Complementary Apps for Teen Therapy

Idaho Youth Ranch Jun 8, 2023 2:30:00 PM

Welcome to your guide for the comprehensive list of apps to help you support your clients’ work outside of therapy sessions!

Using these apps, your clients can get the support they need between sessions (i.e., track their moods, identify their triggers, relieve some of their symptoms, etc.) without having to remember to bring a physical workbook or journal with them wherever they go. Here are some guidelines that will help you navigate through the apps so can you find the right one for your client:

There are 12 categories of apps: anxiety, CBT, DBT, depression, eating disorders, habits, journal, panic, relaxation, self-harm & safety plan, sleep, and trauma.

Some apps will be listed under multiple categories, as they have multiple features. Each app has a list of keywords underneath it, to help you quickly identify most of the features available within it. You can search for an app based on a therapeutic model (i.e., CBT or DBT), your client’s diagnosis (i.e., anxiety (and panic attacks), depression, eating disorders, sleep problems, or trauma), or by focusing on a specific coping skill or problem/intervention (i.e., improving daily habits, journaling, relaxation, self-harm, and safety plan).

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For example, if your client has difficulty managing their anxiety-related symptoms, you can search the list of apps listed under the category “Anxiety.” All apps with anxiety-related content will be listed here; however, some apps on this list may also be found in other categories (i.e., “Panic” for panic attacks, “Trauma” for PTSD, “Relaxation” for guided meditations, mindfulness, and soundscapes/music, etc.). If your client has more difficulty with their depressive-related symptoms, you can search for apps listed under the category “Depression.” If you want more sleep-focused interventions for clients with depression, go to the category “Sleep” and look for apps with the keyword “depression.” Keywords are listed in alphabetical order.

As a side note, a couple apps have unique features (i.e., artificial intelligence (AI) where a chatbot communicates with the user via in-app messages, games to play for distraction, or group-style participation). You can find these apps using the keywords: AI, chatbot, games, and group respectively.

Finally, make sure you identify what platform your client will be downloading on: iOS (i.e., Apple App Store) or Android (i.e., Play Store). Please also note that not all apps are free and some of their prices vary slightly between platforms. Many of the apps on the list are free either entirely or partially (“freemium”). “Freemium” refers to apps that have some free content, but the user must pay for a subscription if they want to access all the content the app has to offer. There are only a few apps that are only useable if you pay to access content. Payments can range from a small fee to a subscription. Lastly, all the apps, categories, and keywords are in alphabetical order to help make the identification process easier.

We hope this guide will be helpful for both you and your clients in and out of therapy sessions. Happy app-ing!

Categories & Keywords

KEYWORDS: Free, Freemium (limited or partial content free, subscribe for all content), Paid

CATEGORIES: Anxiety, CBT, DBT, Depression, Eating Disorders, Habits, Journal, Panic, Relaxation, Self-harm & Safety Plan, Sleep, Trauma)

10% HAPPIER: MEDITATION

The 10% Happier: Meditation app is designed to help users reduce stress and anxiety and improve their overall well-being through meditation. It offers guided meditations for beginners as well as more experienced meditators, and features courses on a range of topics related to mindfulness and mental health. The app also includes daily meditations, a progress tracker, and a library of talks and interviews with experts in the field of mindfulness. With a focus on making meditation accessible and enjoyable, the app aims to help users live a more balanced and fulfilling life. The app is available for free on iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access the entire library of content.

5 MINUTE JOURNAL

The 5 Minute Journal app is designed to help users start their day with a positive and grateful mindset. It prompts users to reflect on things they’re grateful for and to set daily intentions. Additionally, the app provides daily affirmations and asks users to reflect on what would make the day great. At the end of the day, users are prompted to reflect on what went well and how they could have made the day even better. The app also allows users to attach photos to their daily entries. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access additional features.

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ALOE BUD

Aloe Bud is a self-care app that helps users cultivate mindfulness and better self-care habits. It encourages people to take care of themselves by providing personalized reminders to drink water, stretch, and take breaks throughout the day. The app also features guided meditations, relaxing sounds, and other wellness resources. Aloe Bud’s simple and visually pleasing interface makes it easy to use, and it offers a range of customizable features, including the ability to track mood and set goals. The app is available for free on iOS devices, with an option to purchase access to additional features.

ALAN MIND DAILY JOURNAL

Alan Mind Daily Journal (“Jour”) is a daily journaling app that aims to help users boost their mental health, increase their self-awareness, and enhance their personal growth. The app provides daily prompts, exercises, and activities that help users reflect on their emotions, experiences, and goals. It also features guided meditations, affirmations, and visualizations to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Additionally, the app offers a community feature that allows users to connect with other journalers and share their insights and experiences. The app is available for free on iOS devices, with an option to pay for access additional features.

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BALANCE: MEDITATION & SLEEP

Balance: Meditation & Sleep is designed to provide guided meditation and sleep exercises to promote relaxation and mindfulness. The app includes a variety of features such as personalized meditations, sleep sounds, and mindfulness exercises to help users manage stress and anxiety. Balance is available for both iOS and Android devices for free for access to limited content and offers a free trial period, after which a subscription is required.

BREATHE2RELAX

Breathe2Relax is a stress management app that teaches users how to use diaphragmatic breathing to reduce stress and anxiety. The app provides users with guided breathing exercises that help regulate the user’s breathing and heart rate. Breathe2Relax also includes educational resources about stress as well as progress tracking and customizable breathing settings. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

BRAIN.FM

Brain.fm is a music app that provides users with curated music designed to improve focus, relaxation, and sleep. The app offers a variety of tracks by using artificial intelligence and neuroscience to create music that can positively affect the brain’s state. Brain.fm also includes a timer feature and offline listening capabilities. The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices, with a free trial period (3 days) followed by a subscription fee to access features.

BUDDHIFY

Buddhify is a meditation app that is designed to fit into your busy lifestyle. The app offers over 200 guided meditations that are tailored to various aspects of daily life. The meditations are led by expert teachers and are accompanied by soothing background sounds. Buddhify also offers a timer for silent meditation practice and a tracker to monitor your progress. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and requires a small fee to download.

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CALM HARM

Calm Harm is a mental health app designed to help individuals manage self-harm urges. The app provides users with a variety of tools and resources, including breathing exercises, distraction techniques, and alternative coping strategies. Calm Harm also includes educational resources about self-harm and urges. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

CBT COMPANION

CBT Companion is an app that provides cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises and techniques for individuals with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. The app includes various tools and activities to help users manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, such as mood tracking, thought journaling, and exposure therapy exercises. CBT Companion is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app offers a free version with limited features, while the full version requires a subscription.

CBT-I COACH

CBT-i Coach is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of insomnia through cognitive-behavioral therapy. The app provides users with sleep education, as well as relaxation and sleep environment tips. CBT-i Coach also includes sleep tracking tools and cognitive restructuring exercises to help users address negative thoughts and behaviors related to sleep. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

CHOPRA MEDITATION & WELLBEING

The Chopra Meditation & Wellbeing app is designed to help users reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being through guided meditation and mindfulness practices. The app features guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices led by well-known spiritual leader Deepak Chopra. Users can customize their meditation experience with options for different lengths, themes, and focus areas. The app also includes a journal feature to track progress and insights, and a community feature to connect with other users for support and inspiration. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access additional features.

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DARE: ANXIETY & PANIC ATTACKS

Dare: Anxiety & Panic Attacks is designed to help individuals overcome anxiety and panic attacks. The app includes a range of features such as guided breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies to help users manage their symptoms. It also includes a panic button feature that can help users calm down during a panic attack. Dare is available for both iOS and Android devices for free with limited features, while the full version requires a subscription.

DAYLIO JOURNAL

Daylio Journal is a mood tracking and journaling app designed to help users monitor their mental health and daily activities. Users can select their mood from a range of options and log activities, events, and notes to gain insights into their emotional patterns. The app generates weekly and monthly reports to track progress and identify triggers. Users can set reminders to log their mood and can also use the app to set and achieve goals. Daylio is available for both iOS and Android platforms and offers a free version with limited features, with an option to subscribe for premium features.

DBT COACH

The DBT Coach app is a mental health app that offers tools and resources for individuals who are receiving dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The app includes a wide range of DBT-specific features, such as mindfulness exercises, emotion regulation techniques, and distress tolerance skills. The app also provides a journaling feature for users to track their progress and goals. DBT Coach is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access entire app contents.

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EMDR THERAPY

EMDR Therapy is a simple app that’s best when used with headphones. Users think about their trauma while listening to a melody, with the practice alternating between audio and focusing on a ball moving along a horizontal plane. Speed of ball, vibration setting, and background can be changed. The app is available for free on Android devices.

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FABULOUS

Fabulous is a self-improvement app designed to help users build healthy habits and improve their daily routine. The app provides personalized coaching sessions that focus on areas such as fitness, productivity, and mindfulness. It includes a variety of tools and resources, such as habit tracking, daily challenges, and guided meditations. Fabulous also features a user-friendly interface and a community forum where users can connect with others and share their progress. The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices with some free content; a subscription is required for access to additional content.

FEARTOOLS – ANXIETY AID

FearTools is a mobile application designed to assist individuals with anxiety by providing them with a range of tools and techniques to manage their symptoms. The app includes features such as educational information, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help users understand and manage their anxiety. It also includes a panic button feature that can help users calm down during a panic attack. FearTools is available for free on both iOS and Android platforms.

FINCH: SELF CARE PET

Finch: Self Care Pet aims to promote self-care and emotional wellness through a virtual pet experience. Users can create and take care of a cute, digital Finch pet that grows and evolves as the user engages with the app’s self-care activities. The app includes a variety of activities, such as journaling, deep breathing exercises, and positive affirmations, all designed to help users manage their emotions and build resilience. The app also features a supportive online community where users can connect with others and share their experiences. It’s available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access premium features.

FREECBT

FreeCBT is a basic and simple app that provides cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) thought journaling and tracking. For each automatic thought entered, users are prompted to select distortions that apply, challenge their thought, and write an alternative thought. FreeCBT is available on both iOS and Android platforms for free, with no in-app purchases or subscription fees required.

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GRATITUDE

The Gratitude app (aka “Gratitude Journal, Affirmation” on iOS and “Gratitude: Self-Care Journal” on Android) helps users cultivate a daily gratitude practice. It prompts users to record three things they are grateful for each day and allows them to add photos or notes to each entry. The app also provides inspirational quotes and meditation exercises to help users focus on gratitude and positive thinking. Users can set reminders to make gratitude a daily habit and track their progress over time. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access additional features.

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HABITBULL

HabitBull is designed to help users form and track their habits. With its simple and user-friendly interface, users can create personalized goals and routines and monitor their progress in real time. The app also offers reminders and notifications to help users stay on track, as well as motivational quotes and images. HabitBull also includes a community feature where users can connect with and support each other in their habit-building journeys. The app is available on iOS devices for free, with the option to upgrade with a paid subscription.

HAPPIER APP

Happier is a gratitude journal app that encourages users to focus on the positive aspects of their lives and cultivate a daily gratitude practice. The app offers guided meditations, uplifting quotes, and the ability to track and reflect on moments of happiness and gratitude. Happier also allows users to connect with a supportive community and share their positive experiences with others. The app is available for free on iOS and Android devices, with additional features available for purchase.

HAPPIFY

Happify is a mental health app designed to help users manage stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. The app uses evidence-based techniques from positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy to help users cultivate greater resilience and emotional well-being. Happify offers a range of tools, including mood-tracking features, personalized daily activities, guided meditations, and games designed to boost positive emotions. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices, and users can customize their experience by choosing specific goals, such as building better relationships, managing stress, or improving self-confidence. Limited features are available for free and premium features require a subscription.

HEADSPACE: MINDFUL MEDITATION

Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app designed to help individuals improve their mental well-being. The app offers guided meditations, animations, and videos, as well as mindfulness exercises for specific situations, such as falling asleep or managing anxiety. Headspace also provides users with progress tracking and personalized recommendations based on their usage patterns. The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices; paid subscription is required to access almost all content.

HUMM.LY – LIVE BETTER W/ MUSIC

Humm.ly is a music and wellness app designed to help users manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The app provides guided meditation sessions accompanied by original music composed by professional musicians and sound therapists. Users can also customize their own music playlists to enhance their relaxation and mindfulness practices. Humm.ly also features a variety of breathing exercises and visualizations to further aid in stress relief and improve overall mental wellness. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms for free temporarily. Typically, limited content is free with the option to subscribe for full access.

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INSIGHT TIMER

Insight Timer is a meditation app that offers a large library of guided meditations, music tracks, and talks from various teachers and experts. The app includes a timer feature that allows users to set a customized meditation session and interval bells to keep track of their progress. Insight Timer also offers a social community feature where users can connect with like-minded meditators and join groups or challenges to enhance their meditation experience. The app is available for free on iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access premium features.

INTELLECT

Intellect is designed for personal growth and mental wellness. It offers a range of self-improvement tools, including cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, daily positive affirmations, and personalized goal-setting features. The app also includes a library of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help users manage stress and anxiety. Intellect also provides access to licensed mental health professionals who can offer personalized support and therapy services through the app. Intellect is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe for access to a full library of content.

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LET’S MEDITATE: RELAX AND SLEEP

Let’s Meditate: Relax and Sleep is a meditation app that provides users with guided meditation sessions designed to help them relax and fall asleep. The app offers a variety of guided meditations, including deep breathing exercises and visualizations, as well as ambient sounds to aid in relaxation. Let’s Meditate also includes a timer feature that allows users to customize the length of their meditation sessions. The app is available for free on Android devices.

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MEDITOPIA

Meditopia is a meditation and sleep app that provides users with guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation exercises. The app offers a variety of guided meditations, including breathing techniques, body scans, and visualizations, as well as sleep stories and calming music tracks to help users relax and fall asleep. Meditopia also includes a personalized meditation plan feature, progress tracking, and a journal for users to record their thoughts and feelings. The app is available for free on iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe for access to additional features and content.

MINDSHIFT CBT

MindShift CBT is a mental health app that offers resources and tools to help users manage anxiety. The app provides users with cognitive-behavioral therapy-based exercises, including thought diaries and behavior tracking. MindShift CBT also includes relaxation and mindfulness exercises, as well as educational resources about anxiety. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

MOODFIT

Moodfit is a mental health app designed to help individuals track and manage their mood and mental health. The app provides users with a mood tracker, thought diary, and goal-setting tools. Moodfit also includes educational resources about mental health conditions, as well as mindfulness and relaxation exercises. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, with a free trial period followed by a subscription fee to access additional features.

MOODKIT

MoodKit is a mental health app that provides users with resources and tools to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. The app offers a variety of CBT-based exercises, including thought restructuring and behavior tracking. MoodKit also includes educational resources about mental health, as well as a mood tracker and journaling feature. The app is available for download on iOS devices for a fee.

MOODLINKS

MoodLinks is a mental health app that provides support and tools for managing anxiety and depression. The app includes features such as mood tracking, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises, guided meditations, and breathing techniques. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms and can be downloaded for free.

MOODTOOLS

MoodTools is a mental health app that provides users with resources and tools to manage symptoms of depression. The app offers a variety of CBT-based exercises, including thought diaries, activity planning, and relaxation exercises. MoodTools also includes educational resources about depression, as well as a safety plan feature for users to create a plan in case of a mental health crisis. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices; cosmetic upgrades are available with subscription.

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PANICSHIELD – PANIC ATTACK AID

PanicShield is designed to assist individuals who experience panic attacks. The app includes a range of features such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditations, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help users manage their symptoms during an attack. It also includes a panic button feature that can immediately contact a user’s emergency contacts for assistance. PanicShield is available for both iOS and Android devices and is free to download but offers in-app purchases for premium features.

PTSD COACH

PTSD Coach is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The app provides users with educational resources about PTSD, as well as tools for coping with symptoms such as flashbacks and anxiety. PTSD Coach also includes a self-assessment feature and a directory of support services for users to access. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices and was developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.

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RECOVERY RECORD

Recovery Record is an app designed to support individuals in their eating disorder recovery journey. The app allows users to track their meals, moods, and thoughts related to food and their body image. The app provides tools and resources to help users manage triggers, communicate with their treatment team, and build a positive body image. Users can also set goals and receive reminders to help them stay on track with their recovery journey. The app’s interface is user-friendly and customizable, and it includes features for tracking progress and celebrating accomplishments. Recovery Record is available for both iOS and Android platforms and is free to download.

ROOTD

Rootd (“Rootd – Panic Attack Relief” on iOS and “Rootd – Anxiety & Panic Relief” on Android) is designed to help individuals manage and overcome anxiety. The app includes various features such as breathing exercises, guided meditations, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help users manage their symptoms. Rootd is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a free version with limited features, while the full version requires a subscription.

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SANVELLO

Sanvello is a mental health app that offers tools and resources to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression. The app provides users with cognitive-behavioral therapy-based exercises, mood tracking, and guided meditations. Sanvello also includes a community feature where users can connect with others for support and motivation. The app is available for free on iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe for additional features and coaching services.

SLEEP CYCLE

Sleep Cycle tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase to help you feel more rested and refreshed. The app uses your phone’s microphone or accelerometer to monitor your movements and determine your sleep phase. You can set an alarm within the app that will wake you up during a specified time range, and the app will try to wake you up during your lightest sleep phase within that range. The app also provides insights and statistics about your sleep patterns over time, as well as options for recording your snoring or other sleep-related sounds. It’s available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access premium features.

SMILING MIND

Smiling Mind is a mindfulness app that offers guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and programs designed for different age groups, from young children to adults. The app offers a personalized meditation experience by asking users to complete a survey before their first session to determine their goals and experience level. Users can track their progress and monitor their mood with the app’s mood tracker feature. Smiling Mind is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

STOP PANIC & ANXIETY SELF-HELP

Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-Help provides self-help techniques and exercises for individuals with panic and anxiety disorders. The app includes features such as relaxation exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies, and guided meditations to help users manage their symptoms. Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-Help is available on Android devices and can be downloaded for free, with no in-app purchases or subscription fees required.

SUPERBETTER

SuperBetter is a gamified self-help app designed to help users build resilience and achieve their goals. Its aim is to use game mechanics to increase motivation and engagement in personal development. The app offers various challenges, quests, and power-ups that encourage users to adopt positive habits and behaviors. SuperBetter has been praised for its effectiveness in improving mental health and well-being, particularly in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Users can participate on their own in a “host” account (requires yearly subscription) or as part of a “squad” for free (host account required to create a “squad”). The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

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VIRTUAL HOPE BOX

Virtual Hope Box is an app designed for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The app provides various tools such as relaxation exercises, guided meditation, and cognitive restructuring exercises to help users manage their symptoms. Additionally, the app includes a feature where users can upload personal images, music, and videos to create a personalized virtual hope box to help cope with difficult emotions. It also includes emergency resources for those experiencing a crisis. The app is available for free on iOS devices.

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WHAT’S UP? – MENTAL HEALTH APP

What’s Up? - Mental Health App is a free app designed to help individuals manage their mental health and well-being. The app provides users with tools and techniques based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, including breathing exercises, journaling, and gratitude exercises. What’s Up? also includes links to educational resources about mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, as well as a crisis hotline directory. The app is available for free on Android devices.

WHITE NOISE LITE

White Noise Lite is a free app that provides relaxing sounds and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It features a collection of ambient sounds such as rain, ocean waves, thunderstorms, and more. Users can also create their own custom mixes of sounds to create a personalized relaxation experience. The app also includes a timer and an alarm feature, making it useful for both relaxation and sleep. It is available on both Android and iOS devices.

WOEBOT

Woebot is an AI chatbot designed to help users manage their mental health. It uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help users understand their thoughts and feelings, and provides guidance on managing them. The app offers personalized support, with daily check-ins and customized conversations based on user responses. Woebot also provides educational resources and exercises to help users learn coping skills and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Woebot is available for free for both iOS and Android devices.

WORRY WATCH: ANXIETY & MOOD

Worry Watch is a mental health app designed to help users manage their worries and anxiety. The app provides users with a worry tracker, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy-based exercises to help reframe negative thoughts. Worry Watch also includes a mood tracker, relaxation exercises, and educational resources about anxiety. The app is available for download on iOS devices, with an option to purchase additional features.

WYSA

Wysa is an AI-powered chatbot app designed to provide mental health support to users. The app uses natural language processing and machine learning to simulate conversations with a mental health professional. Wysa offers guided cognitive-behavioral therapy-based exercises, including mood tracking and journaling, as well as educational resources about mental health. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access additional features.

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YOUPER

Youper is a mental health app that uses artificial intelligence to help users improve their emotional well-being. The app provides users with tools to track their mood, as well as a chatbot feature that uses cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help users manage stress and anxiety. Youper also offers guided meditations and mindfulness exercises. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices but must purchase to access content.

YOURS APP

The Yours App is designed for meditation, relaxation, and sleep. It offers a wide range of guided meditations, sleep-inducing stories, calming music, and ASMR sounds to help users unwind and reduce stress. The app has a user-friendly interface and customizable features, allowing users to create personalized meditation sessions and sleep routines. It also has access to pre-recorded yoga classes and body training guides to relieve muscle pain and stress. It’s available for free on both iOS and Android devices, with an option to subscribe to access premium features.