Online Resources for Mental Health
For people who do not live close to mental health services or cannot afford it, online resources can be very helpful. This is a list of websites and apps that you may find valuable. Apps can be found by typing their name into the App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Androids.
Find a Therapist Near You: PsychologyToday.com
This website is a free and easy way to search for a therapist in your area. In the field “find a therapist”, enter your zip code and you will be able to see each therapist’s picture, personal bio, what insurance they take, and areas of focus.
Online Therapist: TalkSpace, 7CupsOfTea, and BetterHelp
These apps try to reproduce the experience of having a therapist, but online. You pay a subscription fee and are set up with a licensed therapist. Most interactions are through text messages and/or voicemails you leave each other. Online video counseling with your therapist is available but will cost more.
General Mental Health Apps: Sanvello, Moodpath, Happify, Mindshift CBT, and MoodKit These apps have a variety of self-help learning tools. They take you through activities based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), using audio guides and written exercises. Most also allow you to track your mood, sleep, exercise, and more.
Self-Directed Therapy:
There are many apps that guide you through therapy-based exercises for particular problems. Here is a list of Free or Low-Cost Apps to help with certain issues you may be struggling with:
- • Sleep: CBT-i Coach. Developed by the Veterans Administration (VA). This app is a structured program to teach you strategies to improve your sleep.
- • Self-motivation: Mood Coach. This App helps you improve your mood by following through on positive activities such as socializing, exercising, and eating heathy.
- • Stress: Moving Forward. From the VA, this app helps teach you ways to manage and overcome the stresses in your life.
- • PTSD: PTSD Coach and CPT Coach
- • Depression: Mood Tools
- • Anxiety:
Meditation: InsightTimer, Headspace, Ten Percent Happier Meditation, Calm
These apps offer guided meditation, audio for sleep, yoga sessions, and other exercises. They are free to start and cost a fee to unlock additional features.
Bots: Replika, Youper, Woebot
To help alleviate isolation and loneliness there are several artificial intelligence bots that can chat with you. They cannot replace real therapists, but some people find them helpful. They are free to start and cost a fee to unlock additional options.
Contributed by Seth Curtis, MD; Last Reviewed May 8, 2020