Free or Low Cost Mental Health Apps & Online Resources

/ Resources / Free or Low Cost Mental Health Apps & Online Resources

All of us can use some extra support every now and then.
Here is a list of apps and sites that I often recommend to my clients.

Yellow painted eggs with different emoji faces on them

General Mental Health Apps/Resources

  • How We Feel App
    Recommended
    Free

    Get to know the relationship between your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Knowledge is power and this app will help you figure out the links to start making shifts. How We Feel App
  • Atlas of Emotions
    Free

    With the support of the Dhali Lama, Drs. Ekmans created an atlas of emotions drawing on decades of research. This website includes basics to help you understand emotions and cope with them in the moment. Atlas of Emotions
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A person in athletic clothes practicing meditation at home

Meditation Apps and Courses

  • Headspace App
    Recommended

    (14 day free trial)
    Excellent courses for learning about mindfulness and refining your practice. Get the App
  • Insight Timer App
    Recommended

    (Free and some paid features)
    Extensive library of meditations/relaxation exercises.
    Recommended instructors: Kristy Arbon, Colette Power, Tara Brach, and Sharon Salzberg Get the App
  • Calm App
    (7 day free trial)
    Get the App
  • UCLA Mindful App
    Free

    Get the App
  • Mindfulness Coach App
    Free

    Great for starting your mindfulness journey. Get the App
  • Insight LA
    Virtual and in person mindfulness courses and classes in Los Angeles. insightla.org
  • Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
    Recommended
    Free

    Excellent website that includes resources on MSC, practices, meditations, and an overview of the research behind MSC. self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/
  • Donation-Based Mindfulness Practice Groups
    Practice mindful self-compassion with people around the world in this donation-based sitting group (free if you can’t afford it). Affinity groups also available for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Spanish speaking folx. centerformsc.myshopify.com/pages/circles-of-practice
  • Positively Resonance on Loving Kindness/Metta
    Recommended
    Free

    Great introduction to Loving Kindness (metta practice), a practice which aims to increase connection, grow compassion for self and others, cultivate kindness, and decrease stress. positivityresonance.com/meditations.html
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Health Anxiety

  • The Centre for Clinical Interventions: Health Anxiety Workbook
    Recommended
    Free

    Free manual for learning about health anxiety and taking steps to reclaim your life. See manual
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A person hiking in athletic wear

Joyful Movement

  • Yoga with Adrienne
    Recommended
    Free

    Free yoga videos that focus on “finding what feels good” and connecting with your body. See Videos
    Favorites:
      - 5 min yoga at your desk
      - Yoga for neck, shoulders, and upper back
  • All Trails:
    Free

    Get out into nature using the all trails app/website to find walking, hiking, and biking trails near you. Great for maps, reviews, and letting you know the difficulty level before you hit the trail. alltrails.com
  • Fitness Marshal:
    Free

    Fun and free dance videos to help connect to your body and have some fun. See Videos
  • Quick Note:
    As with all joyful movement, please make sure that you are listening to your body, pacing, and respecting your limits. If you have questions about whether or not a certain type of exercise is okay for you and your body, please reach out to your primary care provider.
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PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • PTSD Coach App
    Free

    Great if you are experiencing symptoms associated with trauma. Get the App
  • PTSD Family Coach App
    Free

    Great for family members of trauma survivors. Get the App
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A cat sleeping peacefully between bed sheets

Sleep and Insomnia

Pregnancy and Postpartum

  • Maternal Mental Health NOW
    Recommended
    Free

    Excellent resource during family planing, pregnancy, and postpartum. Learn more about each stage of growing you family, the impact on mental health/relationships, and ways of bolstering your resiliency as you grow your family. Available in English and Spanish. mycare.mmhnow.org
  • Mothers and Babies Online Course
    Free

    English and Spanish online program to help support pregnant folx and new parents. emb.health
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Four children sitting together laughing and playing in the grass

Kids Apps and Online Resources

Parenting LGBTQIA+ Youths

Couples

  • Gottman Institute
    Recommended

    One of the best, research-based programs for couples. Great workshops, free resources, and research-backed interventions. gottman.com
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Shame and Vulnerability

  • The Power of Vulnerability
    Recommended
    Free

    Watch Dr. Brene Brown’s insightful TED talk where she discusses the research and her own experience with shame and vulnerability. See Video
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A phone and headphones resting on a desk

Podcasts

Blogs from Experts in Mental Health

Organizations

Crisis Resources