With the boom in technology and recent breakthroughs in data analysis and health monitoring, Mental health apps have gained popularity in recent years.
Meditation apps and mental health apps are convenient and accessible tools for teens to manage their mental well-being to lower strees, improve focus and thrive in their studies. Mental health apps for teens can play a crucial role in supporting their mental well-being.
Numerous experts and research studies have explored the effectiveness of these apps in supporting mental health. Before testing and recommending apps to my readers I’ve studied the conclusion and outline of these reasearch papers and expert recommendations so that the apps and data I put forth in this article is up-to-date, comprehensive and is free of any irregularities and can be trusted by Parents and teachers.
One study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco found that mental health apps can be beneficial for teens. The study showed that these apps can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. The researchers also highlighted the importance of choosing evidence-based apps that are developed with input from mental health professionals.
The Stress Free UC Study found that using a good Meditation app like Headspace, Calm, Moodfit everyday for 10 minutes can reduce stress and anxiety in children, teens or adults in a significant way. The study also stated that positive changes and benefits of meditation will remain with you for upto two months even after you have ceased practising meditation using these apps.
Dr. John Torous, a psychiatrist and digital mental health expert at Harvard Medical School, has also emphasized the potential benefits of mental health apps for teens. He believes that these apps can provide a sense of empowerment and control over one’s mental health, allowing teens to actively engage in self-care and seek support when needed.
Although in the initial review paper “Digital mental health apps and the therapeutic alliance“, they do iterate that the onus of mental well-being is always in the hands of the users or the patients. Although, mental health apps provide comprehensive guides, midfulness techniques and meditation sessions and expert consultation including hypnotherapy, most of these apps place responsibility in the hands of the users.
The study also suggests that parents should set screen time limits, phone use rules and house rules for using technology. They can also join their kids and teens while they are following meditation techniques. I suggest you read which are the best Self Control Apps and meditation apps for kids to discipline your kid’s lives and achieve your goals.
Another study titled, “Mobile Mental Health Program Goes Beyond Mindfulness, Shows Promise in Reducing Negative Mental Health Symptoms” conducted by Center for Healthy Minds and the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin suggests that, “A well administered online program can also deliver some benefits of in-person mindfulness interventions, such as decline in person’s anxiety, depression and stress can be seen if a person regularly uses mindfulness apps.”
However, it is important to note that not all mental health apps are created equal. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that while many mental health apps claim to provide evidence-based support, only a small percentage do. The researchers emphasized the need for more regulation and quality control in the development and dissemination of mental health apps.
I recommend parents and caretakers to engage their kids and teens in cognitive and outdoor activities including playing with toys, reading books, fun and art acitivities, learning or reading apps or and physical sports like hoverboards, electric scooters, skateboarding or cycling. All these also help with mental health as shown in National institutes of health research.
Below are the five recommended mental health apps for teens that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, guided meditations, and other features to address mental health issues:
- Top Pick for Tranquility: Calm
- Mindful Meditation Mastery: Headspace
- Mood Enhancement Companion: Moodfit
- Zen Zone Navigator: Ten Percent Happier
- Holistic Wellness Guide: Healthy Minds Program
1. Best Mental Health App for Relaxation & Tranquil Mindfulness
Calm
Calm is a popular mental health app that offers a wide range of features to help manage stress and anxiety. It includes guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques. The app also provides tools to break the cycle of negative thoughts and promote positive thought patterns.
- Guided meditations and sleep sounds
- SOS sessions for immediate help
- Mindfulness exercises, and progress tracking.
- Anxiety relief and Meditations to relieve sadness and anger.
Why Do I Recommend It?
I highly eecommend Calm app to parents for their teens and kids for its soothing meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques that help alleviate stress and promote a peaceful mindset.
2. Best Mental Health App for Mindfulness & Guided Serenity
Headspace
Headspace is a great app to relieve stress, get happier and sleep comfotably. The app offers several midfulness excercises, guides and meditation courses to help children, teens, and parents on subjects like stress, anxiety, anger management and more.
- Guided meditations and sleep sounds
- SOS sessions for immediate help
- Mindfulness exercises, and progress tracking.
- Anxiety relief and Meditations to relieve sadness and anger.
Why Do I Recommend It?
Headspace is another app that I love for its comprehensive guided meditation sessions and mindfulness exercises. This app is ideal for cultivating mental clarity and emotional balance and can foster resilience and calmness in teens.
3. Best Mental Health App for Mood & Emotion Management
Moodfit
Moodfit is an evidence-based mental health app that combines traditional therapies with modern technology. It offers cognitive behavioral therapy exercises, guided meditations, and tools to track mood and progress over the long term. The app also provides resources for managing stress and anxiety.
- Guided meditations and sleep sounds
- SOS sessions for immediate help
- Mindfulness exercises, and progress tracking.
- Anxiety relief and Meditations to relieve sadness and anger.
Why Do I Recommend It?
Recommended for its personalized mood tracking and coping strategies, assisting teens in managing their emotions and building resilience.
4. Best Mental Health App for Inner Peace & Harmony
Why Do I Recommend It?
I really liked this app’s practical teachings and expert-led mindfulness practices. These expert guides and practical sessions can aid in reducing anxiety and enhancing overall well-being in teens, young kids and also in adults.
To begin your journey with the Ten Percent Happier app, follow these steps:
- Download the app from your device’s app store.
- Sign up or log in if you have an account.
- You can explore the available content, including guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and courses.
- New members can start with the introductory courses.
- You can also choose from various practices, sessions and courses that resonate with your goals and preferences.
- I would recommend you complete your meditation and mindfulness sessions everyday and gradually build a consistent mindfulness routine.
5. Best Mental Health App for Holistic Wellness
Healthy Minds Program
Headspace is a great app to relieve stress, get happier and sleep comfotably. The app offers several midfulness excercises, guides and meditation courses to help children, teens, and parents on subjects like stress, anxiety, anger management and more.
- Evidence-Based Mindfulness
- Stress Reduction: Provides tools for managing and reducing stress.
- Focuses on overall mental and emotional well-being.
- Engages users with interactive mindfulness exercises.
- Emotional Support: Offers resources to help navigate challenging emotions.
Why Do I Recommend It?
Healthy Minds Program offers holistic approach, offering a blend of mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional support to foster a balanced and healthy mind.
What are mental health apps for teens?
Mental health apps for teens or children are mobile applications that are especially designed to provide support, guidance, and tools to help teenagers manage their mental and emotional well-being by following meditation and mindfulness sessions. From relaxation techniques and mood tracking to the coping strategies and access to professional support these apps offer various health features to lower anxiety, stress and increase focus and resilience.
Why are mental health apps important for teenagers?
We as parents and caretakers know that, adolescence can be a challenging time. Due to busy lifestyles and burden of school work with home chores and social media, many teens experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These apps offer a private and convenient way for teens to learn about mental health, practice self-care, and access resources that can improve their overall emotional well-being.
Are these apps a substitute for professional help?
In general, many experts and teachers do believe that, Mental health apps can be helpful tools for self-care and emotional support. But experts also insist that these apps are not a a substitute for professional mental health treatment. I would recommend parents to seek help from a licensed therapist, counselor, or mental health professional if their teen is experiencing severe or continuous/persistent mental health issues.
Are these apps free to use?
Most of the apps that are recommended in this guide offer free and premium subscriptions. App like headspace offers Two-week free trial and then you have to pay for a monthly or yearly subscription. And, apps like Insighttimer are always free with advertising.
Can I trust the information provided in these apps?
It’s important to choose apps developed by reputable organizations – mental health professionals, or institutions. Look for apps that cite credible sources for their information. If something seems questionable or contradicts common knowledge – it’s a good idea to fact-check with other reliable sources.
What features do these apps typically offer?
Mental health apps for teens may include features such as mindfulness exercises, meditation sessions, mood tracking, coping strategies, journaling, breathing exercises, interactive activities, and educational content about mental health.
Can I use these apps if I’m not dealing with a mental health issue?
Mental health apps can be used by anyone – be it a children, teen or parents. From meditation exercises to mindfulness sessions these apps can be soothing for your mind and body health. They can also be used for personal growth, stress reduction, building resilience, and enhancing overall well-being.
These apps have been developed with input from mental health professionals and have been shown to be effective in supporting mental well-being.
However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.
Parvinder Singh is a seasoned IT developer and network engineer with over 5 years of experience. He is also a skilled tech columnist, offering insights on the latest trends and developments in the tech industry.