We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best Mental Health Apps For Therapy, Counselling And Tools You Need To Download
From BetterHelp to Quit That!, here are the most effective mental health apps out there
Downloading a mental health app is one of the best decisions an individual can make if setting out on a journey to address a psychological issue.
For many people, knowing where to start when it comes to finding professional mental health support can be a daunting task, with some opting to start by finding mental health quotes and advice from friends in the first instance. However, there are now countless online options you can choose from that provide top quality mental health services remotely.
Better yet, research published in the National Library of Medicine in 2018 found that mental health apps may help improve the monitoring and management of mental health conditions, and many of them are regularly promoted by trained doctors and counsellors.
Some apps allow you to search for a therapist and treatment that suits you and provide information about how to best tackle your mental health issues, whether it’s through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or talking therapy. Others help you track your mood and send you reminders and exercises so you can immediately analyse your emotions, at the touch of a button.
Here is a list of the best mental health apps to download today:
BetterHelp
If you’re looking for a qualified counsellor or therapist, but are struggling to find the right one then we strongly encourage you to download BetterHelp. The counselling app has over 15,000 trained, experienced, and accredited counselors who are experts in everything from depression to couples therapy and can provide one-on-one counselling via live sessions or through the secure messenger chat. In addition there are group webinars where you can learn more about your mental health. It’s free to download but there is a fee for the counselling sessions.
Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
With a score of 4.8/5 on the Apple App Store, it’s not hard to see why Headspace, launched by former monk and co-founder Andy Puddicombe, has taken the world by storm. Users are able to choose from hundreds of meditations that focus on managing stress and anxiety and create better behaviours in order to bolster their mental health. One of our favourite things about the app – which costs £9.99 a month - is the Sleep function, which helps you drift off, as well as the Move Mode workouts.
Thrive
A UK-created free app, Thrive’s technology invites users to employ clinically-proven techniques to live a happier life. After downloading the app you can monitor your mood and learn about relaxation techniques to use in stressful situations. There’s also a ‘thought trainer’ feature, based on CBT, which helps you tackle negative thoughts.
My Possible Self
NHS endorsed My Possible Self is the brainchild of founder Joanne Wilkinson, who teamed up with world leaders in mental health and experts from the mental health care group, the Priory, to collaborate on clinically certified content for the app. The app provides interactive tools and coping strategies, in addition to mood trackers, journals and motivational messages and tips to encourage you to start thinking in a more positive way. It really is like having a therapist in your pocket, whenever you need help.
Calm Harm
An award-winning app that helps users manage the urge to self-harm, Calm Harm was developed by Dr Krause, a consultant clinical psychologist. The app helps individuals find out the main reason for why they may want to self-harm, distract them so that they can overcome the urge, and encourage users to express their feelings in a different and safe way. This apps is recommended by the NHS.
Recovery Record
This is a free app which helps those suffering from eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, as well as those with general eating and weight concerns. The app can be used on its own or with a treatment team's Recovery Record Clinician App and helps users keep a record of their meals and feelings, earn rewards, fill in questionnaires to track progress and receive feedback from a treatment team.
Quit That!
This is a habit tracker for individuals wanting to quit their addictions, for example alcohol or smoking. The app lets you track your progress and adds up how much money you’ve saved since quitting your habit. You can also find out to the minute how long you’ve gone ‘cold turkey’ for, schedule a day for quitting and keep notes on each habit you want to kick. You can make a change today so, what are you waiting for?
Moodfit
This is one of the most popular mental health apps as it promises to provide the most ‘comprehensive set of tools for good mental health’ and help individuals understand what triggers their emotions. When you download the free app you can set daily mental health goals, keep log of your mood in a mood journal, learn more about CBT techniques and breathing exercises to bring about a sense of calm.
If you're struggling with your mental health and need some support, find more information at Mind. Alternatively, call the Samaritans helpline 24/7 for free, on 116 123.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
Watch Next
Is Your Horoscope Impacting Your Mental Health?
An Author's Search To Find The Right Therapist
10 Women Share What Self-Care Means In 2023
How To Celebrate Christmas Without Family
