The Best Mental Health Apps to Download in 2025

Mental health is a pressing issue that affects everyone, yet is still stigmatised and misunderstood by many. Smartphone applications, or apps, provide an accessible, convenient way to take care of your mental health daily. I am not one to encourage more phone usage; however, I can’t ignore that for a lot of people it’s a preferred method of self-care, and I will acknowledge there are some benefits to using your phone, but mainly it’s just so you don’t gather more “stuff”.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the best mental health apps in 2025 for people looking to manage their mental illnesses digitally.

Before we delve in, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration before using apps as your primary source of self-care.

Some things to be aware of:

1. You are more likely to drift and become distracted by social media and other sources of interest, which could be harmful to your mental health

2. Spending increased time on apps could reduce your physical motivation to exercise, meditate, work or socialise.

3. Writing in a journal is therapy in itself. Apps do not allow you to physically release those thoughts.

4. Make sure you are using the correct app for you; some of the algorithms are designed for a specific mental illness.

5. The use of an app can provide some evidence of mental illness, but if it is not a credible source, it may not help in receiving treatment or diagnosis.

6. Do the work on yourself first. Apps are easily accessible, but that doesn't mean they are right for you. If you know you'll be distracted or know you need to be more physical, then choose a source of self-care you will respond most positively to instead.
   

Apps should be used as additional support when required, not in place of clinical care or diagnosis. Sky News recently wrote about the increased use of Chatbots for mental health and the dangers of them. Please be cautious about which applications and sites you use. You can read the full article here.

The Best Mental Health Apps 2025:

1. Headspace: Meditation and Mindfulness

Still one of the most popular apps for good reason. Headspace makes mindfulness accessible, even for complete beginners. It guides you through short meditations, breathing exercises, and visualisations that can reduce stress and improve focus.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to dip their toes into mindfulness without committing to long, silent sessions.

⭐ Why it works: It’s approachable, well-researched, and offers bite-sized sessions (great for ADHD minds or busy schedules).

💭 Note: While it’s a great resource, too much time in “wellness mode” on your phone can still trigger distraction. Try doing one session, then switching your phone off for a while to give your brain breathing space.

2. SuperBetter: Mental Resilience

SuperBetter takes a creative, gamified approach to mental health. You set small goals and complete “quests” to build emotional resilience, motivation, and self-esteem.

It’s backed by research from the University of Pennsylvania showing that it can help users reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Perfect for: People who get bored easily or need motivation to build habits.

⭐ Why it works: Turning self-improvement into a game makes it feel less like homework and more like progress you can enjoy.

3. Calm: Sleep and Relaxation

Calm remains a top-rated app for sleep and relaxation. It offers guided meditations, bedtime stories (yes, for adults), nature sounds, and breathing exercises.

Recent updates also include “Sleep Coaching” and “Soundscapes”, features designed to help regulate sleep cycles naturally.

Perfect for: Anyone who lies awake replaying every awkward thing they’ve ever said at 3 am.

⭐ Why it works: Sleep and anxiety are deeply linked. Calm helps you wind down gradually instead of forcing yourself to “switch off.”

💤 Tip: Use Calm’s audio features, then place your phone away from your bed. Staring at your screen before sleep will undo half the progress.

5. MindDoc (formerly MoodPath): Mental Health Screening and Therapy Companion

MindDoc offers daily mental health check-ins and access to over 1,000 psychology-based sessions created by therapists. Originally designed for early depression screening, it’s now a wider tool for anxiety, burnout, and emotional regulation.

Perfect for: Those who want to track mood changes and explore therapy-style education on their own schedule.

⭐ Why it works: It’s one of the few mental health apps created in collaboration with licensed psychologists and has medical-grade screening features.

6. Stay Alive: Suicide Prevention

This free UK-based app is a literal lifesaver. Developed by Grassroots Suicide Prevention, Stay Alive provides crisis support, safety plans, and tools for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, as well as resources for people supporting loved ones.

Perfect for: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or those supporting someone in crisis.

⭐ Why it works: It offers direct links to UK helplines, customisable safety plans, and guided grounding tools for intense moments.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can also reach out directly to Samaritans (116 123) or text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support.

7. Sleep Cycle: Analyses your sleep and wakes you up in the lightest sleep phase

Sleep Cycle monitors your movements and sounds at night to analyse your sleep quality and wake you up during your lightest sleep phase.

Perfect for: People who want to understand their sleep patterns and wake up feeling less groggy.

⭐ Why it works: Tracking sleep gives insight into how hormones, anxiety, or stress affect rest. You can then make small lifestyle tweaks for better recovery.

📱 But remember: Avoid getting too obsessed with numbers. Sleep anxiety is real. Sometimes, the best way to sleep better is to stop analysing it.

8. eMoods

eMoods is a private mood tracker designed for people managing bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression. It tracks sleep, medication, mood swings, and energy levels, data that can be shared securely with doctors or therapists.

Perfect for: Adults under psychiatric care or anyone tracking treatment progress.

⭐ Why it works: It provides accurate, exportable data that supports clinical conversations and long-term progress.

9. PTSD Coach UK: Support for Trauma Recovery

Developed by NHS Scotland in collaboration with veterans, this app helps users understand and manage symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress. It includes self-assessment tools, relaxation exercises, and access to professional resources.

Perfect for: Anyone coping with trauma or intrusive thoughts.

⭐ Why it works: It is evidence-based, developed by healthcare professionals, and user-friendly for both civilians and veterans.

10. Wysa: AI Chat Support and Mental Health Coaching

Wysa is one of the few AI mental health companions that has strong clinical oversight. It uses CBT-based conversation tools to help users reframe negative thoughts and practise mindfulness.

While it’s not a substitute for therapy, it can be a useful bridge between sessions or for those waiting for mental health support.

Perfect for: People looking for on-demand emotional regulation tools or positive reframing exercises.

⭐ Why it works: It combines technology with human support; you can upgrade to chat with a real therapist if needed.

⚠️ Caution: Always remember that chatbot apps are not a replacement for a real human connection. If you’re struggling with persistent low mood or intrusive thoughts, reach out to a mental health professional.

Apps for Younger Users and Families

If you have children or younger siblings, introducing digital wellbeing early can help them learn emotional skills in a safe way.

🌟 Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

This fun, interactive app from Sesame Workshop teaches younger children problem-solving, patience, and emotional regulation. Kids help a friendly monster breathe, think, and do, simple but effective.

Perfect for: Early learners who need support identifying and managing emotions.

⭐ Why it works: It makes emotional education playful and interactive, without overwhelming them with adult-level mindfulness language.

When to Put the Phone Down

Even the best mental health apps can become counterproductive if they turn into yet another reason to stare at a screen.

Use them intentionally, schedule 10 to 15 minutes a day and treat it as mental health time, not multitasking time. Then close the app, put the phone down, and return to the real world.

Offline practices still matter. Go outside. Journal on paper. Talk to someone you trust. Move your body. Eat something nutritious.

Your phone can be a tool, but you are the real therapy.

🪶 Pro tip: Combine digital and analogue self-care. Use an app for mindfulness or sleep, but keep a physical Discovery Journal to write and process emotions. It’s a healthy balance of reflection without the digital drain.