Trying to find the best anxiety apps is an exercise that promotes more stress than it solves because there are hundreds. Which one do you pick? Are the ones asking for money worth it? Do they work? A while back I posted suicide prevention apps, even harder to find and you can find those here.
No one from any of these companies asked me to review these and I get no kick backs if you download one so this is an unbiased review based on research and professional reviews.
The anxiety apps included here have been reviewed by licensed clinical professionals and have a solid track record. These apps are not meant to replace therapy or medication but it can help. And all take an investment of your time and attention to work well.
For this article, I focused specifically on ones that were good for anxiety and integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Below that, I have also listed apps that focus on mindfulness and meditation which also helps with anxiety. Hopefully, you’ll find one that works for you.
1. This Way Up – Computer only
A web-based program from Australia providing information/skills for overcoming anxiety and depression. With clinician-assisted, self-help, and school-based-prevention modules, this app can be used by different users who need help coping with depression and anxiety. Based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), This Way Up may be particularly useful for individuals who don’t have affordable or accessible mental health services.
- Rated 5 out of 5 by PsyberGuide November 2016. And their results boast that 80% feel significantly better after completing one of the courses
- Free app- For Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, based on cognitive-behavioral principles
- Professional Review Nov 2015
2. Happify: For Stress & Worry– Computer, Apple, Android
Happify is a mobile app and web based program aimed at helping users reduce stress, anxiety/negative thinking, and improving emotional well-being. Examples of tracks include “Cope Better with Stress” and “Conquer Your Negative Thinking.”
- Rated 5 out of 5 on May 2020 by PsyberGuide
- Well-rounded. Mindfulness, Assessments, Gratefulness, Sleep
- Free but the really useful tools require $14.99 per month
- Professional Review Oct 2019
3. WoeBot – Apple, Android
An AI-powered chatbot that guides users through the management of distressing thoughts and feelings using principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The app operates like a social messaging application, and invites users to communicate with Woebot by sending text messages and Woebot responds by prompting with personalized tools, skills, and strategies
- Rated 4.64 out of 5 by PsyberGuide
- Much of the content is free
- WoeBot Professional Review August 2019
4. Sanvello – Computer, Apple, Android
Sanvello uses principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help users w/ symptoms of anxiety, depression or stress. Users complete a self-assessment questionnaire and receive anxiety, stress and depression scores. App uses these scores to track user progress over time and to provide personalized activities and exercises
- Rated 4.29 out of 5 by PsyberGuide and 4.79 out of 5 for user experience
- Premium version is free during COVID-19
- Offers symptom tracking
- Sanvello professional review from Feb 2019 Psychology Today
Top Two Mindfulness Apps that help with Anxiety
- Headspace – Apple, Android, Professional review August 2016
- Calm – Apple, Android. Professional Review Jan 2017
Want more rated mental health apps? See PsyberGuide here.
Thank you very much!