anxiety management courses, guided meditations and sleep improvement tools starting at $5 a month. A slate of meditation exercises, restful soundtracks, body movements and inspiring stories empower users to wind down for the day or focus their energy on a given task. In addition, Headspace produces plenty of articles covering topics and tips for mental wellness.
Happify
Key features: Measurable happiness score; resources informed by psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy; games and activities accessible on various devices
Happify by Twill is an app with resources based on psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy that aims to help members improve their mental health and wellness. Happify gives access to a “happiness score,” which can be measured and improved over time when users input weekly data about their emotions, behaviors and activities. Users can stay engaged with the platform by participating in fun games and activities on a computer, phone or tablet.
NOCD
Key features: One-on-one video sessions; focus on ERP therapy as main treatment method; in-app tools and exercises for additional support
NOCD is a mental health platform that focuses specifically on treating people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. After getting matched with a licensed therapist, users work with their therapists to diagnose their specific issue and develop a tailored treatment plan. Users then participate in live video sessions with therapists, undergoing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. And if users need additional support in between sessions, they can message their therapists or turn to in-app exercises and tools for insights.
Circles
Key features: Community spaces centered on topics like divorce and loss; conversations led by licensed experts; audio-only option for anonymity
Circles provides members with emotional support by connecting them to other people going through similar hardships. The platform features online community meetings that cover topics like personal loss, divorce and unhealthy relationships. Each session is facilitated by a licensed expert or coach, so members can feel at ease knowing the conversation is moderated by a professional. Participants can also use an audio-only option to remain anonymous throughout meetings for added privacy.
BetterHelp
Key features: Virtual therapy services for different age groups; range of methods for communicating; option for users to switch providers
BetterHelp offers virtual therapy and mobile mental health services, providing therapeutic counseling services geared toward individuals, couples, teens and families. Users answer a few questions, so the app can determine their specific needs and preferences. After getting matched with a therapist, each user can interact with their therapist via phone, video, messaging or chat. The app also lets users easily switch providers, giving patients more flexibility compared to in-office therapy services.
Sanvello
Key features: Mindfulness tips and tutorials; mental health journeys with high-profile figures; one-on-one personal coaching service
Built on principles of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy, Sanvello’s app connects users with peer support, as well as self-care and therapy tools to help them get to a healthier place. Users can navigate in-depth mental health journeys with figures like Aly Raisman, John Green and Roxane Battle. Besides community stories and high-profile tutorials, users can also receive one-on-one coaching for a more in-depth experience.
Spring Health
Key features: Accessible care on mobile and online platforms; short assessment determines individual needs; Care Navigators deliver one-on-one support
Spring Health is a digital mental health platform designed to connect patients to a personalized care experience. Users first complete a detailed assessment to determine what resources they may need the most, and then Spring Health matches them with specific therapists, workshops and coping tools designed to fit their individual requirements. Spring Health also partners with health plans, leading to improved mental health outcomes and reduced spending for members.
Shine
Key features: Self-care tutorials and courses; over 1,000 meditation exercises; monthly virtual workshops with experts and other Shine users
Shine describes its app as an “inclusive self-care toolkit” with features geared toward helping users start their day off on the right note. Self-care tutorials, courses on topics like stress and a collection of over 1,000 meditations equip users with resources and tips to improve their mental wellness. Virtual workshops also occur on a monthly basis, so users can learn from experts while becoming part of a larger community.
Modern Health
Key features: Network that spans different health professions; mental health groups that provide community; self-paced courses for more flexibility
Modern Health is a mental health platform that meets members where they are with different mental health services and formats. One-on-one care options include meetings with clinical therapists, psychiatric practitioners and mental health coaches. Users can also participate in group-based formats like discussion circles and skill-building circles. And for those who may not be able to commit to set times, Modern Health offers self-paced courses.
Lyra Health
Key features: Platform serves a wide range of age groups; personalized care based on factors like symptoms and lifestyle; in-person, online and self-paced options
Lyra Health is a platform for accessing mental healthcare for families, couples, adults, teens and children who are at least two years old. Members are given personalized care recommendations based on their symptoms, severity and lifestyle. That could include guided self-care in the form of digital exercises or meditations, coaching, therapy or medication. For each session, members can choose to meet with their providers in-person, online, via messaging or select a self-guided process covering mental health exercises and lessons.
Explore how you can take action to support the mental well-being of your employees and in turn, help your workforce thrive.
