The benefits and drawbacks of mental health apps

Are mental health apps helpful, or should you stick with the professionals?

Phone with apps on the screen
Mental health apps may be easy to access but at what cost?
(Image credit: Illustrated / Getty Images)

Accessing quality mental health care can be challenging. Some people find it too expensive, especially if they lack insurance coverage. Others reside in areas where mental health professionals and therapists are scarce. Enter mental health and therapy apps, which have been around for years but have grown in both number and popularity lately, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today, thousands of mental health and wellness apps claim to help people with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. While people seem receptive to using these apps to seek help, others point out there's reason to be wary of their promises. Some apps offer digital support from licensed professionals, but many offer a completely humanless experience. Though they can provide an alternative, it's unclear whether they can match the benefits of seeking help from a real-life professional.

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Theara Coleman, The Week US

Theara Coleman has worked as a staff writer at The Week since September 2022. She frequently writes about technology, education, literature and general news. She was previously a contributing writer and assistant editor at Honeysuckle Magazine, where she covered racial politics and cannabis industry news.