Mental Health Apps Are Here to Help

Long waiting lists and rising costs are just two reasons why many living with mental health issues are looking for alternative solutions. Many are turning to mobile apps as potential means for support. 

With a surge in popularity, we’re looking at some of the benefits brought on by these types of apps, looking at the top performers in the market, and understanding what you’ll need as a business looking to develop your own.

What are the Benefits?

Accessibility is a major benefit surrounding mental health-based apps. These apps help eliminate the wait surrounding a traditional therapist’s or counselor’s office. People in need have immediate access to the resources they require with little to no cost attached. It is particularly beneficial to those in remote communities or anyone with limited access to face-to-face therapy.

Creating effective mental health apps requires a few key steps that you’ll want to ensure your developer understands clearly. Defining your niche is important in order to find your place in the market. You’ll want to find a developer that will act as your partner, involving you in every step of the process. You might consider researching local developers based in Toronto or Montreal such as Guarana Technologies, who understand what you’re hoping to accomplish with your app, and will keep you involved at every stage of design. 

Additionally, these kinds of apps should be easy to use. Your developer should be able to create a user interface that is effective for the average user in order that the experience is as convenient and non-intrusive as possible. The right company will not only take the project through the wireframing, testing, and launching stage, but should also provide ample post-launch QA.

The Market’s Top Performers

In this growing market, there are a few anxiety and depression apps that are standing out amongst the rest. Listed on both Psycom and Very Well Mind’s curated lists, these apps are changing the face of mental health in the digital world.

Happify is regarded as one of the most helpful apps surrounding depression, and it’s free to download. Its science-based activities can help users overcome stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts using engaging games and gratitude prompts. The therapeutic techniques are devised and developed by leading scientists and experts in fields such as positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive behaviour. 

For mindfulness and meditation, Headspace tops many mental health app lists. For only a few minutes per day, users can begin to gather the tools to understand their mental health in a more holistic way. They offer access to hundreds of meditations ranging from stress and anxiety, to focus and sleep. The app offers reminders to encourage users to practice daily. 

Talkspace, another popular option, offers therapy through digital devices. For a standard weekly fee, users can access trained professionals and seek the services they need as often as necessary. Their therapists communicate via text messages and they offer services for both individuals and couples. 

After a brief assessment, Talkspace offers a list of potential therapists and the user can select the person they feel will help them through their journey.

Whether it’s anxiety, exhaustion, depression, or other mental health issues, there are a number of resources available through mobile apps. Accessing these resources in a new, innovative way is changing the way users approach their mental health — and that’s a good thing.

You may like this

• 5 Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Mental Health
• How to Have Stable Mental Health?
• Drinking Tea is Beneficial for Your Physical and Mental Health