The Best Free (and Affordable) Mental Health Apps

Manage Stress, Anxiety & More From Home

Updated: April 1, 2020

Thanks to technology, we don’t have to be totally isolated when isolating ourselves during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We can still work remotely, have virtual happy hours with friends, and even get the help we need when stress and anxiety become too much. The last can be accomplished with a mental health app—many of which are free to download and get started with.

Groupon Coupons has rounded up the most highly-rated apps that can help you tamp down negative thoughts, practice mindfulness, and sleep better.

Moodfit

Part mood tracker, part journal, the Moodfit app uses techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help process negative thoughts, reinforce positive messages, and change daily habits to improve your mood. The app charts the relationship between your mood and factors such as sleep and exercise, and provides breathing exercises and grounding tools to help relieve stress and anxiety. There’s also an option to track medication and share your data with loved ones or care providers.

  • Good for: Improving mood and symptoms of stress, depression, or anxiety
  • Price: Free with in-app purchases
  • Ages: 12+
  • Requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up

 

Youper

Designed by a team of doctors, scientists, and engineers, Youper uses artificial intelligence (AI) to act as an Emotional Health Assistant. Through quick conversations based on psychological techniques, users can gain a better understanding of themselves and start to find some balance. The app also includes a mood tracker, mindfulness practices, and sleep sounds to help you unwind at night.

  • Good for: Understanding emotions and gaining balance
  • Price: Free with in-app purchases
  • Ages: 12+
  • Requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 7.0 and up

 

Headspace

With just a few minutes of guided meditation a day, Headspace helps you manage stress and anxiety to improve your sleep, productivity, and physical health. The app has hundreds of meditations on subjects like sleep, exercise, and focus, and includes a Wake Up and Move Mode to help you start your day with mindfulness and cardio. You can turn to “SOS” sessions at any time to combat sudden feelings of panic, and wind down at night with original sleepcasts and relaxing sounds.

  • Good for: Meditation and mindfulness
  • Price: Free with in-app purchases  
  • Ages: 4+
  • Requirements: iOS 11.0 and watchOS 6.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up 

 

Talkspace

Unlike the free apps mentioned here, Talkspace, a paid service, has thousands of real-life licensed therapists at the other end to help you feel better. Once you’re matched with a therapist, you’ll receive their unbiased, trained perspective in whatever mode you feel comfortable communicating in—whether it be through email, text messages, or video chats—across your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Talkspace now includes a COVID-19 stress and anxiety management program as part of their regular subscription.

  • Good for: Counseling and therapy
  • Price: Plans starting at $65/week
  • Ages: 12+
  • Requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 6.0 and up

Hot Tip: Get $65 off with code APPLY65

 

Happify

Can games be good for you? Happify thinks so! It uses science-based games and activities to help relieve stress, overcome negative thoughts, and promote better habits to improve your emotional well-being. The games are organized into 65+ tracks, such as building self-confidence or fueling career success, and you can play as many as you like. 

  • Good for: Overcoming negative thoughts
  • Price: Free with in-app purchases
  • Ages: 4+
  • Requirements: iOS 9.9 or later; Android 5.0 and up

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