Best Apps for Mental Health: A Guide for College Students

NPTS understands that these college years can be a whirlwind of emotions, stress, and pressure, but we’re here to tell you that you’re not alone. In fact, today we are excited to introduce you to some of the best apps for mental health that can help navigate the challenges of college life.

As college students, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities – from maintaining good grades to managing relationships, all while trying to figure out our own identity and place in the world. It’s no wonder that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress are common among students.

Luckily, technology has gifted us with a myriad of tools that can assist us along this journey. Mental health apps have become increasingly popular, providing a convenient way to access resources and support that can promote emotional well-being.

Best Overall – Moodfit: A free app that allows users to track their mood and offers exercises to help deal with negative emotions. Pros & Cons – Customizable based on goals, but lacks access to professional help.

Best for Therapy – BetterHelp: Therapists offer online therapy and counseling services via video chat, audio, and messaging. Cost varies $240-$600. Pros & Cons – Users can send unlimited messages to their therapist, but subscription plan is required (no free trials or consultations).

Best for Learning Coping Skills – MoodMission: Offers missions to help users improve their mood and mental health skills. $4.99 on iOS; $5.99 on Android. Prs & Cons – Research-backed, but does not include access to professionals.

Best for Stress Relief – Sanvello: Provides cognitive behavioral therapy tools for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Basic version is free; $8.99 for premium. Pros & Cons – Can connect with peers and a licensed therapist, but may not be appropriate for severe mental health conditions.

Best for Meditation – Calm: Offers flexible programs and exercises that help users manage anxiety. Free 7-day trial; annual membership for $70; lifetime membership for $400. Pros & Cons – Offers individual exercises, but requires a subscription.

Best Fun App – Happify: Science-backed games help user build resilience, overcome negative thoughts, and reduce stress. Plans are available starting at $14.99/month. Pros & Cons – Developed by experts, but many options are only available with premium subscription.

Best for Depression – Depression CBT Self-Help Guide: Provides CBT-based guides and exercises to manage depression symptoms. Free. Pros & Cons – Offers simple, easy-to-do exercises, but only available on Android devices.

Best for BIPOC – Shine: Helps empower BIPOC by offering support and tools that address BIPOC-specific mental health issues. $65/year. Pros & Cons – Can access peer community for support, but no access to professional support.

Best for Bipolar Disorder – eMoods: This mood-tracking app sends reports to your doctor. Basic version is free; Enhanced is $50/year; Pro is $100/year. Pros & Cons – Don’t have to remember to track symptoms to report to your doctor, but premium options are pricey.

Best for Symptom Tracking – Bearable: Helps explain user’s symptoms and makes data shareable with medical professionals. Basic is free; Premium monthly subscription $4.49; Annual subscription $27.99. Pros & Cons – Can track sleep, medications, exercise, food, and more, but reminders don’t always work properly.

Best for ADHD – Todoist: An organizer tool that helps people with ADHD stay focused. Basic version is free; Pro $3/month; Business $5/month. Pros & Cons – Can organize tasks in any way and share them, but optimal features aren’t free.

Best for PTSD – PTSD Coach: A military-designed app offering resources for people with PTSD. Free. Pros & Cons – Offers self-care assessment and daily tools, but geared toward veterans.

We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and investing in your well-being is an essential part of the college experience. So join us on this journey as we explore the world of mental health apps for college students, because together, we can navigate this chapter of life with greater peace and resilience.