Helpful Apps & Websites
Technology can make it easier to learn about mental health, track progress, and find support anytime, anywhere. Use these helpful apps and websites to support your mental well-being.
Resources & support at your fingertips
Many people find that digital tools help them stay on track with their treatment plan between appointments. They can help you build healthy habits, practice coping strategies, or connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
These resources don’t replace professional treatment, but they can strengthen it — offering encouragement, structure, and practical ways to manage your symptoms day-to-day.
How to evaluate online resources
Before using a mental health app or website, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it up to date? Check for publication or update dates and recent research references.
- Who created it? Resources from health care organizations, universities, or government agencies are often the most trustworthy.
- Does it work? Look for reviews or endorsements from professional organizations.
- Is it easy to use? Choose tools that feel intuitive and support your needs.
- Is my privacy protected? Check if there’s a clear policy explaining how your information is stored and shared.
National organizations’ websites
These trusted organizations offer information, programs, and education on depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions:
#BeThe1to: A campaign supported by The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which includes actionable steps, stories, and resources around suicide prevention.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): A nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to psychiatric care for children and adolescents.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Resources for suicide prevention, loss survivors, and community events.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Tools and education for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions.
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT): A network of academic and clinical experts providing evidence-based resources and treatment guidance for health professionals, patients, and families.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Public health information on mental health.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): Peer-based resources and online support groups.
Families for Depression Awareness: Provides education, training, and compassionate support to help families understand and cope with mood disorders.
Mental Health America (MHA): National nonprofit offering screening tools and advocacy information.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Free education programs, referrals, and local support groups.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): The leading U.S. federal agency for research on mental disorders.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A free, confidential phone line for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis—or supporting someone who is. Connect anytime with trained counselors through a nationwide network of crisis centers.
Script Your Future: A campaign dedicated to helping people take their medications as prescribed.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Nationwide resources for mental and behavioral health support.
The Jed Foundation (JED): Promotes emotional health and suicide prevention among teens and young adults.
The Trevor Project: Crisis support and suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Apps & digital tools
Mental health apps can support your self-care between appointments. Just remember that they’re best used alongside your health care provider’s guidance. To learn more and access the resources below, search their names in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
CBT-i Coach: Aids sleep improvement with tools to understand habits, track sleep, and learn techniques for insomnia management. Free on iOS and Android.
Headspace: Offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and improve focus. Free trial and paid subscription available.
IntelliCare Plus: A suite of apps designed to address sleep troubles, anxiety, and social connection, developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Free on iOS and Android.
Medisafe: Provides medication reminders and refill alerts to support adherence and communication with providers. Free on iOS and Android.
reSET: A prescription-only app using CBT to help people in recovery from substance use disorders.
Self-guided educational websites
Web-based programs can help you learn about mental health and practice therapy techniques at your own pace.
Beating the Blues: CBT-based exercises for low mood and anxiety.
Living Life to the Full: Tools to build confidence and resilience.
Mental Health Online: Self-help modules and online therapist support.
moodgym: CBT-based program for anxiety and depression.
Online counseling & therapy
Online counseling services offer privacy, convenience, and accessibility, especially for people in rural or underserved areas.
When choosing an online provider, you can protect your privacy by:
- Making sure they use HIPAA-compliant platforms
- Using a private, password-protected network, not public Wi-Fi
- Confirming the therapist’s credentials
Social media, blogs, & forums
Online communities can help reduce stigma and connect you with people who understand your experiences.
Tips for finding safe spaces online:
- Follow reputable mental health organizations on social media for evidence-based tips.
- Join moderated forums that focus on learning and connection.
- Read blogs by people sharing their experiences with recovery.
Faculty-featured resources & books
Explore evidence-based tools, courses, and publications developed by University of Michigan faculty and staff.
BiAffect: An innovative tool created by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago in partnership with the University of Michigan and others to help people with bipolar disorder track and anticipate mood changes.
Brain Fit Life: Online brain games and exercises that create a personalized plan to strengthen memory, mood, focus, and energy.
From Sleep Disorders to Sleep Health: An online course that explores the importance of sleep and the barriers that can prevent restful, restorative sleep.
Motherhood in the Face of Trauma: Pathways Towards Healing and Growth: A powerful book that examines the physical and emotional effects of trauma on women entering motherhood and offers paths toward healing.
Overcoming Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Workbook for Managing Your Symptoms and Achieving Your Life Goals: A research-based workbook that helps people living with bipolar disorder understand symptoms, build coping strategies, and work toward their goals.
Helpful mental health resources
Gain practical support at your fingertips. Find evidence-backed tools to help you manage your symptoms, track your progress, and explore healthy habits to support your mental well-being.
References
Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2016). Mental health smartphone apps: review and evidence-based recommendations for future developments. JMIR Mental Health, 3(1).
Chan, S., Torous, J., Hinton, L., & Yellowlees, P. (2015). Towards a framework for evaluating mobile mental health apps. Telemedicine and e-Health, 21(12), 1038–1041.
Christensen, H., Choi, I., Deady, M., Glozier, N., Calvo, R. A., & Harvey, S. B. (2017). eHealth interventions for the prevention of depression and anxiety in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 310.
Karasouli, E., & Adams, A. (2014). Assessing the evidence for e-resources for mental health self-management: a systematic literature review. JMIR Mental Health, 1(1).
Lal, S., & Adair, C. E. (2014). E-mental health: a rapid review of the literature. Psychiatric Services, 65(1), 24–32.
Mani, M., Kavanagh, D. J., Hides, L., & Stoyanov, S. R. (2015). Review and evaluation of mindfulness-based iPhone apps. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 3(3).
Parikh, S. V., & Huniewicz, P. (2015). E-health: an overview of the uses of the Internet, social media, apps, and websites for mood disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 28(1), 13–17.
Sander, L., Rausch, L., & Baumeister, H. (2016). Effectiveness of internet-based interventions for the prevention of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 3(3).
Stoyanov, S. R., Hides, L., Kavanagh, D. J., Zelenko, O., Tjondronegoro, D., & Mani, M. (2015). Mobile app rating scale: a new tool for assessing the quality of health mobile apps. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 3(1).