Approach these so-called therapy apps cautiously. “An app can only go so far in helping you boost your mood,” says registered psychologist Vanessa Lapointe, from British Columbia, Canada. “Most of our thoughts in a depressed or anxious state can be ultimately reduced to fears related to separation, loss, or disconnection. Which means that connection is an antidote to anxiety and depression.” For that type of connection, a smartphone app—even if it’s presented as an app for anxiety or depression—may not be the ideal solution. (Learning how to find a therapist can help where depression apps can’t.) But that hasn’t stopped app developers from trying to create apps for depression and anxiety that can help in ways that a traditional therapist can’t—in fact, there are more than 10,000 mental health and therapy apps out there. So how do you wade through the clutter and find therapy apps that can support the work of your therapist or help keep minor anxiety issues or signs of depression from spiraling out of control? Try some of these therapy apps (along with the types of therapy that most interest you) to help you manage your mental health.
Therapy apps for anxiety and depression
To buy: $5; available on iOS devices. To buy: Free to download, with plans starting at $65 per week; available on iOS and Android devices. RELATED: This Is How Much Exercise You Need to Beat Seasonal Depression To buy: Free to download, with a two-week free trial basics course and a $70 annual subscription; available on iOS and Android devices. To buy: Free to download; available on iOS and Android devices. To buy: Free to download, with in-app purchases of specific programs for dealing with anxiety around flying, spiders, and public speaking; available on iOS and Android devices. To buy: Free to download and use the basic features, or $15 per month for the premium version with unlimited access to tracks; available on iOS and Android devices. To buy: Free to download and use the basic features, or $9 per month for the premium version with unlimited access; available on iOS and Android devices. To buy: Free to download; available on iOS and Android devices.
