Here’s an alarming statistic: less than 50% of people who live with a mental health condition get the treatment they need. Thankfully, online mental health apps are bridging the gap between those who need mental health support and those who actually receive it. These apps make it easier than ever to get access to therapy and psychiatry and take steps to improve your well-being.
Unfortunately, not all mental health apps are created equal—and some have faced considerable backlash for their advertising practices and privacy policies.
Our mental health experts have extensively reviewed these mental health apps; we combed through the clinical trials and studied the facts. Based on our reviewers’ research and expertise, here are Fortune’s picks for the best mental health apps of 2024.
Editor’s choice: BetterHelp
BetterHelp is our editor’s choice for the best mental health app because it offers a vast therapist network, it’s backed by clinical research, and its weekly rates are some of the most affordable you’ll find.
Our picks for the best mental health apps
- Best for depression: BetterHelp
- Best for talk therapy: Brightside
- Best for chat therapy: Talkspace
- Best for mindfulness: Headspace
- Best for kids: Sesame Street Breath, Think, Do
- Best for sleep: Calm
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| BetterHelp | Brightside | Talkspace | Headspace | Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame | Calm | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Best For | Depression | Talk therapy | Chat therapy | Mindfulness | Kids | Sleep |
| Price | Starting at $65/week | Starting at $95/month | Starting at $276/month | $12.99/month | Free | $14.99/month |
| Free Trial | No | No | No | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Platforms | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
Best mental health app for depression: BetterHelp
Key product features
What you should know
BetterHelp boasts thousands of therapists with a wide range of specializations, particularly shining in depression treatment. However, while it offers promising services, its efficacy and ethical practices have been under scrutiny in the past.
- BetterHelp boasts one of the largest networks of therapists in the industry, with over 30,000 licensed therapists available on their platform.
- No insurance plans are accepted at BetterHelp, but their weekly subscription cost is more affordable than many therapists’ private fees.
- One in-house research study found that using BetterHelp for 3 months reduced symptoms of depression.
Why we like BetterHelp for depression
BetterHelp is the largest online mental health provider in the world, with over 30,000 therapists ready to offer individual and couples therapy sessions. With that many therapists, you’ll likely be able to find one specializing in any area you need.
But one area where BetterHelp seems to shine especially is in depression treatment. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research determined that using BetterHelp for just 3 months significantly reduced symptoms of depression. (1) People for whom BetterHelp was their first-ever therapy experience saw the most improvement. It’s worth mentioning, however, that this study did not include a control group, which makes the results less reliable. It was also conducted by BetterHelp consultants and team members, which can present bias. More research may be necessary to continue to support the efficacy of depression treatment for people using the BetterHelp platform, ideally including a control group for comparison.
Additionally, one of our product testers loved the extra features available on BetterHelp. “They have journaling and classes as a benefit of being a subscribed member to BetterHelp,” they begin. “The journaling tab has a daily prompt with a way to record thoughts and the ability to create as many entries as you want. The classes tab is very nice as it has a ton of different support group class options (pet loss, general anxiety, drug abuse, etc) and it is a nice benefit to have access to all of those extra resources for free on top of the subscription.”
We also love that, unlike many other mental health apps, BetterHelp’s therapy for depression is available to teens. Teen depression rates are rising by the year—20% of teens in 2022 went through a depressive episode, compared with only 8% in 2009—and online therapy makes it easier for these teens to get the support they need. (2) If you’re looking for specific care for your teen, our list of the best online therapy for teens is a great place to start.
With over 30,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp has something for everyone, and research shows they may be especially helpful for you if you live with depression. Although they don’t accept insurance, their weekly rates are affordable.
However, we have serious ethical concerns about some of BetterHelp’s marketing and privacy practices, which brought down its overall rating.
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claimed that BetterHelp sold sensitive health information to social media sites Facebook, Snapchat, Criteo, and Pinterest and made them pay back nearly $8 million to affected users. The FTC has now banned BetterHelp from sharing health information with advertisers, so we’re hopeful things will improve for the industry giant. (3)
Check out our list of the best online therapy for depression or our full BetterHelp review for more information.
What customers are saying
BetterHelp has received an impressive 4.5-star average rating on Trustpilot, with over 7,000 total reviews. Users note improvements in depression since using BetterHelp, plus quality therapists and easy communication.
“BetterHelp really tries to help you find the support you need,” says verified Trustpilot reviewer Aliza Ehrlich. “When I had trouble finding the right therapist for me, they made it easy to do so and when the therapist missed a session they gave me extra time to my plan for free. So supportive!”
Another Trustpilot reviewer, Kristin Seekamp says, “Using BetterHelp has been an awesome experience for me. I was quickly matched to a therapist who really understands me, and BetterHelp makes it easy for me to contact her between sessions when I need to. She has been able to help me get through bad times more easily and appreciate the good times more. I highly recommend BetterHelp to anyone who’s interested in trying out therapy!”
“BetterHelp makes it super easy to find the mental help you need. Choose what issues you need to tackle and there are many qualified therapists to choose from. You can text, video call, or have a phone call with your therapist. This makes it convenient when I don’t have an appointment but I need to reach out for help in between appointments. If you think money is an issue BetterHelp takes care of that as well with financial aid options.”
Melanie Blacklock, Trustpilot
Negative reviews mention slow customer service, billing issues and lack of therapist availability.
“Takes two days to find a therapist, then when they assign you someone they have such limited spaces available (two days per week) with only three time options per day,” notes Trustpilot reviewer Sophie Bailey. “But when you do find availability you can work with the next day it’s cancelled with no follow-up message. By the time this has happened you’re two weeks into your membership without using a single function of the app or a single message from a therapist.”
Specs
| Free trial | No |
| Price | Starting at $65/week |
| Insurance coverage | No |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Therapy options | Individual, couple, and teen therapy |
| Age | 13 and over |
Best mental health app for talk therapy: Brightside
Key product features
What you should know
Brightside stands out among mental health apps for offering the most evidence-based support across a broad spectrum of conditions, with clinicians trained in a specialized therapy protocol shown to effectively reduce symptoms of disorders like anxiety and depression.
- Brightside therapists use an evidence-based practice model called the Unified Protocol: a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been found to be helpful for many different mental health conditions.
- Brightside is one of the few apps on this list that accept many insurance plans, including some Medicare plans, making it more affordable for many.
- Brightside’s Crisis Care plan fights the national suicide crisis by offering services for people with more severe mental health symptoms and a history of suicidal ideation.
Why we like Brightside for talk therapy
Of all the mental health apps we reviewed, Brightside offered the most evidence-based support for the widest range of mental health conditions.
The clinicians at Brightside are vetted and highly trained in an evidence-based practice called the United Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP), which research has shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (4) According to their internal research, 87% of Brightside patients have reduced symptoms by week 12 of treatment with them.
We especially love that Brightside doesn’t turn people away for having more severe symptoms— although they do note that people who are in a mental health emergency or are experiencing psychotic symptoms may not be a good fit for online treatment—and have even launched a Crisis Care plan to address the national suicide crisis.
On top of that, Brightside is fairly unique among mental health apps in that it accepts many major insurance plans, including some Medicare plans. This can make getting treatment as affordable as possible.
Overall, Brightside is an excellent option for those looking to connect with a therapist (or psychiatrist) for a wide variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.
Keep in mind that Brightside clinicians primarily use an evidence-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) called the Unified Protocol. This technique has been found to be helpful in reducing symptoms of many mental health conditions, but it might not be the right fit for everyone.
To learn more about this platform, see our full Brightside review.
“CBT is a treatment approach that aims to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT techniques often involve identifying and challenging irrational or unhelpful thoughts, learning coping strategies, and practicing new behaviors to improve mood and functioning.”
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC., Fortune Recommends Medical Reviewer
What customers are saying
Users praise Brightside Health for its availability when in-person therapy can mean long wait periods. Users also find it works well with insurance and can seriously improve mental health in the long term.
James, a Trustpilot reviewer says, “The first two weeks were tough, and I think it might have been because I was already going through a rough patch in life, but afterward everything started to get better with me applying what I was learning in therapy and applying it to my life. I can say that six months down the road, I am doing a lot better, and even the therapist said the same in addition to the nurse.”
“Brightside works with my insurance provider (Aetna), so I enrolled after months of having trouble getting an in-person visit locally. Brightside has significantly improved my quality of life and my outlook on the future and I cannot understate that. I am so grateful.”
Amanda Porter, Trustpilot
Negative reviews note problems with medication issuing, confusing insurance coverage, difficulty securing refunds, and technical issues.
“Their website is continuously down,” says Jonathan Wright, a Trustpilot reviewer. “I had to try three times just to sign up because it kept crashing. Then it was impossible to schedule an appointment. I called customer support three times and never got an answer or a call back to my voicemail. Finally heard back from a separate support ticket I opened via email, but that went nowhere.”
Specs
| Free trial | No |
| Price | Starting at $95/month |
| Insurance coverage | Yes |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Therapy options | Psychiatry and therapy |
| Ages | 18 and over |
Best mental health app for chat therapy: Talkspace
Key product features
What you should know
Talkspace distinguishes itself in the realm of online therapy by prioritizing chat-based sessions, appealing to those who prefer text communication over video calls for its accessibility and the reduced stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
- Talkspace offers a messaging-only therapy subscription as well as plans that include video sessions and online workshops.
- Talkspace accepts many insurance plans, which can bring down the cost of treatment.
- The app is best for people who don’t live with severe mental health disorders but need support on a convenient platform.
Why we like Talkspace for chat therapy
Talkspace wins out over its competitors for therapy delivered through chat messaging.
There are so many reasons why you might prefer to talk with your therapist over text rather than video. It’s nice to be able to message your therapist at any time rather than saving all your thoughts for a weekly session. And for some, text therapy reduces the stigma around receiving mental health treatment and allows for more vulnerability.
“Additionally, text-based or chat therapy makes receiving therapy more accessible for people who live in rural areas and have limited mental health care options nearby.”
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, Fortune Recommends Medical Reviewer
Talkspace offers a messaging-only subscription for its members, which may be covered by your insurance. Through the app, you can message your assigned therapist 24/7, and they’ll respond at least once daily, Mondays through Fridays. This means that you may have to wait a little while for their response.
The chat therapy subscription includes unlimited audio and video messaging as well as text. At any time, you can upgrade your Talkspace subscription to include video sessions and live mental health workshops if you decide you need more.
Talkspace is a useful mental health app, especially if you’re looking primarily for messaging-only therapy. It accepts insurance, which can bring costs down, and I’ve found it’s fairly simple to switch therapists. One of our product testers warns that Talkspace is not ideal for people experiencing intense distress who are also paying out-of-pocket since the 30-minute appointments are limiting.
We have ethical concerns about a class-action lawsuit alleging that Talkspace misleads potential clients—that they don’t have enough therapists to match the demand. The lawsuit also claims that the app secretly enrolls consumers into auto-renewals and payments. (5) If you choose to use Talkspace, make sure to read the fine print.
To learn more about Talkspace, check out our full Talkspace review.
What customers are saying
Talkspace earns high marks from its users for its user-friendly interface, convenience, and therapist quality.
“I appreciate that Talkspace takes insurance and EAP so that I could be seen,” begins Chrystal P., a Trustpilot reviewer. “It was also very quick to get in with a therapist vs finding someone in the community. My therapist has been so great in helping me look at my behaviors and listening to me.”
“I really like being able to speak to my guy from the comfort of my home or wherever else. Yesterday I walked two miles while I talked to him. It was awesome. He’s insightful and patient,” boasts Betty Maxwell, Trustpilot reviewer.
“I have been using the Talkspace platform for a little over a year now. I was matched with a therapist who shows effort and focus in our sessions—I feel heard and like I am making progress in the necessary areas. It is a relatively easy platform to use!”
Bianca, Trustpilot
Other reviewers, though, have experienced billing issues and slow customer service.
“I signed up for text-only therapy,” begins Kate Galliett, Trustpilot reviewer. “The entire experience felt like a sales push to get me to spend more money with calls or more types of counseling even after I made it clear I wasn’t able to do that at this time. The therapist did not answer any specific questions I had and never continued the thread of conversation from one day to the next. I canceled after a month because it was so disappointing.”
Specs
| Free trial | No |
| Price | Starting at $276/month |
| Insurance coverage | Yes |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Therapy options | Psychiatry, Couples therapy, Teen, LGBTQ+ |
| Age | 13 and over |
Best mental health app for mindfulness: Headspace
Key product features
What you should know
Headspace has established itself as a leading figure in the mindfulness app market, backed by research that highlights its efficacy in managing stress, depression, and anxiety, with a wealth of resources including guided meditations and specialized content for children.
- Headspace offers hundreds of guided mindfulness meditations to help beginners get started with the practice.
- You can access basic courses for free, but the most valuable content is locked behind a paywall.
- Numerous high-quality research studies have found that Headspace is effective for decreasing stress, reducing aggression, and improving focus.
Why we like Headspace for mindfulness
Mindfulness is all the rage in the mental health scene, and for good reason: research shows it’s helpful for stress management as well as some mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Of the many meditation apps that are on the market today, industry veteran Headspace (founded in 2010) remains the best. It offers hundreds of guided mindfulness meditations, as well as other helpful content like sleep stories, mindful movement videos, and music for focus. It’s great for beginners—you can access the first level of their “basics” course for free—and even has a dedicated library of meditation content just for children as young as 3.
On top of that, it’s one of the only apps on this list that’s been extensively studied by clinical researchers. Several peer-reviewed studies found that using Headspace is effective for decreasing stress, increasing compassion (and self-compassion), reducing aggression, and improving focus. (6), (7), (8) The research is of high quality (randomized controlled trials), and one review found that Headspace employees were involved in study design for only 14% of the studies. (9)
“Mindfulness in the form of meditation can change structures in the brain that positively impact emotional regulation and cognitive processing. In other words, mindfulness is full of benefits for the brain.“
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, Fortune Recommends Medical Reviewer
Headspace recently joined forces with another mental health app, Ginger, and now offers mental health coaching, therapy, and psychiatry services on top of the meditation content that it’s known for.
Despite recent complaints about its user interface, Headspace remains one of the strongest mental health apps for mindfulness and meditation. Although free material is limited, most app users report that the price tag is worth it.
We especially respect the extensive body of research that supports Headspace’s effectiveness for stress, overall well-being, and more. If you’re new to mindfulness, Headspace can make it easy to incorporate this practice into your daily routine and reap the benefits.
What customers are saying
Headspace has had loyal customers for years, who say that the app has helped them slow down racing thoughts and cope with things like anger issues and anxiety. Users also love that the app includes mindful movement videos like yoga.
“I used to have issues with sleep and generally being reactive and letting my feelings get the better of me,” starts Scarlett Mander, Trustpilot reviewer. “Outside of the meditations there are focus sounds and music, daily messages of being grateful and tips on dealing with daily stress, and most importantly for me is the sleepcasts which are short stories that send me to sleep each night. Has honestly improved my life and ability to be more reflective.”
“I’ve been using Headspace for a couple years. The free version was recommended to me by my therapist. They have options for students and people with lower incomes. The customer service staff is very kind and understanding.”
Aly, Trustpilot
However, some people have had trouble with the billing and subscription model.
“After subscribing to the free trail, they ended up charging me for the annual subscription unknowingly AFTER I had canceled the free one. I ended up having to cancel twice. I was charged $89.99. They have not responded to ANY of my emails,” says Jude, Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
| Free trial | Yes |
| Price | $12.99/month |
| Insurance coverage | No |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Therapy options | Meditation, Sleep, Focus |
| Age | 3 and up |
Best mental health app for kids: Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Key product features
What you should know
Breath, Think, Do with Sesame incorporates Sesame Street characters to introduce children to social-emotional learning through interactive scenarios, guided by Mando in both English and Spanish. They teach valuable coping skills like deep breathing and problem-solving.
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame offers young children an engaging way to learn and practice important social-emotional skills.
- The app is completely free and sponsored by Sesame Street, which means it’s free of ads as well.
- Children can get the most out of this app when used alongside teachers or parents.
Why we like Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame Street for kids
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame uses familiar and beloved Sesame Street characters to essentially gamify social-emotional learning (SEL). Mando, a Puerto Rican resident of Sesame Street, guides children in English and Spanish through 5 different scenarios to help monsters solve everyday challenges. Through each scenario, kids learn research-backed skills—including deep breathing and problem-solving—to cope with big emotions. (10)
We love that children can use this app alongside their parents, counselors, teachers, and more. The Parent section of the app includes strategies like how to handle sibling rivalry or help children cope with separation anxiety. Parents can also record personalized encouraging voice messages that are played back for their child during the game.
“When parents feel supported with these strategies, they feel more confident when co-regulating with their young children.”
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, Fortune Recommends Medical Reviewer
The app is simple enough for even young children to navigate. Friendly voiceovers from Mando give instructions so there’s no reading involved, and the exercises are presented in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way.
We can see Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame being a wonderful tool for any child to learn how to practice deep breathing and problem-solving skills in an engaging, developmentally appropriate way. The games are fun, if a bit limited in scope, and are guided by an already familiar Sesame Street character.
You can get the most out of this app by using the Parent section and encouraging your child to practice the tools they learned in the app even when they’re not playing.
What customers are saying
Parents and teachers alike love the Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame app, praising it for its simple interface and effectiveness in teaching little ones about feelings. It’s earned a “Teacher Approved” badge on the Google Play store, which is an acknowledgment of great apps for kids as reviewed by teachers and child education specialists.
“As a practicing school psychologist I use this with all of my elementary school students,” begins Apple App Store reviewer with the username “Ispysch.” “During our sessions we focus on de-escalation techniques, mindful practices, cognitive distortions and realities, solution-oriented approaches, and conflict resolution. This app teaches ALL of that in a child-friendly and engaging format.”
“My almost two-year-old is having a lot of fun with this app. He caught on to the deep breathing and it has given us vocabulary for when he’s upset. I ask him to try his monster breathing. He is starting to get the concept and is really able to regulate much faster.”
Momoftheo, Apple App Store
However, some parents find that the app can be glitchy, and the content gets stale.
“It gets stuck on a loading screen. It’s great if it works but hasn’t worked for a week now, on more than one device,” says Apple App Store reviewer with the username “KalinIlyse.”
Specs
| Free trial | N/A |
| Price | Free |
| Insurance coverage | No |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Therapy options | SEL |
| Age | 2 and up |
Best mental health app for sleep: Calm
Key product features
What you should know
Calm positions itself at the forefront of medication and sleep apps, boasting a stellar 4.8 rating and acclaim for its extensive library of sleep stories, meditations, and calming sounds. Despite its subscription model for premium content, the app’s high user satisfaction and research-backed effectiveness in improving sleep, reducing stress, and enhancing self-compassion highlight its value.
- Calm has a 4.8 overall rating in the Apple App Store, and for good reason – it offers a beautiful interface and a massive selection of relaxing sounds and meditations to help you sleep.
- The app is free to download, but most users choose to pay for a subscription to its most helpful content.
- Randomized controlled trials conducted on the effectiveness of Calm have found it helpful for sleep and stress reduction.
Why we like Calm for sleep
Calm claims to be the #1 app for meditation and sleep, and it looks like users agree—the app has an impressive 4.8 overall rating in the Apple App Store, with over 1.7 million reviews. With a beautiful user interface and a massive selection of relaxing sounds, meditations, videos, and more, it’s easy to see why this app is so beloved.
Arguably, the most popular feature of the Calm app is its sleep stories and sounds. The app offers over 100 sleep stories and even more options for relaxing music and nature sounds, all designed to help you fall asleep.
Our product tester especially loved the sleep sounds over the stories, saying, “They have a large collection of sleep music that doesn’t have narrators and I found these to be so pleasing when I was trying to fall asleep.”
“Sleep stories are narrated fictional stories that allow listeners to address nighttime rumination with a pleasant stimulus.”
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, Fortune Recommends Medical Reviewer
We looked into the research supporting Calm and found a few randomized controlled trials backing its benefits for sleep (11), reducing stress (12), improving self-compassion, and more. Many of the studies included Calm’s former Director of Science as one of the authors, so there may be some bias there—but the studies themselves are designed well, and they’re transparent about the possible conflict of interest.
We can definitely see why Calm has such overwhelmingly positive reviews on both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. The app offers a wide variety of sounds, not just meditations, to help you relax and fall asleep. Just opening the app puts the mind at ease, with the relaxing interface and soothing background sounds.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay to access the best features, but most users find it’s well worth it.
What customers are saying
Users love the variety of content that’s available on the Calm app and claim that it truly is effective for helping them fall asleep. The sleep stories are particularly loved. Some users even claim that the app has helped them cope with symptoms of mental health conditions like OCD and anxiety (although the app itself does not claim to treat these conditions).
“I love Calm,” boasts Beth Walsh, a Trustpilot reviewer. “I’ve had the paid subscription for around six years. I listen to a sleep story every night, it’s the only way to hush all the thoughts running around my mind. Honestly, I can’t imagine not having it even my hubby is hooked now too.”
“Calm is changing my life for the better. I’ve struggled with rage and resentment my entire adult life, and I’m finally learning methods and ways of thinking that are calming the inner torrents and reshaping my inner landscape.”
Rita, Trustpilot
Negative reviews note difficulty in canceling subscriptions and being charged before the free trial is up.
Kim Mallory, a Trustpilot reviewer says, “The Calm App makes it very difficult to cancel your subscription! The customer service in non-existent. For an app that is supposed to Calm people, I find myself stressed out trying to cancel.”
Specs
| Free trial | Yes |
| Price | $14.99/month |
| Insurance coverage | No |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Therapy options | Sleep and meditation |
| Age | 13 and up |
Our mental health apps testing methodology
Every Fortune teletherapy review features in-depth analyses conducted by reviewers who have first-hand experience in mental health. The information is then reviewed by qualified mental health experts to check for accuracy. All of the claims are backed by scientific evidence. Read more about our teletherapy testing methodology for expanded information on each factor.
Therapist quality—30%
A top-notch teletherapy service should feel both personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person, everyone’s situation is different. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.
Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Having additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
How to choose the best mental health app
The mental health app that’s right for you depends largely on your unique mental health needs and what you’re looking for in an app. Although some apps offer similar services (for example, several apps on our list offer online therapy), there are differences between them if you look closely.
When choosing the best mental health app for you, consider your individual circumstances and needs, including:
- The services that you’re looking for: Do you need a prescription for psychiatric medication, or are you just looking to speak with a therapist?
- The format you prefer: Would you like to speak with a therapist on a video call or simply be able to message them every day?
- Your budget and insurance coverage: How much are you willing to spend on a mental health app? Do you have any insurance benefits that could help cover some of the cost?
- The type of therapy you need: Are you looking for a specific kind of therapist, like one who practices CBT?
Answering these questions and weighing your options is your best bet for finding the best mental health app for you.
What are mental health apps?
Phones and tablets give us access to so many different things in the palm of our hands, including the ability to care for our mental and physical well-being. Mental health apps are mobile platforms that give users access to digital tools, treatment, and other resources. They can bridge the gap in mental health treatment by offering the convenience and flexibility of receiving care from anywhere at any time.
The often user-friendly design makes these apps simple and easy to use. Each platform offers unique features to help tailor support to different mental health needs and preferences. With so many variations in design and functionality, the NIH classifies mental health apps into six categories: (13)
- Self-management
- Cognition improvement
- Skills training
- Social support
- Symptom tracking
- Passive data collection
Benefits of mental health apps
Mental health apps offer a range of benefits as they help support user’s mental well-being.
- Accessibility: Mobile platforms can give users access to mental health treatment where it otherwise would be lacking due to location, provider availability, cost, and other barriers.
- Convenience: Mental health apps allow you to engage in your mental well-being from wherever you are without needing to worry about transportation, long wait lists, or limited appointment availability.
- Affordability: While some apps provide free support, others offer subscription options that can be significantly less expensive than traditional in-person therapy sessions.
- Supplementing therapy: These platforms can be an excellent complement to existing mental health treatment.
- Self-help: Some apps provide activities and resources that teach essential skills, such as mindfulness and stress management.
- Progress tracking: Some platforms allow users to self-monitor their mood, symptoms, and progress, which can provide insight into patterns and treatment effectiveness.
The benefits of each mental health app depend on its individual design and services. Not all mental health apps are alike, nor do they provide the same benefits.
Who should use a mental health app?
So many different people use mental health apps for different reasons. Some people may be looking for psychiatric treatment for a specific mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety. Others may simply want an additional tool to maintain their overall well-being. Luckily there are so many options to choose from now, like our list of the best anxiety apps.
Most people who use mental health apps are looking for convenience and ease. These apps may be especially beneficial for those who have faced barriers when seeking traditional face-to-face treatment—things like not having enough mental health professionals in your area, not being able to afford traditional therapy, or not having enough time in your schedule to commute to sessions.
When to see a mental health professional
If you’re experiencing more severe mental health symptoms, like thoughts of suicide or psychosis, then a mental health app may not be intensive enough to help you feel better. Apps may be a better fit for those with mild to moderate mental health concerns, with the exception of Brightside Health on our list.
See a mental health professional in your area if you find that apps aren’t helping your symptoms go away, if you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, or if your symptoms are so severe that they’re getting in the way of your daily functioning.
Do mental health apps share your data?
Seeking care for your mental health can feel vulnerable, and it’s valid to question what these apps are doing with the sensitive information you share on them. While they offer convenience, affordability, and many other benefits, they aren’t risk-free.
We’re often used to feeling safe and secure when seeking health care because many organizations and providers must abide by strict HIPAA rules to help protect our personal health information. (14) Unfortunately, many mental health apps aren’t required to follow those same privacy regulations. This can mean your information isn’t as private as you might hope, even if the app promises it will be. For example, we’ve seen some big-name players, like BetterHelp, accused of sharing user information for advertising purposes. (3) Others may use it to gather data to help improve the app based on what its users commonly share.
You can rest assured that HIPAA regulations do apply when working with a therapist or psychiatrist. Your mental health provider is required to keep your conversations confidential, whether your sessions are digital or in-person. However, any other tools you use on the app outside of therapy may not be as private.
Fortunately, the rising popularity of these apps seems to be drawing more attention to their privacy policies. We’re seeing more studies conducted to assess data security and calls to action on how user information can be better protected. (15, 16)
FAQs
How much do mental health apps cost?
Different mental health apps have different pricing structures based on the services that they provide—the apps we reviewed range from free to hundreds of dollars per month.
How do mental health apps work?
There are many types of mental health apps. Some work by providing in-app content to help you relax or fall asleep, while others connect you with licensed therapists.
Are mental health apps effective?
Yes! All of the apps we’ve included on this list have been shown to be effective to varying extents. Several studies have found online therapy to be as effective as in-person therapy for several different mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. [13] However, remember that not all mental health apps are created equal—some are more effective than others.
Can mental health apps replace in-person therapy?
For many people, mental health apps can be an excellent substitute for in-person therapy. Online talk therapy has proven effective, and it can offer the benefits of flexibility, convenience, and affordability. However, it’s not appropriate for everyone, including those with severe mental health issues or individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Some mental health apps also focus on mindfulness or stress relief without offering direct access to a licensed therapist. While they can be an excellent complement to professional mental health support, they cannot fully replace it.
How many mental health apps are FDA-approved?
Our experts
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC
Rychel is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Stephanie Hope, CSSC, CSMC, CLC
Stephanie Hope has over seven years of experience in product and service journalism, with a focus on sleep and well-being. Not only is she a Certified Sleep Science Coach, but she is also a Certified Stress Management Coach, Longevity Coach, and is working on becoming a Wellness Coach through the Spencer Institute.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Saya Des Marais, MSW
Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer
About Author
Saya is a former therapist, mental health trainer, and freelance mental health writer. She holds a graduate degree in clinical social work from the University of Southern California, and has provided mental health services in community mental health clinics, schools, residential treatment facilities, and, most recently, a mental health app. Through her mental health content, she strives to make life-saving mental health research and information easily digestible to those who need it most.