10 Underrated Apps That Can Improve Your Mental Health

1. Moodpath

Moodpath is a mental health app designed to help users track their emotional well-being through daily questions and mood assessments. By encouraging regular self-reflection, it enables users to identify emotional patterns and triggers, making it easier to communicate concerns with mental health professionals.

Unlike more mainstream mood trackers like Daylio, Moodpath emphasizes guided self-reflection and generates a mental health report that can be shared with therapists. Clinical research, such as this study on digital mood monitoring, highlights the effectiveness of such apps in early intervention and self-awareness.

2. Insight Timer

Insight Timer stands out with its extensive library of over 100,000 free guided meditations and mindfulness talks led by experienced teachers and psychologists. Unlike other meditation apps that require subscriptions, such as Calm, Insight Timer offers robust free access, making mindfulness practices more inclusive.

Users can explore meditations for stress, anxiety, and sleep, or join community groups for support. Scientific evidence, such as this review on mindfulness meditation, demonstrates that regular meditation can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Woebot

Woebot is an AI-powered chatbot that delivers daily emotional support using principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Through friendly conversations, Woebot helps users identify unhelpful thought patterns, manage stress, and build resilience.

Unlike traditional in-person therapy, Woebot is accessible 24/7 and provides immediate, stigma-free guidance, making CBT tools more readily available. Clinical studies, such as this research on digital CBT interventions, have shown that chatbot-based therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, supporting Woebot’s approach to improving mental well-being.

4. Bearable

Bearable offers a highly customizable approach to health tracking, allowing users to log moods, symptoms, medications, sleep, and daily habits in one place. This flexibility is especially valuable for individuals managing complex mental health conditions, as it enables them to pinpoint correlations between lifestyle factors and their well-being.

Compared to more basic mood diaries, Bearable’s detailed analytics empower users to take control of their self-care. Research highlights the benefits of self-tracking for mental health, as discussed in this study on digital self-monitoring for self-care and symptom management.

5. Shine

Shine is a self-care app that delivers daily advice, motivational affirmations, and meditations designed to foster self-compassion and mental well-being. What sets Shine apart is its commitment to inclusivity, featuring content created by and for people from diverse backgrounds.

This focus on representation makes it a valuable alternative to mainstream wellness apps like Headspace. Shine’s supportive community and emphasis on self-kindness are backed by research, such as this study on the mental health benefits of self-compassion, which highlights its positive impact.

6. Sanvello

Sanvello offers a comprehensive suite of tools targeting stress, anxiety, and depression, including guided journeys, mood tracking, and a supportive peer community. The app’s evidence-based approach draws on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help users manage their mental health.

Sanvello’s blend of self-help resources and peer support distinguishes it from basic meditation apps. Clinical studies, such as this research on app-based mental health interventions, demonstrate that digital platforms like Sanvello can be effective in reducing symptoms and enhancing emotional resilience.

7. Daylio

Daylio is a visual journal app that simplifies mood and activity tracking by allowing users to log their feelings and daily routines with just a few taps and emojis. Its colorful, intuitive interface makes regular self-monitoring both easy and enjoyable.

Daylio also emphasizes privacy, offering options to lock the app with a PIN or biometric authentication, ensuring sensitive data stays secure. Experts endorse journaling as a powerful tool for mental wellness, as highlighted in this Harvard Health article on journaling for mental health.

8. MyLife Meditation (formerly Stop, Breathe & Think)

MyLife Meditation stands out by providing personalized mindfulness practices based on users’ real-time emotions. After a quick emotional check-in, the app suggests guided meditations, breathing exercises, or yoga tailored to the user’s current state.

This adaptive approach sets it apart from static meditation apps, which offer the same sessions regardless of how you feel. Research supports the benefits of adaptive mindfulness programs, as noted in this study on tailored mindfulness interventions, which found that customized exercises can enhance engagement and mental health outcomes.

9. Happify

Happify uses science-based activities and games rooted in positive psychology to help users build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and increase happiness. The app’s interactive approach encourages users to engage in gratitude exercises, mindful challenges, and cognitive reframing games.

These methods are grounded in the psychology of behavior change and positive reinforcement, making emotional growth enjoyable and practical. The effectiveness of positive psychology interventions for mental health is well documented, as discussed in this review on positive psychology, which highlights their ability to boost well-being and life satisfaction.

10. Rootd

Rootd is specifically designed to support individuals dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, offering immediate access to grounding exercises and emergency tools when symptoms strike. The app features unique educational content that helps users understand the science behind anxiety and develop effective coping strategies.

Rootd’s “Rootr” button provides instant relief techniques, making it an invaluable resource during high-stress moments. For those seeking more information on managing panic attacks, resources like the Anxiety Canada guide provide additional evidence-based strategies for anxiety management and recovery.

Conclusion

These underrated apps offer innovative and accessible ways to support your mental health journey, from mood tracking to guided mindfulness and peer support. Exploring new digital tools can reveal methods that resonate with your unique needs, potentially making a significant difference in daily well-being.

Remember, while apps can provide valuable resources and self-care strategies, they are best used as a complement—not a substitute—for professional mental health care. For more guidance, consult resources like the National Institute of Mental Health’s help directory.

Disclaimer

These apps are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any mental health concerns. For urgent help, visit resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.