Seven mental-health apps to support a therapy journey

Seven tools to explore

App availability, features, subscriptions, privacy terms, and clinical evidence change. Review current policies and discuss sensitive tracking with a provider before storing personal health information.

• MindDoc (formerly Moodpath): mood check-ins and pattern tracking.
• Finch: a gamified self-care routine built around a virtual pet.
• How We Feel: emotion labeling and regulation exercises.
• Insight Timer: guided meditation, calming audio, and sleep content.
• Sanvello: tools based on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and mood tracking.
• CBT Thought Diary: prompts for identifying and reframing thought patterns.
• Bearable: customizable tracking for symptoms, mood, sleep, habits, and medication.

Choose a tool intentionally

Start with the problem you want the tool to help with, such as remembering a coping skill, noticing mood patterns, or preparing observations for a therapy appointment.

Using one manageable feature consistently may be more useful than trying to track every detail. Stop using a tool if it increases anxiety, compulsive checking, or self-criticism.

Check privacy and safety

Before entering sensitive information, review what the app collects, where it stores data, whether information is shared, and how an account can be deleted. Consumer apps may not be covered by the same privacy rules as a healthcare provider.

An app is not an emergency service. Use crisis or emergency resources for immediate safety concerns.

Use apps alongside care

An app can help capture observations, prompt practice, or make patterns easier to discuss. It cannot evaluate symptoms, diagnose a condition, or decide which treatment is appropriate.

Bring useful observations to a qualified clinician and make treatment decisions together.