Every environment can be used with VR exposure therapy (CBT), Virtual Reality desensitization (EMDR) or Mindfulness meditatons

We follow the recommendations of the WHO in using CBT and EMDR to reduce vivid, unwanted, repeated recollections of traumatic events

Post-traumatic stress disorder: 45+ separate VR levels

Experience VR therapy like never before with unique environments that take realism to a whole new level

Real-life situations taken into the Virtual Reality that can trigger cravings in those with addictions to alcohol, food, or smoking

Exposure to scenarios designed to elicit addictive behavior

Scenarios aim to simulate real-life situations that individuals with OCD encounter

Manage symptoms by practicing and building skills through engaging VR training
Learn how to control anger and relax with 100,000+ VR environments for stress management

Effective, realistic and immersive simulations created by REBT speciatlists.

Blog - VRET

How to Use CBT Apps:
Top Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tools and Software

By Inna Maltzeva, Chief Scientific Officer at PsyTech VR
October 9, 2025
As technology continues to evolve, so does accessibility to mental health treatment. In the past, medical practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could only be conducted within a therapist’s office. For most individuals, this meant travelling long distances for treatment, adjusting to strict schedules, and sometimes facing long waiting lists – all of which often led to inconsistency and setbacks in their recovery journey.

Fortunately, as of today, technological innovation in the mental health space has led to the creation of CBT apps, which allows almost anyone with the right support to easily access CBT strategies and tools. These apps help to bring what was once only possible within the confines of a therapist’s physical space to individuals’ everyday routine via their devices such as phones, tablets, or laptops, making the treatment support more flexible and convenient.

Understanding how CBT apps work is straightforward and does not have to feel like a mystery. In this article, we will be diving deep into the concept of CBT itself, how the apps work, their benefits, challenges, and the top CBT tools that are worth considering if you are looking to improve your mental well-being.

What is CBT, and How Do CBT Apps Work?

Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps people identify patterns between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and practice new skills between sessions.

The principle behind CBT is built on the foundation that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all interconnected – what we think about a situation affects how we feel, and ultimately, our feelings influence our actions. When thought patterns are negative or distorted, they eventually become a stronghold in the mind that keeps individuals in unhelpful patterns of anxiety, depression, stress, or destructive habits.

When applied effectively, the strategies and tools of CBT help to identify, challenge, and then reframe these negative thoughts into balanced perspectives to help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms that help to strengthen positive change.

CBT is considered a first-line treatment that is recommended by psychologists and healthcare organizations all around the world, mainly due to its adaptability and effectiveness as a treatment option against a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD.

How CBT Apps Support Mental Health

CBT apps mirror many of the same practical strategies used in in-person CBT sessions and make them readily available on accessible digital devices such as phones, tablets, or laptops. This way, individuals in need of help can use the app to log their thoughts, monitor their mood patterns, and work through guided exercises anytime, anywhere, instead of having to wait for a therapy session.

Most of these apps make use of interactive prompts, check-ins, or journaling tools to help their users recognize their distorted thinking, keep track of their triggers, and practice healthier responses regularly.

While there are CBT apps that are self-guided and ideal for individuals with mild to moderate conditions who wish to manage their treatment independently, there are other CBT software programs that are configured to complement professional therapy treatment, making it possible for therapists to assign exercises and track client progress between sessions.

Irrespective of the app’s design, the goal of every CBT app is one and the same: to make CBT’s proven strategies more available, consistent, and convenient to practice.

The Science Behind CBT and Behavior Change

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on proven psychological research. It operates through 3 core processes, which explains the logic behind its effectiveness:

  • Cognitive Restructuring: This involves identifying unhelpful or negative thoughts, challenging them with evidence, and then replacing them with healthier and more balanced perspectives

  • Emotional Regulation: CBT helps to equip individuals with helpful skills that help them to better manage intense negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and sadness. This includes practices such as mindfulness, relaxation training, and thought reframing – all of which help individuals to respond to emotional triggers in a healthier way.

  • Behavioral Activation: Instead of allowing negative moods to dictate inactivity, CBT encourages individuals to build positive habits by taking small, purposeful actions such as exercising, journaling, or connecting with others. These actions not only help to break patterns of avoidance but also help to reinforce the balanced perspectives used to replace the negative thoughts

By continuously engaging in the practice of reshaping thoughts, balancing emotions, and encouraging positive habits, individuals get to gradually rewire patterns in their brains, which consequently makes healthier thinking more natural.

How Can CBT Apps Improve Your Mental Well-being?

As explained earlier in this article, the principles and strategies employed in CBT apps are the same ones used in physical CBT sessions. As a result, the effectiveness of these apps can be derived from the science of CBT itself.

Mood Tracking and Thought Journaling

Mood tracking is one of the simplest but powerful features of CBT apps. It allows the app users to regularly record how they feel at times – be it anxiety, sadness, stress, or peace.

This record-keeping, when done over a period of time, helps individuals to take note of their emotional patterns that they might have overlooked. When these patterns are noticed, it then becomes easy to connect your moods to specific triggers, habits, or even times of day.

Alongside the mood tracking feature, a lot of CBT apps also have thought-journaling tools incorporated into their software. The way it works is that the app provides structured prompts that help to guide users to write down their negative or troubling thoughts, reflect on them, and reframe them into more balanced perspectives. For instance, noting down a thought like “I always suck at getting tasks done” gives you the chance to examine, challenge its validity objectively, and then replace it with a healthier perspective, such as “I sometimes make mistakes, but I also learn and make improvements.”

The combination of these 2 features helps to create a great feedback system such that - the more you track your feelings and record your thoughts, the more insight you gain into your thinking patterns, and the easier it becomes to start taking practical steps towards actual change.

Guided Exercises for Anxiety and Depression

CBT apps have built-in exercises that are designed to combat mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Examples of these exercises include cognitive reframing techniques and step-by-step practices such as guided breathing and muscle relaxation, which help calm the mind and reframe negative thought patterns.

In a case of anxiety, for instance, a CBT app can be used to provide exposure exercises in small, manageable steps that help users to gradually build up the confidence they need to confront the situation that causes them fear without being overwhelmed. For depression, CBT apps aim to break the cycles of rumination and inactivity by encouraging users to engage in healthy activities that elevate mood and restore a sense of accomplishment.

The main perk of having these exercises on CBT apps is the ease of accessibility. Rather than having to wait until a therapy appointment, the apps help users practice coping skills in real time whenever they are dealing with workplace stress, social anxiety, or having a low-mood day.

Habit Formation and Behavioral Activation

CBT apps focus on behavioral activation by encouraging users to take small, purposeful steps that help individuals to break repeated unhelpful patterns of avoidance and low motivation. For example, if you are struggling with loneliness, the app might encourage you to schedule meaningful tasks such as practicing a hobby or taking a short walk. These tasks, after some time, develop into habits and routines that help individuals to consistently counteract the feelings of hopelessness and inactivity.

Additionally, CBT apps have built-in habit formation tools that use reminders, streaks, or progress charts to improve consistency. These habit tools help the users to stay accountable and also provide visual proof of progress.

PTSD and Trauma Recovery

A lot of CBT apps are designed to have features that help mental health providers support individuals who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma recovery. For trauma and PTSD, exposure therapy should be done under the guidence of licensed mental health provider. Self-guided exposure therapy may harm, it’s very important to use such tools as part of a professional therapy plan with a clear safery protocol.

These features help to provide a structured approach through which users with traumatic experiences can;
  • Process their distressing thoughts
  • Track emotional triggers
  • Practice grounding techniques to reduce flashbacks or overwhelming anxiety

To combat this condition, some CBT apps include guided exposure exercises that allow users to gradually confront their trauma-related memories or situations in a controlled manner, while other apps provide relaxation strategies such as deep breathing exercises or body scans that help to reduce the physical intensity of stress responses.

Challenges Users May Face With CBT Tools

While CBT apps offer valuable support, they are not without their limitations. Several users often encounter barriers that affect the effectiveness of their CBT app, most especially due to a lack of knowledge of the issues that may come up as a result of its usage.

Having an understanding of these limitations not only helps users set realistic expectations but also helps them select the best CBT app that matches their therapeutic needs.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

Every CBT app collects and mostly saves sensitive personal information, including mood logs, thought journals, or even trauma-related entries. This is why it is essential that privacy and data security are the top priority of CBT apps. Users need to trust that their most vulnerable thoughts won’t be misused or exposed.

Unfortunately, not all CBT apps maintain the required level of data protection and privacy. There are apps that lack clear privacy policies, while some CBT apps go as far as sharing anonymized data with 3rd parties for research or marketing purposes. For several users, especially those dealing with anxiety or stress, this issue can cause extra worry that may stunt their recovery process.

This is why it is best to only consider CBT tools that are transparent about their approach in handling data, using encryption, and their compliance with healthcare privacy standards such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the U.S. or the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe.

Engagement and Consistency Issues

Just as it is in traditional therapy, progress in CBT is heavily dependent on regular practice. However, most users who start out with much enthusiasm find themselves losing momentum after a few days or weeks. This happens very often with people using CBT apps due to many factors, which include busy schedules, lack of motivation, procrastination, or simply forgetting to use the app. Some users have reported finding the exercises practiced on the app to be repetitive or less engaging without the accountability of a therapist.

To counter this, most CBT apps now include engagement features such as daily reminders, streak tracking, gamification (reward systems), or progress dashboards. These tools can make the experience feel more interactive and help the user to stay motivated over the long term.

Accessibility and Device Compatibility

Not every individual has access to the CBT apps that are suitable for their specific condition, and this can limit their usefulness. Some CBT tools are exclusively available on certain operating systems (such as IOS and not Android), while some apps may require a newer device and a high-speed internet connection to function properly. These factors create barriers for users in areas with limited connectivity or for individuals who cannot afford the latest technology.

Language differences are another factor worth considering. While many CBT apps are designed primarily for English speakers, individuals from different linguistic or cultural backgrounds may struggle to benefit from the app if comprehensive translations or culturally sensitive content are lacking.

To bridge these gaps, it is important that developers begin to create CBT apps with offline functionality, multilingual support, and lighter app versions that are optimized for both new and old devices alike.

Limitations Compared to In-Person Therapy

As well as CBT apps help in making evidence-based strategies and coping skills more accessible to the individuals that need them, they cannot fully replace the value of in-person therapy. A trained therapist helps to provide specific guidance, empathy, and accountability – all of which an app, no matter how advanced, can never fully make available.

For individuals with severe depression, PTSD, or complex mental health conditions, self-guided CBT tools may not be enough to provide the therapeutic support that is required. In-person therapy allows for nuanced adjustments, immediate feedback, and the human connection that is often needed for deep healing.

This is not to downplay the importance of CBT apps in mental treatment. They help to strengthen the skills learnt in therapy, provide support between sessions, and give people with milder symptoms the opportunity to practice CBT techniques independently. A balanced way of viewing CBT apps, especially with respect to conditions like PTSD or OCD, is not to consider them as a replacement for traditional CBT but as a complement for maximum results.


CBT Apps

In-Person Therapy

Pros

Affordable or free options available

Personalized guidance from a trained professional

Accessible anytime, anywhere

Real-time feedback & accountability

Anonymity reduces stigma

Deeper exploration of complex issues

Self-paced exercises

Strong therapeutic alliance & support

Easy progress tracking via journaling & mood logs

Can tailor strategies to individual needs

Cons

Limited personalization

More expensive (session costs can add)

May lack depth for severe cases

Requires scheduling & travel

Requires self-motivation & consistency

Some stigma around seeking therapy

HIPAA/GDPR alignment

Progress may depend on the therapist’s style/fit

No immediate human feedback

Can CBT Apps Help With Anxiety, Depression, or Stress?

Yes. There are CBT apps that have built-in CBT techniques, which are widely recognized as first-line treatments for stress, depression, and anxiety. These apps provide structured exercises, real-time coping strategies, and progress tracking, which enable users to consistently practice the habits and processes that work in therapy.

In the treatment of anxiety, for instance, CBT apps often include relaxation techniques, exposure exercises, and thought-challenging prompts that help users manage their triggers effectively, even when they occur unexpectedly.

CBT apps also help to provide support to manage depression through features such as behavioral activation and mood tracking, which encourage users to take small, intentional steps that help to uplift mood and restore motivation. There are CBT apps that provide activity scheduling, daily check-ins, or journaling prompts to help their users identify their patterns of negative thinking and replace them with healthy and balanced thoughts.

For the management of stress, CBT gives users undergoing stress easy access to guided relaxation and grounding exercises – both of which help to calm the mind and induce a sense of relaxation. CBT apps also allow for thought reframing exercises that gradually help the user manage overwhelming situations in real time.

Research Studies: CBT Apps and Their Therapeutic Effects

Research and practical use have shown that CBT apps are more than just digital journals or reminder tools; they are tools capable of having measurable therapeutic effects when they are used the right way.

Evidence-Based Results and Long-Term Benefits

Case Study 1

A non-blinded parallel-group study was conducted in September 2020 to examine the effect of mobile phone applications (APP) based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on post-partum depression. The study population consisted of women who attended 3 healthcare centers in Kerman, Iran.

The participants were recruited between September and November 2018 and randomized 1:1 to either the intervention group (with mobile app access) or the control group (no mobile application access).

All the participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the baseline and 2 months after the baseline. The recorded data were analyzed with the aid of inferential statistics, including chi-square, independent sample t-test, paired test, and linear regression.

A total of 75 women with an average age of 27 years participated in the study. Right before the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the EPDS scores of the 2 groups (p> 0.001). After the intervention, however, the average EPDS score of the intervention group was 8.18, and the average EPDS score of the control group was 15.05, which is statistically significant. (p<0.05).

It was eventually concluded that a CBT program with a mobile app can lead to clinically important improvements in outcomes for mothers who suffer from postpartum depression.
Case Study 2

Another study was released by the University of Exeter on the 8th of October, 2024, reviewing the effectiveness of a CBT App in the prevention of depression in high-risk youth. 3,700 young people across the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Spain were allocated into 2 trials based on their emotional competence abilities at the start of the study.

Among the participants, 1,200 of them were with reduced emotional competency scores, which indicated an increased risk for depression, such as increased worry and depression, and were put into a particular trial. The remaining 2,500 without depressive risk went into the other trial, focused on well-being promotion.

Those 2 groups were then randomized in equal numbers to 3 different apps developed by the study. There was a self-monitoring app where people can report their emotions every day, a self-help app that provides personalized training in emotional competence skills, and a self-help app based on CBT principles.

All the participants were followed up at 3 months and 12 months to see how their well-being and depression symptoms changed.

The result of the trials conducted showed that the CBT app prevented an increase in depression, relative to self-monitoring in the higher-risk sample.

How to Choose the Right CBT App for You

As explained in this article, CBT apps deliver great therapeutic benefits, but there is a need for the best app for your condition. Not all CBT apps are created equal: while almost all approved CBT apps share the same foundation in terms of cognitive restructuring, journaling, and behavior training, their quality, depth, and usability of CBT apps differ greatly.

Selecting the right CBT tool for you highly depends on important factors such as your specific condition, objective, budget, and how you prefer to engage in techniques. The answers to these important factors give you a clear picture of the CBT app you are looking for.

Features to Look For:
Exercises, Tracking, and Guidance

Now that you have an idea of the type of CBT app you want, here are a few features to check out when selecting a CBT app:

Exercises
The most important part of any CBT app is centered on its structured activities. High-quality apps often include a variety of interactive exercises, such as:

  • Cognitive restructuring prompts that help to challenge negative or irrational thoughts
  • Guided exposure tasks that help to desensitize fear by allowing the user to gradually approach the feared situation/object, until the user builds up confidence to overcome the fear or anxiety
  • Relaxation and mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises and mindful body scans, that regulate emotions swiftly.

The types of exercises practiced in these apps are replicas of the same ones done in therapy. The app simply adds the convenience of repetition and flexibility on your own schedule.

Tracking
Whilst working towards getting psychologically healthier via your CBT app, it is extremely important that you measure your growth to see your progress over time. The best CBT apps provide;

  • Daily mood check-ins that help you see the trends of your progress, consistency, and effects over weeks or months
  • Thought journals that link situations, feelings, and behaviors
  • Visual progress reports that make it easier to recognize improvements as well as setbacks

Guidance
Although CBT apps are digitized and simple to use, having adequate guidance helps the processes carried out in the app to feel more structured and engaging. There are CBT apps that provide:

  • Step-by-step walkthroughs for complex CBT techniques
  • Contextual suggestions (e.g., coping prompts when you record anxiety spikes)
  • Professional touchpoints in some apps that allow therapists to review progress and recommend next steps.

Evaluating User Reviews, Professional Recommendations, and Pricing

After checking the important features of a CBT app, you should also consider checking online to confirm whether or not the app works well for other people.

User Reviews
The app store ratings and testimonials of a few users can give you a quick understanding of how other people experience the app. When going through the ratings and comments of the users, be sure to always look out for common patterns. The reason for this is that while individual reviews can be subjective, trends across hundreds of comments often reveal the app’s real strengths and weaknesses.

Professional Recommendations
CBT apps that show clinical validation or endorsement from mental health professionals usually bring extra credibility. There are CBT tools that are supported by psychologists, therapists, and even research institutions.

These recommendations, especially when they come from a verifiable source, help to attest to the effectiveness of the app while also serving as a signal that informs whether an app is more suitable for independent self-help or for integration into therapist-guided treatment.

Pricing
Finally, it is important to check whether the app of your choice offers value for money. A lot of CBT tools come with a free version that includes basic exercises, while the more advanced features, such as therapist chat support or extended progress tracking, require a paid subscription.

The pricing can range from affordable monthly fees to premium annual plans. When considering pricing, it is important that you balance your budget with your mental health needs - the slightly higher cost of an app, for example, might be very beneficial if it will help you stay engaged and consistent.

Top CBT Tools and Software

Self-Help CBT Tools (independent use)

MindDoc
MindDoc is a CBT-based app that was created to help users monitor, understand, and improve their mental well-being. It is especially configured for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress – as it serves more as a daily emotional companion than a tracking tool.

The app works by subtly sending an invitation for users to check in with their moods several times a day and, by doing so, provides real-time insights into their individual thoughts and behavior patterns. Over time, these inputs generate detailed reports that show the user’s emotional trend and triggers.

Aside from having a great tracking feature, MindDoc also provides structured self-help courses and CBT-based practical exercises, which give its users actionable strategies for stress management, emotional resilience, and healthier coping habits.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)

  • Provides continuous self-monitoring and feedback so users can easily spot emotional patterns and triggers
  • Offers structured CBT courses and exercises to help with thought reframing, behavioral activation, and symptom management
  • Serves as a complementary therapeutic tool that offer insights that users can share with mental health professionals

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
Mind Doc has a free (freemium) version, but many of the features in the app require a subscription known as MindDoc Plus).

In-app purchases

  • 3 months: $28.99
  • 6 months: $42.99
  • 12 months: $69.99
  • MindDoc Plus: $22.99
  • MindDoc Plus: $44.99
  • Monthly access 7-day trial: $7.99
  • Monthly access: $4.49

Personal Opinion
MindDoc is one of the most polished and clinically minded CBT apps out there. Its mix of tracking and structured courses makes it more than just a journal. The regulated status in Europe adds credibility. However, because much of its content is locked behind a paywall, its free tier works best as a sampling or support tool rather than a complete solution. It is ideal for someone wanting a serious self-help app that they could later integrate with professional therapy.

Reviews
”Awesome mental health tracking app!!
Honestly I love this app! And I use the free version!! It is so helpful in tracking changes in mood and health in the day and over time. My therapist has found the data really helpful and fascinating. The questions asked are intrusive or antagonising. And if the app is worried about you, it gently lets you know to take extra care of yourself, which is so lovely.

One thing I’d like the app developers to fix is that if you save your ‘diary’ entry and go back to edit it, it won’t let you. Like the typing box won’t let me go to the end of what I typed before and change it.
Aside from that, I love it for what it is, being free, as I’m a student. So thank you for allowing me to feel supported when I can’t always support myself.”

jewlzholbeck


Best For
  • People who want both journaling and guided CBT content, not just a mood tracker
  • Users who intend to combine self-help with professional support (therapists, psychiatrists)
  • Individuals in regions where the app’s regulatory or medical certifications give extra trust
MindShift CBT
Mindshift CBT is a self-help app that is created to support individuals dealing with anxiety, worry, and stress. The app uses proven CBT strategies to help users confront worry, reshape negative thoughts, and practice healthy coping tools.
It includes features such as belief experiments, fear ladders, guided mindfulness/relaxation exercises, and daily check-ins to track progress. Mindshift also provides community support where users can share their experiences and receive encouragement in a safe space.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • Helps users identify and challenge negative or anxious thoughts
  • Includes fear ladders or comfort zone challenges that help to build the confidence of users to face their fears
  • Mindshift CBT uses daily check-ins, coping statements, and goal settings to build consistency and awareness in its users.
  • Provides community forum/peer support, which gives different users the opportunity to share their stories and feel less alone in their anxiety journey

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • Completely Free: all the core features of MindShift CBT are available for use without the need for any payment

Personal Opinion

MindShift CBT is a great choice if you are in search of a good self-help CBT tool that comes at no cost. The app works well for daily use, especially when the symptoms are mild or moderate. It provides features like the ‘chill zone” audio and fear ladders, which are great in calming the mind in moments.

However, the MindShift app is not without its own limitations. Its long-term tracking is weak, and the features on the app alone cannot suffice as a treatment solution when dealing with severe anxiety, panic attacks, or deeper trauma work.

Reviews
Great App!
Very helpful in calming down and keeping track of stressors. I wish there were no word limit on the summary. I understand it is supposed to be a summary, but more characters would be awesome!”

User


Best For
  • Individuals with mild to moderate anxiety or stress who want a free, reliable self-help toolkit
  • Users who prefer simplicity, i.e. clean layout, no paywalls, immediate CBT tools, and relaxation.
  • Those who are in search of a CBT app to use between therapy sessions for practice
MoodTools
MoodTools is a self-help app that is configured to support individuals experiencing depression, low mood, or anxiety by providing practical tools that are rooted in the science of CBT. Rather than just tracking symptoms, the app focuses on giving its users structured ways to challenge their negative thinking and improve their daily well-being.
MoodTools features a thought diary for reframing unhelpful beliefs, a safety plan for moments of crisis, and guided videos for relaxation and mindfulness. It also encourages users to engage in healthy activities that elevate mood and break patterns of withdrawal or inactivity.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • MoodTools provides several evidence-based tools such as the Thought Diary to combat negative thinking, Activities planner (behavioral activation) to help schedule mood-elevating tasks, Safety Plans for crisis moments, and guided Video / Relaxation content
  • The app uses the PHQ-9 questionnaire to help its users track their depression severity over time
  • Has built-in psychoeducation and self-help resources, so that users can understand what process they are undergoing and not just be logging data
  • MoodTools has a simple design, which makes it easily accessible to any individual looking to better understand their mood patterns and work towards recovery

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • MoodTools has a free version with limited features
  • The paid version (Pro Mode) comes has the core features in free but has extras like export to data cloud, cloud sync, and password protection:
- Pro Mode Monthly: $4.99
- Pro Mode Yearly: $29.99
- Pro Mode Lifetime $199.--

Personal Opinion
MoodTools is a great choice for individuals dealing with depression or a persistent low mood. This is because the app has structured tools and a solid safety plan, so that it feels more purposeful than an average mood tracker. The fact that the core features are free is a huge plus. The downsides of this app are that the interface is plain and mostly text, which can sometimes feel dry, especially in tough moments.
Additionally, the app’s support for suicidality or crisis is somewhat limited as it links out to external links rather than offering more immediate intervention.

Reviews
“You need this if you are having a hard time!
I have only been using this app for 3 days, and it is already changing my mood in a positive way! When I was texting a hotline, they recommended this, I’m so glad they did!”

FishyFishAwsome


Best For
  • Individuals with mild to moderate depression or persistent low mood who want structured, evidence-based tools without paying
  • Users who prefer text, journaling, and behavior planning over flashy visuals or gamified features
  • Anyone in search of a CBT tool that they can use consistently, even in low-resource settings
Youper
Youper is an AI-powered emotional health assistant that guides users through science-backed conversations, exercises, and insights to help manage conditions like stress, anxiety, and depressive thoughts. Instead of being a mood tracker or static journal, Youper engages its users in reflective chats that adapt to the way he/she is currently feeling – consequently helping the user to reframe negative thoughts, explore the source of their trigger, and build healthier coping strategies.

Youper has built-in tools like mental health assessments, mood-logging, journaling, and emotional history, organized in a private, secure space that allows its users to see their therapeutic trends and patterns. It then makes use of these trends collected over time to deliver personalized insights and suggestions to strengthen resilience and guide its users towards better well-being.

The app was configured such that the chats are entirely private and secure, and its interventions are based on clinical research.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • The app has an AI chatbot that guides the user through CBT prompts, helps to challenge negative thoughts, and suggests coping strategies in real time
  • Youper provides personalized pathways depending on your conditions and responses
  • The app is great for on-going check-ins, which encourages consistency and positive habit formation
  • The chat in the app is conversational and more engaging as opposed to the static worksheets and forms in other apps

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • Youper has a free version that includes basic features
  • The premium features require a subscription, depending on the features you select.
  • One of the known annual premium plans is $69.99/year

Personal Opinion
Youper can be described as a middle ground between a self-help tool and interactive support. The conversational style makes it easier to use, especially when you have someone to talk with. Also, the mood tracking, together with the CBT prompts, does a great job in helping users to maintain momentum.

However, because the app is AI-driven and text-based, the chats can sometimes feel programmed. This is why it might not be a good enough choice when managing deep emotional distress, as more personal or human support might be needed.

Reviews
“Very Impressed!
Not everyone has access to a close friend or a therapist when they need one. And, in this day & age with so many people reporting having no close friends or, perhaps, not even family to talk to, it can be too easy to sit and ruminate in negative thoughts & feelings without someone to help you in challenging both of these things. This app is wonderful in that regard. Unlike being told what someone thinks you may want to hear which can sometimes enable unhealthy thinking patterns (and behaviors), or on the other end of the spectrum, rather than attempting to “fix” you, this interactive app continually prompts you to look inward, and to challenge your own thoughts, perspectives, and feelings, helping to redirect your focus onto more healthy and more positive strategies.
The various health screenings are comprehensive, as well as the detailed definitions and descriptions of the results, particularly for the individual results of the user. And, when combined with the built-in tracking of specific emotions and/or symptoms, this app also provides an objective view to look at both personal progress and potential trends.
This app is like having an objective friend & therapist rolled into one. I absolutely love it and can not recommend it enough! ”

LdyBeth


Best For
  • Users who prefer a conversational style of interaction rather than the traditional forms of inputting
  • People in search of daily check-ins and a readily available tool that can help them manage their emotions between therapy sessions
  • Users who don’t mind paying for premium features and are in need of more than just a mood tracker
Clarity
Clarity is a CBT-based journaling app designed to help users process thoughts, challenge cognitive distortions, and build healthier mental habits.  The app helps to provide a guided journaling experience that prompts its user to write about stressful experiences, negative emotions, or recurring thought patterns – and then gently reframe them using CBT principles. This structured approach helps you move from “automatic negative thoughts” to clearer and healthier perspectives.

The app provides progress tracking, which allows the user, over time, to see how their mindset and thought patterns evolve. The app’s design is minimal and distraction-free, making it feel more like a safe mental space than a clinical tool.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • Clarity has guided CBT journalling, which helps users to identify negative thoughts, challenge cognitive distortions, and reframe them
  • Has features like mood tracking and check-ins that allow users to log their emotional states and see patterns over time
  • Clarity has an in-built resource of psychoeducational content & crash courses. Examples of these include short lessons on topics like stress, productivity, or negative thinking.
  • The app has a clean, minimal UI that is designed to feel like a private mental space

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • Clarity has a free version that comes with core features such as basic journaling and mood tracking.
  • The app also has different subscription tiers for the paid version (Pro Mode):
- Pro Mode: $69.99
- Pro Mode: $59.99
- Clarity Pro Mode: $69.99
- CBT Thought Diary Pro Mode: $69.99
- Pro Mode: $69.99
- CBT Thought Diary Pro Mode: $69.99
- Pro Mode: $9.99
- Pro Mode: $29.99
- Pro Mode: $59.99
- Pro Mode: $29.99

Personal Opinion
The Clarity app strikes a nice balance between depth and usability. Its guided journaling prompts and CBT lessons make it more than just a “blank journal” and provide direction, which can be very useful, especially when you don’t know where to start.
The app’s interface is soothing and not overwhelming.
However, the cost of the premium version is steep, and certain features can only be accessed upon subscription, which may frustrate users who expect full functionality for free. Also, some of the app’s users report losing journal entries or glitchy behavior when switching platforms, which undermines trust in long-term use.

Reviews
“Life changing
I am a psychologist, and I have been in therapy on and off for a lot of years. I was having trouble finding a therapist who did anything but psychotherapy. While that was beneficial in the beginning of dealing with my ptsd, it became harmful later because I was just repeating the same stories, both literally and figuratively, and not moving forward. It was keeping me stuck. I needed a tangible way to change unhealthy thought patterns and not just reinforce them by talking about them. This app has helped me more than the last decade of therapy has. Not only does it help me change my thought pattern and habits, but it also allows me to do it in the moment when it’s happening. Not after the fact, and the damage is done. I know this sounds dramatic, but it really has made a profound difference in my ability to change course and deal with stress and unhealthy thought patterns, and helps me avoid those thought rabbit holes all together. I am grateful for this app and am hopeful more people find it and get themselves out of negative and unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is a game-changer for sure.”

serendipity889004


Best For
  • Those who prefer guided journaling rather than just freestyle writing
  • Individuals who want a structured CBT tool with educational content as part of the experience
  • People with mild to moderate anxiety, stress, or negative thought patterns
  • Individuals who are in search of a complementary therapeutic tool to use between traditional therapy sessions and to bring entries to therapy for discussion
Happify
Happify is a mental wellness app that effectively combines games, activities, and positive psychology to help users overcome negative thinking, reduce stress, and build resilience. It achieves this by offering theme-based programs that are tailored to users’ goals such as conquering negative thoughts, improving relationships, or growing mindfulness.

The app uses small-sized, interactive games, guided reflections, and meditation to encourage habits that support mental well-being. When the app is first opened, the software is configured to ask questions to understand its users' emotional state and goals. Afterwards, the app then recommends programs it has that are best suited for your needs. The app is user-friendly, visually engaging, and built for people who want structured, science-guided growth rather than unguided journaling.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • Happify combines positive psychology, CBT, and mindfulness to increase its therapeutic efficacy
  • The app uses theme-based programs to guide users step by step to achieve their goal
  • Activities and games are short ( mostly less than 15 mins), and this lowers the barrier for use in busy schedules
  • Happify ensures and maintains transparency by providing explanations or references behind its exercises

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • Happify is free

Personal Opinion
Happify is an app that combines structure and flexibility. Its theme-based programs make it easy to know what to focus on. The short game-like exercises are user-friendly, and they reduce the friction of using the app daily. Also, the positive psychology angle of what the app offers helps to give a holistic feel.

On the downside, the free version is limited in features, and this means that serious users may feel pressure to upgrade quickly. Additionally, there is a difficulty in cancelling subscriptions, making users trapped into paying if they change their mind.

Reviews
“Thanks
This app has helped me, along with CBT and small lifestyle changes to see things in another light. Life isn’t perfect and it’s hard for everyone. I feel anxiety and stress everyday. I feel anxious around others and certain people and places can make my physical anxiety seem like I am going to die. There’s no mineral, vitamin or supplement that can change your thought patterns as a response from external stimulation. That you have to practice everyday along with mastering your tone, facial expressions, and body language. I find life to be more emotionally rough, more so than anything else”

MaxMidnight


Best For
  • Individuals who want to combine positive psychology with CBT
  • Users who prefer guided programs over free-form journaling or therapy homework
  • Individuals new to mental health apps or mindfulness, because Happify’s design is accessible and gamified
What’s Up? A Mental Health App
What’s Up? A Mental Health app is a free, science-influenced app that combines methods from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help people manage depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm.
The app provides free access to tools like a thought and feeling diary (with a rating scale, grounding games, breathing exercises, and habit tracking.

A practical example of its application is when a user is feeling crushed by negative emotions, the app allows the user to use simple tools like the “catastrophe scale” to help put things in perspective, or a game to bring their mind back to the present. The app’s design is modern and easy to use.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • Blends CBT and ACT methods together, giving its users the flexibility to either challenge thoughts or accept them depending on the situation.
  • Possess a wide variety of tools, including dairy for tracking thoughts/feelings, habit trackers, breathing & grounding exercises
  • Free with minimal barriers

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • What’s Up? app is free both on IOS and Android for its core features
  • However, there are optional in-app purchases (donations) to support the app’s development and maintenance

Personal Opinion
What’s up? It is an excellent app when you need help immediately, as it is easy to open and find something like breathing, grounding, or a quick diary as opposed to navigating deep menus. The app strikes a balance with its combination of CBT and ACT techniques while keeping the interface friendly and approachable. The language feels supportive, and the different tools are easy to follow without being overwhelmed.

I also appreciate that it is not just focused on mood tracking or meditation alone, as it covers multiple aspects of mental health in a single space. That said, the app may feel a little cluttered at first due to a lack of familiarity with the layout, and there are many features to explore. Overall, it is a great CBT app for an individual in search of practical strategies and a sense of progress.

Reviews
“My absolute favorite app for anxiety
Love love love it. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for years. Many mental health apps have come and gone, but I've kept this one consistently (longer than almost any other) since it offers such quick, clear help. I use it mostly for anxiety for quick help, and for my depression for more general help. When you're really freaking out (or just a bit!), this is the easiest one I've found to get quick help where I don't have to think too much about how to use the app itself in order to let it help me. Open the app, the top choice is "Help Right Now" - so simple! Click it and the choice is equally clear: "Stop!" Click that, and it walks you through a short series of actions to calm you down and bring you back to reality. So many of the others are too wordy or too many bells and whistles; you can’t find your way around, or if I do find my way, usually it’s difficult to find the helpful parts again, esp. if I’m really in a crisis. When I'm not in a crisis, the rest of the app is equally helpful and gives lots of clear, good ideas of techniques for overall feeling better. Keep up the good work, you guys, and thank you so so so much for all the many times of this app's support and calming me down, and helping me back to reality.”

sudacla


Best For
  • Individuals looking for a solid, free tool for coping, especially when you don’t have access to paid therapy
  • Users who require quick, easy-to-reach features when emotions get overwhelming
  • Individuals who like both acceptance-based and thought-reframing strategies

CBT Tools That Require or Work Best With a Doctor/Therapist

PsyTechVR
PsyTechVR is a professional virtual reality therapy system that is built for mental health specialists. It combines its immersive VR environments with therapies like CBT and EMDR to offer exposure, relaxation, and safe-space scenarios that are tailored to each client’s needs.

The platform includes an AI-powered scenario generator, which allows therapists to design fear or trauma-based exposures in under 30 seconds. The platform also provides realistic virtual environments with motion, sound, weather, and visual effects, which clients can use for grounding or emotional regulation. The simulations are entirely controlled via a desktop Launchpad so that therapists can monitor in real time, adjust exposure levels, and even work with groups as a flexible system suitable for both in-clinic and prescribed home therapy.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • Provides VR exposure therapy with both CBT and ERP protocols, which are helpful for disorders like PTSD, specific phobias, and social anxiety
  • AI tools let therapists quickly generate custom exposure scenarios based on text prompts, allowing build the exposure scenarios gradually
  • Is capable of generating rich and immersive virtual environments for relaxation practices, such as Safe place or Nature walks
  • Therapist can always observe in real time, adjust scenarios, control exposure intensity, and track stats from the Provider’s Dashboard
  • HIPAA/GDPR compliant platform

Pricing (at the time of writing)
PsyTechVR offers 2 buying options:
  • Standard (for $120/month): The standard offer comes with a 15-day free demo trial, before access to the platform’s features is priced at $120 per month. This plan can be used with provider’s personal VR device

  • Complete VR Therapy Package (for $1599): This offer includes the latest Meta Quest 3s, 12-month access, regular updates, support, training, and marketing materials

Personal Opinion
PsyTechVR is powerful for practices where clients have more severe fears or trauma that require exposure work, which other apps cannot safely replicate. The platform’s immersive VR environment, the ability for therapist control, and AI-enabled scenario generation are particularly strong features for personalized treatment. PsyTechVR is affordable, allowing therapist to pay monthly and use the software with their own device or purchase the annual plan with ready-to-use VR device.

On the flip side, PsyTechVR is a sophisticated tech tool, there is a learning curve for the therapist to set up the VR therapy session, however the 15-day free-trial offers 2 hours of training and dedicated onboarding manager which promises to help mental health provider be prepeared to try it with the first client.

Reviews
“PsyTechVR's product, customer service and dedication to making this product better by incorporating clinical feedback, goes above and beyond what other platforms are doing. As an Evidence-based practitioner with over 15 years of experience, this is the best one I have seen and used. Incorporating AI, is a game changer. Super grateful to have also developed the only CBT course for them on the market with a program, which also shows their innovation and dedication to what actually works.” Gwilym Roddick DSW, LCSW Founder and Director of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy of Central & South Florida,

“If you're looking to enhance your therapy approach, don't hesitate to embrace VR with PsyTech. I see this tool revolutionizing mental health and well-being. Clients are able to work alongside their provider, utilizing immersive experiences to gain control over their lives faster. It specifically helps those suffering from anxiety, phobias, PTSD, and anger, while seemingly working through levels and having the ability to retreat to safe spaces. I also like that patients can use this as a self-guidance tool for homework. I've experienced anxiety driving in the mountains, and it's been a game-changer using the amaxophobia. I now feel more relaxed, as evidenced by the reported stress indicator. Now I’m less anxious thinking about my trip to Colorado Springs to visit my daughter. I wholeheartedly recommend PsyTechVR to anyone in the field, or those looking to increase their wellbeing.”

Sherrie Holmes, Clinical psychologist (CBT)


Best For
  • Clinicians and therapists who do exposure therapy for PTSD, phobias and other anxieties during CBT, ERP, EMDR and EMD protocols, and want to use VR as part of their toolkit
  • Mental Health providers offering relaxation practices and teaching coping skills with breathing excercises, mindfulness meditations, muscle relaxation, art therapy and other tecniques
  • Clinics, mental health institutions, or organizations with resources to invest in VR hardware and staff training
  • Patients who prefer immersive, controlled exposure over imaginal, either in-person or online only
CBT-I Coach
CBT-I Coach is a free, evidence-based sleep companion that was developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Stanford Medicine, and the Department of Defense to help people struggling with insomnia

The app was originally designed to give support to individuals who are undergoing CBT for insomnia. It offers tools such as a digital sleep diary, a resource for sleep-hygiene education, bedtime routines, sleep assessments, and relaxation practices. The goal of the app is to use methods proven by clinical research to guide users through improving sleep environments, setting consistent bed/wake times, and gradually re-training healthy sleep habits.

Advantages (Therapeutic Value)
  • Offers psychoeducation about sleep, which helps users understand why insomnia happens
  • Has a sleep diary feature that logs sleep times, disturbances, wake times, naps, etc, for the purpose of identifying patterns
  • Use assessments like the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to track how severe the insomnia symptoms of users are and how they change over time
  • Includes relapse prevention content to help users handle setbacks and maintain improvements over time

Customer Score

Pricing (at the time of writing)
  • CBT-I is free

Personal Opinion
CBT-I Coach is an excellent tool for individuals looking to improve the quality of their sleep, especially under professional guidance. The structures set up in the app are solid, and the relapse prevention measure shows that the app is designed for long-term gain.
On the flipside, the app might feel too detailed for someone who just wants a simple sleep fix. Also, since it is made to support in-person therapy, users who use it solely as a self-help tool may find some aspects of the app useless.

Reviews
“Great and helpful tool
Easy to use and helped me discover and understand my sleep patterns, giving me insight into my behaviors. With the help of some good study and consulting with a sleep therapist, along with other good health practices, this app assists me in tracking, improving, and maintaining good sleep hygiene and better overall health. In my mid to late 50s, I’ve cultivated a more pleasant and less stressful life by giving up more abusive aerobic and anaerobic practices in favor of sustainable stretching and gardening, to include lots of push lawn mowing and weeding, augmented by seasonal yoga, golf, swimming, bicycling, and handyman work. The cumulative effect is increased flexibility and decreased wear and tear on tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, along with lower blood pressure and pulse rate. Quality sleep is a big part of my overall improved health: mental, physical, emotional.”

Rick Haupt


Best For
  • People diagnosed with or strongly experiencing insomnia, especially those working with a therapist or health provider
  • Individuals who want to rebuild their sleep habits and track their progress over time 
  • Individuals who appreciate science-based tools instead of fluff and who do not mind doing daily tracking or entering data.

Key Takeaways:
CBT Apps And Software

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people to identify and change unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

  • CBT apps bring therapy techniques to digital tools, offering exercises, journaling, habit tracking, and guided sessions through smartphones or computers

  • Core CBT methods used in apps include:
- Cognitive Restructuring: Process of reframing negative thoughts into a more balanced perspective
- Emotional Regulation – The development of coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and depression
- Behavioral Activation – Refers to the formation of healthy habits that ultimately help with avoidance and replace unhealthy routines
  • CBT apps support mental health by providing accessibility, flexibility, and structured support outside of therapy sessionsBenefits Of CBT Apps For

  • Well-being:
- Mood tracking & thought journaling
- Guided exercises for anxiety and depression
- Habit formation and behavioral activation
- Tools for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma recovery
  • Challenges Of CBT Apps:
- Privacy and data security concerns
- Engagement and consistency issues
- Device compatibility and accessibility
- Limitations compared to in-person therapy
  • While CBT apps are highly effective, especially for mild to moderate conditions like depression, severe mental health issues may still require professional therapy

  • Top CBT tools and software covered:
- Self-Help Apps: MindDoc, MindShift CBT, Youper, Clarity, Happify, What’s Up?
- Therapist Supported Tools: PsyTechVR, CBT-I Coach

How Long Before CBT Apps Show Results?

The time it takes to see results from CBT apps varies depending on the individual, the severity of symptoms, and how consistently the app is used. Most users notice small improvements, such as reduced stress levels and better awareness, within the 2nd to 4th week of consistent use. However, deeper changes in mood, behavior, or long-term coping strategies usually take up to 6 to 12 weeks, just as traditional CBT programs. There is no specific timeline. It is important to remember that results are gradual and build over time. The more you engage with journaling, guided exercises, and progress tracking, the faster you are likely to notice benefits.

Are CBT apps effective without a therapist?

CBT apps can help with mild-moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress. They help provide structured exercises, thought journaling, and behavior-tracking tools that help users apply CBT techniques in daily life. However, CBT apps are not a full treatment substitute for traditional CBT therapy in more complex and severe mental illness cases, such as PTSD or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – instead, they serve as complementary helping tools.

A balanced way to view the importance of CBT apps is to think of them as self-help tools that are great for building consistency, practicing coping strategies, and reinforcing positive habits, but not always enough when professional guidance is needed.

Do CBT apps work for all types of mental health issues?

No. CBT apps are mostly effective for common conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and even phobia-related triggers. They are mainly designed to help users challenge their negative thoughts, build healthier habits, and manage emotional responses. However, for more severe mental health issues like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or complex trauma, CBT apps alone may be unable to provide the level of support required. In cases like this, CBT apps are better used as complementary tools alongside professional therapy instead of a primary treatment option.

Are there free CBT apps that are worth using?

Yes. There are several CBT apps that offer free versions with surprisingly useful features such as mood tracking, guided exercises, and daily thought journals. While the premium subscriptions provide more advanced feature options, the free versions of apps like MoodTools, MindShift CBT, or What’s UP? can still provide good support for managing stress and negative thinking patterns.

When choosing CBT apps, it is important to explore what the free tier offers and check if it meets your current needs before deciding whether or not to invest in a paid plan.

Do CBT apps have progress tracking features?

Most CBT apps have progress tracking features. Progress tracking is one of the important ways through which CBT apps help users stay motivated and consistent. Tracking features like mood charts, daily thought journals, streak counters, or even reminders help to show the therapeutic journey of users over a period of time. With it, users are able to see their improvements, spot setbacks on time, and stay accountable to their mental health goals.

Are CBT apps covered by insurance?

Mostly, no. CBT apps are not typically covered by health insurance because many of them are categorized as wellness or self-help tools instead of formal medical treatments. However, there are exceptions. Some therapy platforms that integrate CBT-based apps with licensed professionals may be qualified for partial coverage, depending on your insurance provider and location.

To get more information about your CBT app coverage, you can always check directly with your insurer to see if digital mental health tools are included in your plan.

Are there any CBT apps with offline functionality?

Yes. While many CBT apps rely on an internet connection for syncing data or accessing premium content, there are some apps that provide offline functionality. Apps like MindShift CBT and MoodTools, for example, allow you to complete exercises, write in journals, or practice relaxation techniques – all without being connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

This feature is especially beneficial for people who travel frequently, have limited internet access, or prefer keeping their data stored locally for privacy.
Thanks for reading!
Inna Maltzeva
Chief Scientific Officer at PsyTechVR
Inna has a degree in psychology and linguistics, with her education being completed at the Moscow Psychological and Social Institute and the Moscow State Linguistic University. Her expertise was further advanced using specialized training in CBT, EMDR, and psychoanalysis, with credentials from various esteemed institutions: the European EMDR Association and the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Association of Saint Petersburg. The extensive professional experience has shaped her work in a significant manner, including both working as a clinical psychologist at MEDSI Clinical and Diagnostic Center in 2010s and also maintaining a thriving private practice afterward (with in-person and online therapy sessions).

Inna is the Chief Science Officer at PsyTechVR, standing at the forefront of integration between psychotherapeutic sessions and virtual reality environments. She has been invaluable in developing various VR-based technologies to improve the efficiency of emotional and cognitive training, considering the limitations of traditional exposure therapy. Her own research focuses on the utilization of immersive environments that can treat phobias, anxiety disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also works in tandem with a team of experts in their own fields, designing VR scenarios that can facilitate adaptive coping strategies in order to help each client manage their fears in a supportive and fully controlled environment.

Her own work in PsyTechVR extends far beyond traditional research since she also contributes to the creation of evidence-based therapeutic programs that are tailored to assist with different psychological conditions. She managed to play a substantial role in shaping VR applications in relaxation practices and anxiety disorder therapy, combining cutting-edge technology with various psychological principles.
Inna Maltseva is a psychologist and psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience in the fields of EMDR and CBT (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, respectively)

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