One of the coolest things out there for us therapist/ psychologist/ social workers, is the mental health apps. Some of them are free. We are always next to our phone. So, what a way to use the technology into something positive. So, some of the mental health apps were either used by me or my patients and found them helpful.
List of mental health apps
- I am sober: This app is really good for anyone trying to change their habit/ addictions/ behaviors (substance use, self harm, vape use). It has tracking metrics, personalized motivational packs, challenges, and a way to connect with the community. https://iamsober.com/en/site/home
- Virtual Hope Box: This app is really good especially for suicidal patients- they can have family photos, videos and recorded messages from loved ones, motivational quotes, music they find especially soothing, future goals, and self affirmations. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/virtual-hope-box-new/id6477622019
- Headspace: This app helps you learn meditation and practice it. It is easy 10 minute guided meditation. This is something that you can also practice with the patient during the session and have them download it if they like it. https://www.headspace.com/
- Insomnia coach: This app created by VA to help with sleeping problems. It has a sleep diary and tips on sleeping to improve your sleep. https://insomniacoach.com/
- ACT Coach: This app is also created by VA to be able to use the concepts of Acceptance and Commitment therapy. It has exercises, tools, information, and tracking logs so clients can practice what thery are learning in their daily life. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=is.vertical.actcoach&hl=en_US
- Mindfulness Coach: This app is also created by VA to learn how to practice mindfulness. It has information about mindfulness, mindfulness exercises and trackers to be better at mindfulness practices. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindfulness-coach/id804284729
- AIMS for anger management: Another one from VA again on anger management tools and for tracking. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobilehealth.ncptsd.aims&hl=en_US
- Belly bio Interactive Breathing: This one is pretty cool app. You put your phone on your stomach and then let the music and light guide you to practice deep abdominal breathing. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bellybio-interactive-breathing/id353763955
- Tapping solution app: This app guides you through tapping from Emotional Freedom technique. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.datechnologies.tappingsolution&hl=en_US
- Finch: This app was actually recommended to me by a patient. It is an app where you take care of a virtual pet where you create positive habits and self care. https://finchcare.com/
WEBSITE:
If you are looking for any type of mental health apps. This is the website to visit to. It helps you choose the right one when choosing over 10,000 mental health apps. https://mindapps.org/
