Mobile apps bridge the time patients spend in the therapist’s office with the time when they have only themselves to rely upon. What then would serve as a better soother than the ubiquitous smart phone that is never more than a few feet away from its owner? Apps can help patients with many different problems, such as anxiety, nicotine dependence, and even drug addiction.
In general, mental health apps are like mobile journals. They help users track moods, thoughts and events, helping them to relate experiences to the therapist when they return to the office. These apps also help patients reflect on their experiences in a more concrete way, giving them a solid record to go by.
Therapists are benefiting from these apps as well. They find the apps give them extra information about the patient’s life when not in session. He calls it “a therapist in your pocket.”
Researchers are discovering that stress is a killer. It plays a role or is responsible for myriad medical disorders. Stress apps are important to any one’s health, but can be especially helpful for those suffering from high blood pressure, mental health disorders and heart conditions. Stress apps offer breathing exercises, visualizations and other strategies for reducing tensions. Some of the most popular stress apps are:
- Mobile Therapy
- Relax & Rest Guided Meditations
One of the most helpful treatments for anxiety includes CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Apps can help patients track their thoughts moods and experiences and gain more insight into their anxiety triggers. CBT apps act as coaches, helping patients to turn negative thoughts into positive statements. By having a record of mood changes, patients can connect cause and effect, building self-awareness. This puts them in control of their emotions, instead of letting their emotions control them. Popular CBT / Anxiety apps include:
- CBT Clam
For some, a mobile app can be the extra motivation they need. Working with a counsel helps, but an app can make treatment more effective. Apps can help quitters celebrate accomplishments by showing how long it has been since they last smoked and how much money they saved on the cost of cigarettes. Some apps helps smokers gradually lesson the number of cigarettes they smoke by setting increasing timers for between cigarettes. Others simply help users track the number and timing of their smoking throughout the day. Useful apps include:
- Since iQuit
Apps can help patients recovering from drug addiction in several ways. Some apps include support for 12-step programs while others use cognitive therapy, affirmations or mediation. Each of these types of apps can be useful in its own way. The most useful addiction apps are:
- Pocket Sponsor
- Anne- 12 Step Program Apps
Jessica Bosari writes for TherpistSchools.com. The site helps students find the right schools and answer questions about relational therapy salaries, behavioral therapy schools and more.