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5 Mental Health Apps I Recommend (and Why)

Hello and Welcome Back to The Therapist Diaries, 

People that know me know that technology is not my best friend. I am definitely a paper and pen kind of girl, however as a therapist working with teens and young adults, I am a big believer that mental health support doesn’t only happen in the therapy room. While apps will never replace therapy, the right ones can be powerful tools that help you build skills, stay grounded, and feel supported between sessions.

Below are five mental health apps I often recommend to clients. Each one serves a slightly different purpose, so think of these as options, not “shoulds.” As I always say, take what serves you, leave what doesn’t.

Headspace – For building a meditation habit that actually feels doable

What it is:
Headspace is a guided meditation and mindfulness app designed to make meditation approachable, even if you’ve never done it before.

Why I recommend it:
Clients often tell me they want to meditate and feel grounded but feel overwhelmed or “bad at it.” Headspace does a great job breaking mindfulness down into short, realistic practices, sometimes just a few minutes long. It’s especially helpful for:

  • Anxiety and racing thoughts

  • Stress management

  • Sleep support

I like that it’s structured without being rigid, and it normalizes that your mind will wander (because… it will, mine did while I was writing this blog). 

Calm – For nervous system regulation and better sleep

What it is:
Calm focuses on relaxation through guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories, and calming music.

Why I recommend it:
This is one I often suggest to clients who struggle with sleep, burnout, or feeling constantly “on edge.” I used it during my university days and so personally attest to its ability to settle a restless mind. Calm is less about insight and more about regulation, helping your body settle when your nervous system is stuck in high gear.

It’s especially useful if you:

  • Have trouble falling or staying asleep

  • Feel chronically stressed or overstimulated

  • Need help winding down at night

Think of Calm as a soft place to land.

 Moodnotes – For noticing patterns in your thoughts

What it is:
Moodnotes is a mood-tracking and thought-reflection app based on principles from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Why I recommend it:
This app is great for increasing awareness around how your thoughts, emotions, and situations are connected. Rather than just tracking your mood, it gently helps you reflect on why you might be feeling the way you are.

I often recommend this to clients who:

  • Struggle with negative self-talk

  • Want to understand emotional patterns

  • Like structure and reflection

This really helps you get curious about your thoughts, where they come from and why you're having them, but does so in a safe and non-judgmental way. 

Insight Timer – For flexibility and variety

What it is:
Insight Timer is a large library of free meditations, talks, and music from teachers all over the world.

Why I recommend it:
If you’ve tried meditation apps before and felt bored or boxed in, Insight Timer offers a lot more freedom. You can explore different styles, lengths, and voices to find what actually resonates with you.

I like this app for clients who:

  • Want free or low-cost options

  • Enjoy customizing their mindfulness practice

  • Are curious about different approaches to meditation

 Sanvello (formerly Pacifica) – For anxiety and mood support

What it is:
Sanvello combines mood tracking, coping tools, guided journeys, and community support, with a strong foundation in CBT and mindfulness.

Why I recommend it:
This app is helpful for clients who want something a bit more comprehensive. It offers tools you can use in the moment, like guided breathing, grounding exercises, and coping strategies, along with longer-term skill building. I appreciate that it encourages skill-building without being overwhelming.

It’s especially supportive for:

  • Anxiety and panic symptoms

  • Depression

  • Managing daily stressors


Mental health apps are tools, not tests, not homework, and not a replacement for therapy. If an app helps you feel more grounded, aware, or supported, that’s a win. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too.

If you’re ever unsure which tools are right for you, that’s something we can always explore together in session.

You don’t have to do this alone. and you don’t have to do it perfectly. I hope these suggestions offer you a little more peace in the week ahead. 

Until next time- be kind to your mind.

—The Therapist Diaries

 

For professional inquiries please visit Voyager Therapy


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