Breathe2Relax
Speaking of breathing easier, it’s a no-brainer
why Breathe2Relax is one of the best mental
health-focused apps on the market. The app
— available for free download on both iOS and
Android devices — walks users through breathing
exercises that help to reduce stress, stabilize
mood, control anger and manage anxiety (and
help the body properly manage its “fi ght or fl ight”
response).
While its developers say that it can be used as
a stand-alone tool for stress release, they also
recommend it be used in combination with other
therapies. However, users have given the mobile
app a whopping 4.5 stars on iOs, making it a
helpful tool in our books.
Optimism
When looking for the bright side, one can look no further than a little
app called Optimism. The program — available for download on Mac OSX,
Windows, iOS devices and various web browsers — is actually a family of
applications that focus on self-tracking as a tool for coping with mental
illnesses (including, but not limited to: depression, bipolar disorder,
anxiety and PTSD).
The app helps users detect patterns in their moods, and learn how to
identify properly triggers and other key factors in keeping on top of one’s
mental health. Users can also create their own customizable wellness
plan to chart their progress — something everybody can benefi t from.
Lantern
Lantern is similar to What’s Up? in that it tackles mental health
on a wider scale. However, this one is going to cost you. The outlet
is primarily web-based at golantern.com, though comes with a free,
supplemental app for iOS devices. The subscription-based service
comes with a price tag of $75 per month or $398 per year (which
discounts monthly payments to just $33!) — a cost we’ve heard is
well worth it.
Lantern, like What’s Up?, uses cognitive behavioral therapy to
assist its users. However, Lantern combines those techniques with
advice from real experts. Users begin by taking an assessment test
to determine their strengths and weaknesses in fi ve areas: body,
stress/anxiety, mood, sleep and social life. Lantern experts then
work with users to provide daily exercises tailored to suit users’
specifi c needs.
Subscribers are matched with their own professional coach,
trained in CBT, who can provide feedback and answer any questions
— at any time. It’s basically like having a therapist in your pocket. And
we so approve.
Talkspace
Also on the paid-for-but-way-worth-it scale,
Talkspace brings therapy to you, 24/7. The app —
available for free download on iOS and Android devices
— includes access to public therapy forums. That’s all
free.
However, users who choose to pay a subscription fee
at a weekly ($49 per week), monthly ($99 per month),
quarterly ($228 per quarter) or yearly ($624 per year)
rate are granted access t to unlimited individual
messaging therapy. With a subscription to
Talkspace, users get matched to their
own therapist that they can chat with
anytime.
It’s like a therapist on call,
24/7, who you can text!
Sure it’s on the pricier
side, but with the
competitive costs of
therapy — and the
added stress dealing
with health insurance
can tack on — we think
Talkspace is a win-win for
those looking to start therapy but don’t know where
to turn, or perhaps are away at college and cannot pay
regular visits to their therapist back home.
While the creators of Talkspace note that their app is
not meant to be a substitute for in-person therapy, they
acknowledge that it can be a useful stepping stone
(their therapists are also trained to identify when users
need more extensive help than the app can off er!).
Knowing the value of talking with someone
face-to-face, the app also features live
video therapy and even couples’
therapy, though at an additional
cost.
QNS.COM
FALL 2017 37