The 5 Best Mental Health Apps for Less Stress, More Joy and Better Sleep

You already know that taking care of your body is crucial. But it's also important to look after your mind. Mental health apps are a great way to do that, especially if you're looking for something convenient. Whether you need a reprieve from work, a calming meditation to help center yourself or even an appointment with a therapist, the resources you need are right at your fingertips. Unsure where to get started? First For Women compiled a list of the best mental health apps to keep you happy and healthy.

The 5 best mental health apps

When it comes to apps, you want something that's user-friendly, affordable and can actually benefit your mental wellbeing. The best mental health apps are also more accessible and make it easier than ever to seek out the help you need.

Our favorites:

1. Best mental health app for mindfulness: Headspace

Meditation is a great way to refocus and center yourself. Headspace offers a ton of guided meditations that can help with mindfulness and self-care, as well as mental health coaching and therapy. The great thing about this app is its user-friendliness and the variety of meditations for both adults and children.

You don't have to commit to the app right away, either. There are one-week or two-week free trials. It costs $12.99 a month once the free trial is up, but there is a free version as well. Plus, the app offers student and family discounts. Available for both iOS and Android systems, you'll want to download this one if you need to relax and regroup.

2. Best mental health app for therapy: BetterHelp

Finding a therapist can be a complicated process. It can also be time-consuming and expensive. BetterHelp is known for its large network of qualified therapists that specialize in various topics. All the therapists are fully licensed and you can meet with them through video, audio or messaging.

This app is available for both iPhone and Android users and costs $70-$100 per week (billed every four weeks) depending on the sessions and type of therapy you need. A monthly subscription includes one live therapy session and unlimited messaging with your therapist. There is financial aid and a price sliding scale for those who need it, and your exact price depends on your location and provider.

Simply answer a few questions about what you're looking for and you'll be paired with a therapist in no time!

3. Best mental health app for stress relief: Sanvello

We've all had those days where we're stressed, overwhelmed and desperately need to decompress. Sanvello, an app full of self-care resources, is the perfect pick for stress relief. The app uses the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to offer guided meditations, mood trackers and helpful audio journeys.

It has a free version you can download, as well as a premium subscription option for $8.99 per month. Using the premium version gets you the most self-care options. You can learn to let go of common stressors as well as find relief for things affecting your individual needs. The app also recommends various coping strategies for whatever's bothering you.

4. Best mental health app for sleep: Calm

Getting a good night's sleep is key for your mental health, and Calm can help you get the zzz's you need. It's known for its bedtime stories read by celebrities, soothing music and different "colors" of noise, including pink noise and white noise. You can also participate in sleep scenes, yoga and dance classes and guided breathing exercises. This app promotes strong REM sleep and restful evenings. Calm offers a 7-day free trial. After that costs $14.99 per month.

5. Best mental health app for positive thinking: Happify

It's unrealistic to be happy 24/7, but there are ways to improve your mindset. Happify has an array of fun games and activities to encourage more positive thinking in just a few minutes. The app focuses on your individual goals, plus it can help you to recover from burnout. There is a free version available, though its features are more limited. A Happify Plus subscription, which offers all of the available games, meditations and exercises, costs $14.99 per month.

For more ways to ease stress and improve your mental health:

Basic Daily Duties Can Be Dopamine Boosters: Here’s How To Reap the ‘Feel-Good’ Mental Rewards

Overwhelmed by Caregiver Stress? Here’s How Humor Can Heal

Goodbye, Stress! A Doctor Shares How To Increase Your Levels of Mood-Lifting Oxytocin Naturally

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.