Mental Health: The 7 Best Mental Health Telehealth Apps

Less than a decade has passed since embarking on my journey into a psychology graduate program. In my initial application, I expressed enthusiasm about the evolving landscape of telehealth in the context of mental health.

However, my professors at the time were skeptical, emphasizing the necessity of physical presence for therapeutic benefits. The paradigm shifted dramatically with the advent of COVID-19. Suddenly, my peers, who were practicing therapists, transitioned to online and phone sessions.

Today, the majority still primarily operate in this mode. The swift transformation has given rise to numerous apps, tools, and technologies catering to mental well-being. The question now is, which telehealth apps are optimal for individual needs?

Diverse Telehealth App Categories Understanding the array of telehealth apps is crucial in pinpointing the most suitable ones. Beyond apps, various websites, platforms, and tools contribute to this space. To facilitate a comprehensive discussion, let's explore some categories:

1. Virtual sessions with healthcare providers, akin to in-person visits but conducted through platforms like Zoom.
2. Connecting with telehealth-only professionals, such as virtual therapists via platforms like BetterHelp.
3. Integration of AI technology into mental health, spanning from AI chatbot therapists to AI assistance in finding human therapists.
4. Direct engagement with professionals through text messaging, chat, and similar features.
5. One-directional apps designed for individuals, including reminders for mental health medications and check-ins on depression symptoms.
6. One-directional, non-conversational apps for everyone, such as meditation and mindfulness apps.

Top 7 Telehealth Apps for Mental Health Tailored to diverse mental health needs, here are some of the most recommended telehealth apps:

1. BetterHelp:

   • Connects users with licensed therapists, offering various professionals to suit individual preferences.
   • Affordable (under $90/week) and allows virtual sessions based on the user's schedule.

2. Cerebral:

   • Similar to BetterHelp, with the added feature of medication management for those seeking therapy with medication.

3. Talkspace:

   • Provides both therapy and medication management.
   • Offers versatility with options like audio sessions and text message therapy.

4. Calm:

   • Ideal for meditation and mindfulness without therapy.
   • Known for aiding sleep improvement through daily short meditation sessions.

5. Headspace:

   • Similar to Calm but often considered better for beginners.
   • Offers meditations designed for focus, waking up, movement, or sleep.

6. MindShift:

   • Geared towards anxiety reduction using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques.
   • Features tools like coping statements, thought journal, belief experiments, meditation, and breathing exercises.

7. Happify:

   • Focused on boosting daily happiness using evidence-based research in positive psychology and CBT.
   • Includes games and interactive activities to enhance well-being.

Do Telehealth Apps Replace Human Care Providers? While telehealth apps offer accessibility and affordability, they don't necessarily replace in-person doctors and therapists. Instead, they complement traditional care. Users might opt for virtual therapy sessions while still consulting in-person doctors for medication management. A hybrid approach, combining in-person visits with telehealth apps, often proves effective in providing comprehensive mental health support.

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