Mental health apps can help improve mood and provide a digital alternative to traditional therapy. Many of them offer educational content and techniques to reduce stress and promote better sleep habits. (Top 5 Mental Health Support Apps)
Talkspace allows users to talk to therapists through text, video, and audio messaging. It offers a weekly subscription that is usually more affordable than a therapist’s private fees.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is one of the world’s largest therapy platforms that makes it easy to connect with a therapist and get the help you need. It offers text messaging, live video, and phone sessions. If you’re not ready to commit to a full session, you can also message your therapist through the in-app chat feature.
The service matches you with a licensed therapist after you answer a series of questions. The therapists can be licensed social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists. They can be licensed in your state and can help you with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and more. BetterHelp’s therapists are also trained to handle crises and are available 24/7.
Using BetterHelp is simple and convenient, and you can use it on any device. Once you sign up, you’ll receive your therapist match, often within 24 hours. You can schedule a video or phone session at a time that works for both of you. BetterHelp’s online sessions are confidential and secure. They’re designed to be a supplement to in-person therapy, not a replacement for it.
In addition to the individual therapist sessions, BetterHelp offers group therapy sessions each week. These group support sessions are led by licensed therapists and cover topics such as communication skills, overcoming depression, and building resilience.
NOCD
NOCD is a telepsychiatry provider that offers psychiatric consultations and therapy through its mobile app. Its platform connects users with therapists through live video calls and text chats. It also provides patients with tools that help them manage their symptoms between sessions. The company’s therapists are licensed clinical professionals who specialize in treating OCD. They are also well-versed in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.
NOCD’s app features immediate guidance during an OCD episode, mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy, and a supportive community. The platform also allows users to share data about their progress with their therapists. It is available for iOS and Android devices. Its website and privacy policy are clear about the information it collects from its members. It does not allow users to log in using Facebook, and it does not collect geolocation data.
According to the company’s survey results, 97% of users said that they would recommend it to a friend. Moreover, the majority of users reported that their therapist understood their condition and offered a personalized treatment plan. The company also has a 24/7 in-app support group where users can communicate with each other and discuss their symptoms.
Sanvello
Sanvello is a mental health support app for adults and teens that provides therapy sessions, coaching, personalized coping tools, and a community that gets it. Its cognitive behavioral techniques are based on research and proven to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. It also helps users develop a better understanding of their emotional well-being through short weekly interactive quizzes.
The app allows users to track their mood, habits, and sleep. It offers educational videos and audio lessons from licensed therapists, as well as guided meditations and a journaling tool. It also features a community forum and social media integration. In addition, it has an emotion tracker that measures your stress, depression, and anxiety levels each day.
In its terms of service, Sanvello clearly outlines how it protects users’ privacy and discloses its use of personal information to third parties. It also lists several steps that users can take to authorize or revoke their release of information. It also states that it owns the legal copyright of any material that is shared with other users.
It also notes that it is not an appropriate resource for people experiencing a crisis or needing higher levels of care than therapy. Its website includes extensive information about the effectiveness of its offerings and provides links to peer-reviewed studies. The company has also partnered with TikTok influencer Garden Marcus and author John Green to create a series of “Mood Booster” videos on wellness, gardening, and mindfulness.
Talkspace
Talkspace offers users a secure, private room where they can communicate with their therapist through text and video messages. It also provides a range of mental health tools and resources that can help them cope with their problems. Its therapists are licensed to practice various types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness.
The app’s advanced algorithm determines a potential match for each user based on their location and answers to questions about their mental and physical health. After a brief interview, the user is provided with a list of therapists who are available to work with them. Each therapist has a profile that includes their therapeutic approach, area of specialization, and years in practice.
A session on the Talkspace app costs $49 per week. Users can send unlimited text, voice, or video messages to their therapist. They can also set up a monthly video or FaceTime session for an additional fee. The service is available on iOS and Android devices. It also integrates with iMessage, which makes it easier to schedule appointments.
However, Talkspace is not intended for crises. If you’re in danger or need emergency help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or your local mental health services. You can also contact your primary care physician or a community mental health organization for assistance.