## Different purposes Apps can provide one or a combination of several functions. The right one should be selected based on the needs of the individual. Self-monitoring: reminds the user to take medication and helps fight stress, anxiety and insomnia. Acquisition of new skills: p helpfully teach techniques for relaxation, overcoming panic or phobia. Social support: allow users to interact with other people and health professionals. Symptom tracking: collect data using sensors embedded in smartphones. Sensors capture movement, social interactions (e. g., number of text messages and phone calls), behavior at different times of day, and other parameters. Can recognize signs that signal an attack of mania, depression, or psychosis before it happens. Cognitive enhancements: designed to treat mental illness and help improve thinking skills. ## Top 7 apps __Talkspace:__ allows the user to receive psychological help from licensed therapists via text, voice messages and video calls. Users are able to connect with a specialist anywhere and at a convenient time. Articles and various self-help and developmental exercises are available in the app. __BetterHelp:__ provides online therapy. The user can send messages to their therapist through the app, and there are audio and video chats with specialists available. The app also offers articles and various recommendations. There is a diary with a list of topics to work through and send to the therapist, as well as worksheets for independent work. __Headspace:__ offers over 1,000 unique meditation sessions to manage stress, anxiety, and improve sleep. Personal counseling is also available. __Calm:__ has a wide range of features aimed at reducing stress, anxiety and improving sleep, such as meditations, relaxing music, breathing exercises, stories, and content for children and teens. __Breathwrk:__ over 50 free meditation classes and exercises, with an emphasis on breathing exercises. __Worry Watch:__ helps manage anxiety. The app gives the user the ability to record worries and track mood to identify triggers. It also offers various cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and strategies to manage anxiety. __Moodfit:__ allows the user to record their mood throughout the day, noting the factors that affect it. The app has breathing exercises and meditative practices for relaxation and stress relief. It contains materials and exercises from CPT to help the user better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Also allows the user to monitor the quality of their sleep and identify causes that disturb it. ## Effectiveness of apps Apps cannot replace a doctor and are unlikely to help in an emergency, but they have a number of advantages that make them a great addition to therapy. First, they save time and money by helping to reduce stress and anxiety when the user needs it.Through the app, the user can choose a therapist who matches their preferences and schedule sessions as conveniently as possible. Second, in addition to traditional support, apps also offer access to meditations, breathing practices, exercises, and helpful content. And users can also get help completely anonymously through the app, which is crucial for many people. > An app is not a doctor‒it cannot diagnose and prescribe treatment! For serious mental health issues, seek professional help.