Finding a suitable self-care app can help you manage your emotions effectively. There are many apps out there similar to BetterHelp, but what are they? We provide the best BetterHelp alternatives in 2023 that could improve your mental health and encourage positive habits.
The 10 Best BetterHelp Alternatives in 2023
There are many apps that claim to support your emotional state.
Some apps might be effective, while others are only there to get money. It’s important to focus your time on therapy services that actually work to reduce your stress. BetterHelp is one good example, but that doesn’t suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Fortunately, you can discover similar apps that support those with a range of mental health conditions. There’s no need to spend lots of money on a subscription, especially if you want to use certain apps in the long term.
Keep reading to find the top BetterHelp alternatives in 2023.
Comparing the Alternatives
Mood journaling
Educational content
Cognitive behavioral therapy lessons
Quick-Relief exercises for anxiety
Habit formation techniques
Mindfulness and physical activities
Weekly assessments
7-day free trial with a yearly subscription
Self-care techniques
Engaging CBT Guided lessons for depression and anxiety
Journaling feature
Daily reminders
Mindfulness exercises
Inexpensive subscription
Easy for beginners of cognitive behavioral therapy
Mood journaling
Self-awareness techniques
Customizable activities
Evidence-based
Convenient therapy
The plans cater to your budget
Couples and teen therapy available
Easy communication
Text messaging
Has a range of qualified therapists
Beginner-friendly
Regular updates
Meditation reminders
The experts teach master classes
Soothing sound recordings
Mood-tracking features
Guided meditation
Quick 5–15 minute activities
Free version
Offers evidence based on psychology
Short educational courses In-app games
Free educational content and resources
Cheaper subscription
Live chat sessions
Insurance available
FSA and HSA eligible
Easy sign-up
Plenty of tools and resources in the free version
Motivational packs
Social community with message boards
Tracks your progress though money and calories
Personalized features
Private support networks on premium
Behavioral coach
Self-help resources
Available for employers and employees
Text messages
High-quality teletherapy Boosts productivity
Symptom ratings
Daily reminders
Mood tracking
Behavioral data shows your progress
Simple interface
Warning signs and triggers
Summary reports
Paid app
No video or audio lessons
Reports of bugs
No free trial for monthly users
Licensed therapists are unavailable
More text-based learning
Requires time investment
Not available for Android users
No free trial
Slow responses from therapists
Only 30-minute live sessions
No therapy for groups and families
Long sleep stories
Distracting nature sounds
No sense of a social community
No free trial on premium version
Some features are difficult to find
Customers report technical issues
No option to pause plans
Currently under federal investigation
Difficult to switch therapists
Not suitable for serious disorders
Note taking feature has limited words
There isn’t a huge variety of motivational packs
User privacy is not clear
Not a web-based platform
People outside of the US can’t access video therapy or psychiatry sessions
2–3-week wait for video chat
You can’t add symptoms
Full version needs a subscription
Limited customization
Mood journaling
Educational content
Cognitive behavioral therapy lessons
Quick-Relief exercises for anxiety
Habit formation techniques
Mindfulness and physical activities
Weekly assessments
7-day free trial with a yearly subscription
Self-care techniques
Engaging CBT Guided lessons for depression and anxiety
Journaling feature
Daily reminders
Mindfulness exercises
Inexpensive subscription
Easy for beginners of cognitive behavioral therapy
Mood journaling
Self-awareness techniques
Customizable activities
Evidence-based
Convenient therapy
The plans cater to your budget
Couples and teen therapy available
Easy communication
Text messaging
Has a range of qualified therapists
Beginner-friendly
Regular updates
Meditation reminders
The experts teach master classes
Soothing sound recordings
Mood-tracking features
Guided meditation
Quick 5–15 minute activities
Free version
Offers evidence based on psychology
Short educational courses In-app games
Free educational content and resources
Cheaper subscription
Live chat sessions
Insurance available
FSA and HSA eligible
Easy sign-up
Plenty of tools and resources in the free version
Motivational packs
Social community with message boards
Tracks your progress though money and calories
Personalized features
Private support networks on premium
Behavioral coach
Self-help resources
Available for employers and employees
Text messages
High-quality teletherapy Boosts productivity
Symptom ratings
Daily reminders
Mood tracking
Behavioral data shows your progress
Simple interface
Warning signs and triggers
Summary reports
Paid app
No video or audio lessons
Reports of bugs
No free trial for monthly users
Licensed therapists are unavailable
More text-based learning
Requires time investment
Not available for Android users
No free trial
Slow responses from therapists
Only 30-minute live sessions
No therapy for groups and families
Long sleep stories
Distracting nature sounds
No sense of a social community
No free trial on premium version
Some features are difficult to find
Customers report technical issues
No option to pause plans
Currently under federal investigation
Difficult to switch therapists
Not suitable for serious disorders
Note taking feature has limited words
There isn’t a huge variety of motivational packs
User privacy is not clear
Not a web-based platform
People outside of the US can’t access video therapy or psychiatry sessions
2–3-week wait for video chat
You can’t add symptoms
Full version needs a subscription
Limited customization
The 10 Best BetterHelp Alternatives
Now that you have a rough idea on what each app can do, it’s worth delving more into their benefits and main features.
Here are the top alternatives to BetterHelp:
#1 Sensa – best overall
Sensa is an online therapy app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people understand their mental health better. You can take lessons that encourage you to change your mindset and build healthy habits that prevent unwanted behaviors.
A study found that CBT can help treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. This means people have the ability to change their thought patterns. Alongside CBT, you’ll gain access to features that document your potential triggers and moods.
One prominent feature of Sensa is the wide variety of educational content. You can learn habit-building techniques through courses and online counseling. Even simple 10–30-minute tasks could increase your resilience to anxiety and paranoid thoughts.
- Lessons based on the CBT method
- Mood journal
- Challenges & self-improvement activities
- Quick relief function
- Assessments to help you grow
- Quick-Relief segment
- Techniques for building habits
- Mental health assessments
- Educational resources
- Mood journaling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Practice mindfulness
- Paid subscription
- No audio or video lessons
- Lots of reading content
#2 Bloom – best for CBT
Bloom is an interactive self-therapy app that focuses on CBT, mood journaling, video lessons, and breathing techniques. You can work on improving your cognitive behavioral therapy skills to reinforce positive thinking and greater confidence.
Apps that focus heavily on CBT suit those with mood disorders. This is because you’re encouraged to identify problems that trigger negative emotions. Bloom uses journaling features and educational courses to guide you through the benefits of cognitive therapy.
If you prefer tracking your progress, the journaling aspect is a great way of personal expression. The creators of this app want you to change how you think and act, so it’s worth documenting your mental health journey to overcome emotional challenges.
- Bloom is an interactive app that reduces bad thoughts
- The cognitive behavioral therapy lessons encourage positive thinking
- Guided lessons
- 7-day free trial with yearly plan
- Journaling features
- Daily reminders
- CBT-based courses
- Relaxing exercises
- Self-care techniques
- Reports of glitches
- No free trial for a monthly subscription
- A lack of licensed therapists
#3 MoodKit – best for mood journaling
MoodKit focuses more on improving your mood throughout the day. There are thought checkers, engaging activities, trackers, and journals that document your progress. It’s about changing the way you think and behave when approaching negative situations.
Research suggests that mood journaling can be an uplifting treatment. It’s a way of expressing yourself without the need to bottle up emotions. MoodKit uses professional psychology to give you the best lessons and techniques for feeling loveable again.
There are also other small features to have fun with on the app. One of these includes the physical tab on the homepage. You can explore new, exciting ways to become active since regular exercise is known to improve your mental and physical health.
- MoodKit uses CBT to encourage a better mindset
- The journaling features helps you to express your thoughts
- Mood journaling
- Self-awareness tips
- Suitable for beginners of CBT
- Customizable content
- Evidence-based guidance
- Inexpensive price
- Not available on Android
- Heavy time investment
- Text-based learning
#4 Talkspace – best for online therapy
Talkspace is an effective online therapy app that encourages you to speak with a licensed therapist without leaving the house. It’s better for those who aren’t comfortable having face-to-face interaction when discussing a range of mental health problems.
Some notable features comprise text-based messaging, live chats, progress tracking, and in-app workshops. Many of the professional therapy sessions cover post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and addiction.
Moreover, you also get access to psychiatric services when seeking medication management. The creators of Talkspace believe it’s important that people converse with mental health professionals before getting an evaluation and prescribed medicine.
- Talkspace is for people who prefer online meetings
- You can message your therapist about any concerns
- Text messaging service
- Simple communication
- Catered plans
- Couple and teen therapy
- Good selection of qualified therapists
- Convenient therapy
- No free trial
- Live sessions are only 30 minutes
- Slow response time
- No group of family therapy
#5 Calm – best for meditation
Calm can help soothe your thoughts through meditation. The audio and video content gives people a chance to relax throughout the day or after a stressful time. Intermittent mindfulness practice ensures you’re taking regular breaks to declutter bad thoughts.
A study found that meditation prevents high stress levels. You can sit down for 10 minutes in the morning or evening and listen to the app’s sound recordings. Calm uses delicate music and nature-based sounds to push you into a relaxed mindset.
It’s also been proven that meditative practices improve your sleep. Getting enough sleep can reduce symptoms of depression and social anxiety. Furthermore, you can watch master classes on how to meditate properly when reducing negative feelings.
- Calm has audio and visual content to reduce anxiety or depression
- The soothing exercises can benefit your mental state
- Mood tracking features
- Peaceful sound recordings
- Master classes taught by experts
- Regular app updates
- Beginner-friendly
- Daily meditation reminders
- No social community
- Sleep stories are too long
- Nature sounds are distracting
#6 Happify – best for entertainment
Happify wants to make online therapy fun for people. You can discover engaging games that promote meaningful improvements in your life. One example is that users have to smack negative words or thoughts with a ball to score points and find the next level.
Certain games won’t be for everyone, but they are great for boosting your mood. The 5–15-minute video sessions could also help you break negative habits. On the Happify website, they state that 80% of frequent users feel happier within just 2 months.
This app is more suited to beginners who need something easy. The features are fun and simple to navigate, even when you’re taking educational courses. For those who are looking for serious online counseling, this app might not be right for you.
- Happify changes negative thought patterns through fun features
- You can take short courses to learn more about mental health
- In-app games
- Free version available
- Short educational courses
- 5–15-minute lessons
- Guided meditation
- Psychology-based evidence
- Confusing features
- No free trial for premium
- Some technical issues
#7 Cerebral – best for depression
Cerebral offers therapy sessions to those with anxiety, insomnia, or depression. You can arrange meetings if you aren’t comfortable with in-person therapy. Independent nurse practitioners want to create a “safe space” for users to share their thoughts.
This app also has mindfulness and meditation guides. Scan through the educational resources, and you’ll find tips for relieving common depression symptoms. The creators of Cerebral believe that online therapy platforms should be versatile and resourceful.
You also have a dedicated care coordinator who can help organize your schedule in terms of therapy meetings. This ensures you don’t get overwhelmed when trying to book an appointment or find a time that works for you and the licensed therapist.
- Cerebral can help those with insomnia, anxiety, and depression
- There are meetings for you to discuss mental health needs
- Free educational resources
- Inexpensive subscription
- Live chat sessions
- You can get insurance
- Easy and quick sign-up
- FSA and HSA eligible
- Currently under federal investigation
- No option to pause subscriptions
- You may have difficulty switching therapists
- Not suitable for severe disorders
#8 I Am Sober – best for addiction
I Am Sober is for people who want to track their sobriety. You can join a community that is supportive and understanding. It’s a way of gaining inspiration on how to build healthy habits, especially if you struggle to establish a sustainable routine throughout the day.
Research suggests that social support is a powerful tool for maintaining good health. This app wants the community to share their stories and offer personal advice. Users will get the chance to build positive relationships that boost their motivation.
You can also identify behavioral patterns that contribute to addiction. The tracking features ask about your mood and whether you stayed sober. Even journal-like entries give people the opportunity to open up and share their thoughts for the day.
- I Am Sober is designed to help people overcome addictions
- There are educational tools that support your personal needs
- Social community
- Lively message boards
- Resources and tools in the free version
- Motivational guidance
- Personalized features
- Track your progress
- Private support on premium
- Not clear on user privacy
- Limited amount of motivational packs
- Note taking feature is restrictive
#9 Ginger – best for employees
Ginger can offer mental health therapy to employers and employees. The self-care resources ensure the workspace is comfortable for everyone. Video therapy and psychiatry meetings enable all team members to openly express their feelings.
A study discovered that mobile apps could reduce stress levels in a workplace environment. This means higher productivity levels when it comes to new projects. If you feel more motivated, you are more likely to complete high-quality tasks on time.
Statistics on the Ginger website state that 71% of members prefer this app over seeing a mental health professional in person. Team members can arrange meetings with behavioral health coaches if they want to discuss any issues or long-term concerns.
- Ginger can support those in a busy workspace environment
- There are resources to improve your mindset and productivity
- Text messaging service
- High-quality therapy
- Boosts productivity levels
- Suitable for employers and employees
- Behavioral coaching
- Self-help techniques
- Not suitable for web-based users
- 2–3-week wait for video chats
- Customers outside of US can’t access video therapy
#10 eMoods – best for mood tracking
eMoods is a user-friendly app that supports those with PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. You can track your moods throughout the day on a dedicated chart and document symptoms that help you gain valuable insights into your mindset.
Identifying triggers will help prevent potential relapses. For example, if you get panic attacks while driving, you might note down triggers like roadworks or bridges. The app creates a brief summary report that you can show to doctors or professional counselors.
Sharing reports with your doctor can help them better understand your mind. They could prescribe the right treatment that helps relieve any negative symptoms. A study that included this app shows that mood-tracking features can help users cope with stress, too.
- eMoods is suitable for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- You can share reports with a doctor to discuss possible treatment
- Detailed summary reports
- User-friendly interface
- Mood-tracking tools
- Daily reminders
- Symptom rating
- Behavioral data shows progress
- Shows warning signs
- No option to add symptoms
- Limited customization
- Subscription required for full version
How to Choose the BetterHelp Alternative
There are many things to consider before downloading an app. You don’t want to invest your time and money into something that might not even work. We understand that mental health apps need to cater to everyone’s goals and personal preferences.
Below are factors we considered that should help you choose:
Quality
High-quality apps should have no code defects or security problems. If the app is consistent and responsive, then it’s worth downloading. During our evaluation, we discovered that apps with fewer complex features run better for most customers.
Price
Not everyone can afford expensive subscriptions. Choose an app that suits your budget and can be a sustainable investment in the long term. We understand that an online therapy service should be inexpensive and versatile for those who want to save money.
Brand reputation
Our team believes that a brand should be transparent and reliable. It’s important that brands clearly state their mission and goal for the app. If they don’t, people may feel as though they care about money the most, which can make the app seem less desirable.
Effectiveness
There’s no point in buying an app if it doesn’t work, right? This is where free trials come in handy for new users. You can test the app for 7 or more days to judge the main features and determine whether the therapy sessions are actually worth your time.
A Word From a Psychologist
There are several online therapy apps that can improve your mindset. It’s about finding the right features that cater to your needs and concerns. A study found that mental health apps can support those who don’t feel comfortable with in-person therapy.
Consider how the counseling services could help you stop self-destructive behavior and control unwanted thoughts. You might prefer video sessions over text messages, so make sure to evaluate each feature before deciding which app is the most suitable.
For those who have a severe mental illness, consult with a medical professional beforehand. They can judge whether these apps are safe forms of treatment. Some people might need an extensive form of care rather than online therapy services.
Conclusion
You should choose an app that suits your mental health needs. Think about how it will benefit you in the long term when it comes to building good habits. Sensa, Bloom, and MoodKit are the top 3 options for providing convenient and effective online therapy.
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