Free Mental Health Apps
Tools that cost nothing, and the catch where there is one. Some are funded by a government agency or a charity, some exist because a research group built them, and some are a free tier designed to sell you the paid one. Free rarely means access to a licensed therapist, which is worth knowing before you download anything. These entries say who pays for the thing, what you get without an account, what the upgrade costs if there is one, and what the service says happens to what you type into it.
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Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support for anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide.
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Science-based self-guided wellness app with activities and games for stress, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns.
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Replika
NewAI conversational companion for daily emotional support and connection, available free on iOS and Android.
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An AI mental-health app offering 24/7 support, pattern recognition, and reflection exercises for emotional challenges.
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Free mood tracking app for bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD and anxiety with data export for healthcare providers.
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Free self-guided app supporting quality of life for people with bipolar disorder, with evidence-based strategies and mood tracking for iOS and Android.
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Free meditation app offering daily guided practices for stress relief and emotional well-being, available to anyone at no cost.
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Free emotional support chat with trained volunteer listeners, plus affordable matching to licensed counselors.
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Free anonymous peer-to-peer emotional support chat service staffed by certified peer specialists, operating evenings and weekdays in the Riverside County area.
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Free 24/7 national hotline (866-903-3787) connecting callers to mental health resources and local support.
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Free 24/7 AI therapist app offering immediate support for anxiety, stress, and everyday mental health challenges via web and iOS.
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Free gratitude journal app with photo sharing, group journaling, and throwback features across iOS, Android, and web.
Frequently asked questions
Can these apps replace professional therapy?
No, these tools aren't a replacement for a clinician. They're designed to provide support between sessions, offer self-help exercises, or help you get started with mental health tools.
What if I'm in a crisis and need help right now?
You can use a free, confidential text-based crisis support service that's available 24/7. These services are staffed by trained volunteer crisis counselors who respond within minutes.
Are there options for people who want to talk to others with similar experiences?
Yes, you can find free peer-led support groups that meet both online and in-person. There are also platforms that offer anonymous chat with trained volunteer listeners.
Do any of these tools use specific psychological methods?
Several apps use techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help with anxiety and depression. Other options use positive psychology or meditation to help manage stress.
How can I figure out if I should seek professional help?
You can use free online screening tools for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These tools provide results that you can share with a healthcare provider to help guide your next steps.