There are many apps out there to help people deal with mental illnesses, from Mindfulness meditation to licensed therapists. Some of these apps even offer live sessions, while others simply simplify tracking moods and mental illness symptoms. Here are some of our favorites:

Mindfulness meditation is a mental health app

This app offers a variety of tools to improve your mental health, including guided meditations and daily mood tracking. Its creators claim that these tools are backed by science, and offer visually appealing content, short audio clips, and hundreds of meditations. Users can also choose from a library of curated content to create the perfect program for their specific needs. But is mindfulness meditation really a good idea for everyone?

The researchers looked at the use of three different mindfulness apps to assess their effectiveness. The app was used by university students, and they were randomly assigned to use one of the three. Each participant was instructed to use the app for ten minutes daily. They were then given access to an extended 30-day trial to continue practicing. At the end of the trial, the participants completed self-report surveys to assess their wellbeing. They also completed measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, college adjustment, flourishing, and resilience. The researchers found that the participants were more likely to continue using the app, which suggests that the app is effective.

BetterHelp offers weekly live sessions with licensed therapists

When it comes to therapy, online video chat services can be a great way to find help. The BetterHelp website allows you to choose a licensed therapist who is available for weekly live sessions. The therapist's profile includes bios, available communication channels, and clinical approaches. You can read client reviews and choose a better therapist if you are not satisfied with the one you've chosen. BetterHelp doesn't provide a psychiatrist, so the therapist will be unable to make an official diagnosis or prescribe medication for you.

In order to use the BetterHelp service, you must sign up for an account. During the sign-up process, you will need to answer some basic questions and choose a payment plan. Once you've completed the questionnaire, BetterHelp will match you with a therapist within 24 hours. Although it's possible to choose a therapist based on location and questionnaire answers, it's important to note that prices for live sessions vary.

Talkspace offers psychiatry on top of therapy

If you need additional medical help for your mental health, Talkspace offers psychiatry on the top of its therapy services. Unlike a traditional therapist, however, Talkspace connects you with a licensed psychiatrist. The latter has training in psychiatry and can prescribe certain medications. However, there are restrictions on what kinds of medication can be prescribed by Talkspace. These restrictions are limited to non-controlled substances and are available to clients on a per-session basis.

The cost of Talkspace Psychiatry services is separate from the standard therapy sessions. A psychiatrist on the platform can evaluate you virtually and prescribe medication when necessary. Initial consultations cost $199, while follow-ups are $120 per session. The service is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance plans, so you'll need to pay for these separately. Talkspace's online platform is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Bearable simplifies tracking moods and mental illness symptoms

A simple health tracker, Bearable simplifies tracking moods and mental illnesses symptoms by allowing you to log everything from sleep and food intake to medications, exercise, and social interactions. By tracking these things over time, you can better manage your health and prevent debilitating symptoms. It's great for a variety of situations, and 73% of people have found that using Bearable has improved their control over their health.

Harvard's Dr. Peter Brigham developed a mood chart that has categories for sleep and energy, and includes space for notes and events. The chart also asks how irritable you are on a scale of 0-3, as well as whether you feel tired or energetic. Other helpful categories include how much exercise you do each day and how much you weigh. Dr. Brigham also included an area to record important events that happened that day.

Thrive offers coaching and therapy programs

Thrive offers a variety of therapy and coaching programs for mental health, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community. Through an integrative strengths-based approach, Thrive addresses the wellness of individuals who have experienced significant stress, changes in mood, sleep, work, and interpersonal relationships. The program includes three CBT modules, psychotherapy, and social skills training. Thrive can be used to supplement traditional care or provide a standalone treatment program.

Thrive's mental health coaching and therapy programs are available for students with a variety of challenges. For example, students with anxiety, depression, or a school phobia may find the environment intimidating and stressful. These programs can help students overcome barriers and achieve academic goals. Thrive also helps students stay in their own school district by focusing on the causes of their mental health issues. There are also several other programs that help teens develop strategies to cope with these problems.