Apps to Support Mental Health
Apps, whether for your phone or tablet, are an easy tool that most of us are very familiar with. This makes it an easy starting point for individuals who are looking for assistive technology to support mental health needs.
As you review the tools below, keep in mind that many apps have free versions but require subscriptions for more advanced features. Please also note that apps are changing all the time. Each day that you visit the app store for your device, you are likely to find new apps to try, while other apps may be discontinued.
The list below is to help with a starting place in your exploration of apps for mental health. Further exploration can be done on your own by downloading free apps to try, or by working with an AT Specialist who can help you navigate features to find the tool that works best for you.
Quick List of Apps for Mental Health by Category
Breathing, Relaxation, Meditation – Helps by prompting the user to take a break and practice breathing techniques
Habit Tracking– Helps by promoting healthy habits that support good mental health
Mood Tracking – Helps by helping the user identify their feelings and notice trends by tracking them on a regular basis
Self Care– Similar to Habit Tracking apps, but provides more prompting for self-care routines
Executive Functioning – Helps by supporting memory, organization, time management, or attention
Journaling - Helps by providing prompting and an easy place to journal about feelings and life events
Apps for Breathing, Relaxation, & Meditation
Headspace
Description: Headspace is known for its beautifully designed interface and wide range of guided meditations. It helps users learn mindfulness, manage anxiety, sleep better, and build long-term emotional wellness skills.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free basic version; Premium subscription is $12.99/month or $69.99/year. Student and family discounts available.
Link: Headspace
Calm
Description: Calm offers guided meditations, sleep stories, calming music, and breathing exercises. It's ideal for anyone looking to manage anxiety, stress, or insomnia, and includes new content updated regularly.
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free limited access; Full subscription is $14.99/month or $69.99/year.
Link: Calm
Breathe 2 Relax
Description: Developed by the Department of Defense’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology, Breathe2Relax is a simple yet powerful app that teaches users diaphragmatic breathing to help reduce stress and anxiety. It includes instructional videos, customizable settings, and a visual breath pacer.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free
Link: Breathe2Relax
Worry Watch
Description: This self-reflection journal helps users capture their worries, track how events unfold, and reflect on the results. Over time, this evidence-based approach can help identify irrational patterns and reduce anxiety.
Platform: iOS
Cost: $4.99 one-time purchase
Link: Worry Watch
Pause: Daily Mindfulness
Description: Inspired by Tai Chi, Pause uses slow, continuous movement through touch to help calm the mind. It’s great for short mindfulness breaks, even during a busy day.
Platform: iOS
Cost: $1.99 one-time purchase
Link: Pause: Mindful Moments
Apps for Habit Tracking
Habit Rabbit
Description: Gamifies habit tracking by caring for a virtual rabbit, encouraging users to build routines.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free with in-app purchases for customization items.
Link: Habit Rabbit
Apps for Mood Tracking
Moodflow
Description: This free app offers mood tracking, journaling, and self-reflection tools, featuring a clean interface and customizable options without intrusive ads
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free
Link: Moodflow
![A purple screen that prompts, "Alrighty [Name] - how are you doing right now?" with a slider scale underneath to record a general mood](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb875a443d09d68b8eb3c98/97da9742-1c8b-4efc-902f-45665091cb3a/Reflectly.jpeg)
Reflectly
Description: An AI-powered journaling app that prompts users to reflect on their day and emotions.
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free to download, with premium subscriptions ranging from $19.99 to $59.99 annually, depending on the platform.
Link: Reflectly
Moodtrack
Description: A social mood diary that allows users to graph moods over time and connect anonymously with others for support.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: The app is free, with a $0.99 fee to enable privacy features.
Link: Moodtrack
DailyBean
Description: A minimalist journaling app using mood "beans" to track daily emotions and activities.
Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free (with ads) or a premium pass costing 4.99/month or 29.99/year
Link: DailyBean
Apps for Self Care
Finch
Description: A self-care pet app where users complete wellness tasks to help their virtual pet grow.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free with additional features for $9.99/month or $39.99/year
Link: Finch
Quabble
Description: An AI-powered journaling app that prompts users to reflect on their day and emotions.
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free basic version. Premium version $3.99/month or $19.99/year
Link: Quabble
I Am
Description: Provides daily affirmations to boost self-esteem and positivity.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free with optional premium subscriptions ranging from $4.99/month to a $99.99 lifetime purchase.
Link: I Am
Apps for Executive Functioning
Focus Traveler
Description: A Pomodoro-style timer app that uses virtual journeys and soundscapes to enhance focus.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Link: Focus Traveler
Focus Plant
Description: Combines focus timers with a gamified plant-growing experience to reduce phone addiction and improve productivity.
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free with optional in app purchases
Link: Focus Plant
AvocaDO
Description: A focus and time management app that uses a virtual avocado character to motivate users.
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free with optional subscriptions
Link: AvocaDO
Forest
Description: Encourages focus by growing virtual trees during work sessions; leaving the app causes the tree to wither.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: One-time purchase of $3.99, with optional in-app purchases.
Link: Forest
Apps for Journaling
Mindful Powers
Description: Designed for children, this app teaches mindfulness through interactive stories and activities, helping young users manage stress and anxiety.
Platform: Android & iOS
Cost: First levels are free. Then a paid subscription to unlock more
Link: Mindful Powers
Your Life Your Voice
Description: A simple mood tracking app designed for teens to record and reflect on their emotions
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free
Link: Your Life Your Voice
Moodnotes
Description: Utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy principles to help users identify and alter negative thought patterns.
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Cost: Free with in app purchases
Link: Moodnotes