The number of people battling mental illness has soared in the past few years, but the prohibitive cost of treatment prevents most sufferers from seeking help. The average American simply does not have the means to access appropriate treatment.
The one ray of hope is the development of apps that people can add to their arsenal against psychological distress. While everything from the pokies online NZ offers to relaxation and meditation sessions are available in app form and are proven to increase feelings of well-being, these five apps specifically focus on providing mental health assistance. They are just a brief example of new tech tools that aim to help users maintain their mental health without costing an arm and a leg.
Headspace – Your everyday mental health app
The Healthy Minds Program App – A Proven Path to Well-Being. Powered by Science
Talkspace – Space to figure things out
Moodfit – Tools & Insights for Your Mental Health
AbleTo – Mental Health Support that Meets Your Needs, On Your Time
Headspace
Headspace has become well-known for its easy-to-access meditations. Their four values – putting members first, approaching the world with a beginner’s mind, always striving for the truth, and taking ownership – are what makes this app so appealing.
Subscribers can enjoy a free two-week trial before having to pay for access. An annual subscription costs $5.83 per month, while a monthly subscription costs $12.99.
The Healthy Minds Program App
Healthy Minds Innovations’ app offers subscribers mindfulness-based tools, including podcasts-cum-lessons and various meditations.
The company aims to support people working towards improved mental health using a combination of neuroscience and practical mindfulness exercises. The “Healthy Minds Guides” behind the program include Dr. David Richardson, whose research into neuroplasticity serves as a foundation for this helpful app.
The app is free to use.
Talkspace
Talkspace’s features include online therapy for teens, adults, and couples, as well as connecting users to licensed psychiatrists who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Video assessments and follow-ups are covered (in part, at least) by certain health insurance plans, while the out-of-pocket fee for an initial appointment is $299.
Moodfit
Moodfit offers users a range of tools to track their mental state and guided mindfulness meditations.
Unlike some mental health apps, Moodfit allows “real-life” therapists to monitor their clients’ progress. Users can record details about their sleep, diet, physical activity, and any events affecting their mental well-being.
A recent addition, the nervous system tool, gives users insights into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the polyvagal theory.
A free account grants access to a mood and gratitude journal, while a premium plan includes CBT thought records and personalized reports.
Without discounts, a one-year plan costs $39.99 and a two-year plan costs $79.98.
AbleTo
The fact that AbleTo promises to meet your needs, “on your time” shows that they appreciate that people’s schedules don’t allow for regular therapy sessions. AbleTo offers users virtual access to therapists and coaches for eight-week programs comprising individual therapy sessions, coaching, and self-directed activities like guided meditations.
The cost depends on a user’s health insurance plan.
A Promising Future
While many remain skeptical about the use of technology and AI for healthcare purposes, it’s clear that apps like these are ideal for those across the US who can’t access in-person care.
