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Mental Health Apps
Apps are tools, not replacements for counseling.
This is not an extensive list, but rather apps that our clinicians or clients have found helpful.
How to Choose a Mental Health App
Mental health apps can be helpful tools when used alongside counseling. When choosing an app, consider the following:
• Your main concern (mood, anxiety, habits, relationships, etc.)
• Ease of use and whether it fits into your daily routine
• Cost and whether the free version meets your needs
• Emotional fit—apps should feel supportive, not stressful or shaming
• How it can be used alongside therapy
You do not need to use multiple apps at once. One helpful tool is enough.
Depression and Mood Tracking
Depression & Mood Tracking
How We Feel
Free: Yes
Paid: Free (donation-supported)
Why recommended: Excellent emotion tracking with research-backed design; helps build emotional vocabulary.
Cons: Limited customization; not a full journaling app.
Link: https://howwefeel.org/
Daylio
Free: Yes
Paid: ~$3–$5/month or ~$30/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Simple mood and activity tracking; good for identifying patterns.
Cons: Limited depth in free version.
Link: https://daylio.net
Moodnotes
Free: No
Paid: ~$5 one-time purchase
Why recommended: CBT-based thought reframing for depression and anxiety.
Cons: Dated interface; no cloud sync.
Link: https://moodnotes.thriveport.com
Shmoody
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$4/month (subscription)
Why recommended: Mood tracking with coping tools and visual trends.
Cons: Smaller user base; occasional bugs.
Link: https://shmoody.me
DBT, Emotional Regulation & Overcontrol
DBT, Emotional Regulation & Overcontrol
Radically DBT
Free: No
Paid: Paid app with in-app purchases/subscription
Why recommended: Supports Radically DBT skills focused on openness, flexibility, and reducing emotional overcontrol. Often recommended when RO-DBT skills are part of treatment.
Cons: Only on IOS operating systems (Apple)
Link: https://apps.apple.com/cy/app/radically-dbt/id6751303934
Anxiety, Panic, & OCD
Anxiety, Panic, & OCD
Dare: Panic and Anxiety Relief
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$9/month or ~$60/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Evidence-based approach to panic and anxiety using acceptance strategies.
Cons: Audio-heavy; cost can add up.
Link: https://www.dareresponse.com
Respond: OCD Tracker
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$8–$10/month (subscription)
Why recommended: Designed to support ERP work for OCD.
Cons: Can feel overwhelming without therapist guidance.
Link: https://trackocd.com/
UCLA Mindful
Free: Yes
Paid: Free
Why recommended: Simple mindfulness practices developed by UCLA.
Cons: Very basic; limited variety.
Link: https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/marc/mindful-meditations
ADHD, Habits, & Productivity
ADHD, Habits, & Productivity
Fabulous: Daily Habit Tracker
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$40/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Structured routines and behavioral science approach.
Cons: Can feel rigid; premium required for full access.
Link: https://www.thefabulous.co/
Finch
Free: Yes
Paid: ~$40/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Combines self-care with gamification; helpful for motivation.
Cons: May feel juvenile for some adults.
Link: https://befinch.com
Timo
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$5–$7/month (subscription)
Why recommended: Visual timers helpful for ADHD time management.
Cons: Limited features without subscription.
Relationship, Marriage, & Connection
Relationships, Marriage, & Connection
Paired
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$12/month or ~$75/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Evidence-based relationship exercises and conversations.
Cons: Requires consistent partner participation.
Link: https://www.paired.com
Gottman Card Decks
Free: Yes
Paid: Free
Why recommended: Developed by the Gottman Institute; great for couples communication.
Cons: No tracking or personalization.
Link: https://www.gottman.com/couples/apps/
Get Closer: Question Game
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$5–$8 one-time purchase
Why recommended: Promotes emotional intimacy through guided questions.
Cons: Less helpful without intentional follow-through.
Link: https://getcloser.app
Sobriety & Behavior Change
Sobriety & Behavior Change
I Am Sober
Free: Yes
Paid: ~$5/month or ~$40/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Strong peer support and accountability features.
Cons: Notifications can feel excessive.
Sober: https://iamsober.com
Stress Relief, Mindfulness, & General Wellness
Stress Relief, Mindfulness, & General Wellness
Insight Timer
Free: Yes
Paid: ~$60/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Large free meditation library; great for beginners.
Cons: Interface can feel cluttered.
Link: https://insighttimer.com
Calm
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$70/year (subscription)
Why recommended: High-quality guided meditations and sleep content.
Cons: Expensive; most content behind paywall.
Link: https://www.calm.com
Headspace
Free: Limited
Paid: ~$70/year (subscription)
Why recommended: Structured mindfulness programs; very user-friendly.
Cons: Limited customization.
Link: https://www.headspace.com
Happy Color
Free: Yes
Paid: ~$8 one-time or optional subscription
Why recommended: Simple, calming activity for stress reduction.
Cons: Ads in free version.
Link: https://happycolor.app
Tappy: Self Care Fidgeter
Free: Yes
Paid: Free
Why recommended: Sensory-based grounding tool for anxiety and stress.
Cons: Very basic functionality.
Link: https://tappy.app
Creative, Mood-Based & Gamified Support
Creative, Mood-Based & Gamified Support
Voidpet Garden
Free: Yes
Paid: Optional in-app purchases
Why recommended: Encourages emotional awareness through gameplay.
Cons: Game focus may distract from reflection.
Link:https://voidpet.com/o/garden
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