Need a Therapist? These apps can help

Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated with the same level of care. Neglecting it can have serious consequences, as it directly affects how the brain functions. In a world where stress and anxiety have become part of daily life, prioritising your mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity. These therapy and mindfulness apps make it easier to seek help, build healthier habits, and stay connected to professional support from the comfort of your home.

Patients at health centre having checkup appointments. Photo Crefit: Freepik

Betterhelp

BetterHelp is a therapy platform that allows you to track your thoughts and goals. You can attend weekly therapy sessions through live chat, video, or audio calls. It provides direct online counselling services through web or text communication. On this app, you and your therapist can incorporate journaling into your sessions or use it as part of your self-care routine. Your monthly subscription includes one live session each week, as well as unlimited messaging with your therapist.

Athari

Athari is an app designed to help you manage your thoughts and mental health. Created by Nigerian mental health advocate Natasha Tsitsi, Athari addresses the shortage of psychiatrists in Nigeria by connecting users with therapists for online sessions. It offers personalised mental health support through video calls, audio, and chat. The app, which is currently under maintenance, features a user-friendly interface, and after downloading, users provide their details to be matched with a psychiatrist based on their specific needs.

Brightside

With Brightside, you can meet with your therapist weekly, receive ongoing psychiatric care, and access self-care videos. It serves as an excellent mental health app, monitoring anxiety and depression over time, making it suitable for those seeking a mental health tracker. Brightside uses periodic mental health questionnaires to assess your symptoms and determine the effectiveness of your treatment. Please note that the app is currently only available on the iOS Store for Apple devices.

Headspace

To alleviate anxiety, stress, depression, and pain, consider using the Headspace app. It offers various services, including a meditation app with guided sessions, sleep resources, and mindfulness tools, alongside online therapy and mental health coaching. Each day, the app curates a list of meditations and mindful activities, including a “sleepcast” to help you wind down at night. A sleepcast is a 45- to 55-minute audio segment that begins with a meditation or breathing exercise, followed by a soothing bedtime story.

Calm

Calm is a user-friendly and visually appealing mindfulness and meditation app. It features a wide range of meditations on various topics, including beginner-level options and content designed for children. Calm is ideal for anyone seeking dedicated meditations for anxiety or stress. It is also a great resource for families looking to introduce mindfulness to their children, offering easy-to-understand meditations suitable for all ages.