15 Best Psychology Apps for Students, Clinicians & Self-Help 2025
Psychology students and mental health professionals can benefit from evidence-based apps like PTSD Coach (VA-developed for trauma management), AnkiMobile (spaced-repetition studying for EPPP prep), and MindShift CBT (anxiety management with CBT tools). For research, Zotero handles citations and annotations, while apps like Sanvello and NOCD offer specialized support for anxiety, stress, and OCD with clinical backing.
Whether you're studying for the EPPP, managing clinical cases, or supporting your own mental health during demanding graduate programs, the right mobile tools can make a significant difference. From neuroanatomy visualizations to evidence-based therapy companions, online psychology degree students and professionals now have access to dozens of apps designed with clinical rigor and educational value.
This guide highlights 15 credible, evidence-informed apps across three categories: clinical practice and self-help tools, student learning resources, and research management. We've prioritized apps with institutional backing, peer-reviewed evaluations, or established clinical use to ensure they meet professional standards for accuracy and safety.
Table of Contents
Mental health apps can be helpful supplements but are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you're in crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or visit your nearest emergency room. When in doubt, consult a licensed clinician. We prioritize apps with clear institutional backing, research citations, or established clinical use.
Psychology Apps: At-a-Glance Comparison
| App | Best For | Platforms | Cost | Credibility / Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTSD Coach | PTSD education and coping tools | iOS, Android | Free | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and DoD |
| CBT-i Coach | Insomnia skills training (CBT-I) | iOS, Android | Free | VA and Stanford collaboration |
| PE Coach 2 | PE therapy companion (with clinician) | iOS, Android | Free | VA National Center for PTSD |
| MindShift CBT | Anxiety management | iOS, Android | Free | Anxiety Canada; evidence-based CBT strategies |
| Sanvello | Stress, anxiety and mood | iOS, Android | Freemium | Peer-reviewed evaluations; formerly Pacifica |
| Wysa | Guided self-help and AI support | iOS, Android | Freemium | FDA Breakthrough Device designation (specific indication) |
| NOCD | OCD care and ERP with specialists | iOS, Android | Paid / Insurance | ERP-focused platform; clinician-delivered care |
| MindDoc | Mood tracking and guided programs | iOS, Android | Freemium | Transdiagnostic, evidence-informed modules |
| Daylio | Mood and habit tracking | iOS, Android | Freemium | Widely used; simple adherence-friendly design |
| How We Feel | Emotion labeling and reflection | iOS, Android | Free | Conceived with Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence |
| 3D Brain | Neuroanatomy learning | iOS, Android | Free | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center |
| AnkiMobile | Spaced-repetition study (EPPP, courses) | iOS (AnkiDroid on Android) | Paid (iOS) | Evidence-based SRS method; huge deck ecosystem |
| Zotero | Research capture and citation | iOS | Free | Open-source standard for academic work |
| Read by QxMD | Clinical literature discovery | iOS, Android | Free | Institutional access to journals; clinician reviews |
| Popplet | Concept maps and study planning | iOS, Web | Paid (iOS) / Free tier (Web) | Visual cognition and organization support |
Pricing and availability can change. Always verify current details in your app store.
How to Choose a Psychology App
Not all psychology apps are created equal. With thousands available in app stores, finding tools that meet professional standards requires careful evaluation. Here's what to look for:
Credibility First
Prioritize apps from universities, hospitals, government agencies, or companies with published evidence and clear clinical advisors. Apps developed by institutions like the Department of Veterans Affairs, academic medical centers, or established mental health organizations typically undergo more rigorous vetting than commercial alternatives.
Privacy Matters
Review data practices and permissions before downloading. Mental health apps collect sensitive information, so check whether data is encrypted, who can access it, and how long it's retained. Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions or share data with third-party advertisers without clear disclosure.
Usability Wins
The best app is the one you'll actually use. Simple workflows often outperform feature-heavy alternatives. Look for intuitive interfaces, clear navigation, and tools that integrate smoothly into your daily routine or clinical workflow.
Safety Considerations
For conditions like PTSD, OCD, depression, or suicidality, seek licensed care first and use apps as supplements to professional treatment. Apps can't replace the clinical judgment, safety planning, and therapeutic relationship provided by trained mental health counselors and psychologists.
Apps for Clinicians and Evidence-Based Self-Help
These tools support clinical practice and patient care, offering evidence-based interventions that complement traditional therapy. Many were developed in collaboration with major medical institutions and have been evaluated in peer-reviewed research.
PTSD Coach
Best for: Education, self-assessment, and coping tools for PTSD
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Built by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Defense, PTSD Coach provides psychoeducation about trauma responses, self-assessment tools, and evidence-based coping strategies. The app includes grounding exercises, relaxation techniques, and resources for connecting with support services.
While PTSD Coach isn't a substitute for therapy, it serves as a valuable companion tool for individuals working through trauma. Crisis links are built in, and content is regularly updated to reflect current treatment guidelines.
CBT-i Coach
Best for: Insomnia (CBT-I) skills training and sleep diary
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Co-developed by the VA and Stanford University, CBT-i Coach aligns with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia protocols. The app includes sleep restriction guidance, stimulus control techniques, and a detailed sleep diary that integrates with Apple Health and Fitbit.
CBT-I is one of the most evidence-based treatments for chronic insomnia, and this app makes the core techniques accessible. It's particularly effective when used alongside clinician support but also provides value for self-guided sleep hygiene improvement.
PE Coach 2
Best for: Patients receiving Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Designed explicitly for in-treatment use, PE Coach 2 helps patients complete prolonged exposure therapy homework assignments. Features include controlled breathing exercises, session recording capabilities, and tools for tracking exposure exercises between therapy sessions.
This app requires coordination with a trained PE therapist. It's not meant for independent use but rather as a structured support tool for an evidence-based treatment protocol.
MindShift CBT
Best for: Anxiety management for youth and adults
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Created by Anxiety Canada, MindShift CBT offers cognitive behavioral therapy tools in a user-friendly interface. The app includes thought records, exposure ladders, relaxation exercises, and psychoeducation about different anxiety disorders.
What sets MindShift apart is its focus on actionable strategies rather than passive tracking. Users learn to identify cognitive distortions, challenge anxious thoughts, and gradually approach feared situations through structured exposure exercises.
Sanvello
Best for: Anxiety, stress and mood management with self-guided CBT
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Freemium
Formerly known as Pacifica, Sanvello combines mood tracking, guided journeys based on CBT and mindfulness, and peer support communities. Paid tiers add coaching and therapy options, though the free version provides substantial value.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have evaluated Sanvello's effectiveness, with research published in journals like JMIR Mental Health. The app's comprehensive approach addresses anxiety and depression through multiple evidence-based modalities.
Wysa
Best for: Guided self-help conversations and CBT techniques
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Freemium
Wysa uses conversational AI to deliver evidence-based mental health support. The app guides users through CBT exercises, mindfulness practices, and mood tracking with an empathetic chatbot interface. Optional human coaching is available in paid tiers.
Wysa has earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation for a specific clinical indication and has been studied in peer-reviewed research. While AI can't replace human therapists, Wysa provides accessible support between sessions or for those not yet ready for traditional therapy.
NOCD
Best for: Evidence-based OCD treatment via Exposure and Response Prevention
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Paid sessions; often insurance-eligible
NOCD specializes in exposure and response prevention therapy, the gold-standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The platform connects users with licensed therapists trained specifically in ERP, provides between-session tools, and offers community support from others managing OCD.
Unlike general mental health apps, NOCD's singular focus on ERP ensures clinicians have specialized expertise. The app includes exposure tracking, ritual logging, and progress monitoring tools designed specifically for OCD symptom management.
MindDoc
Best for: Mood tracking with transdiagnostic, evidence-informed programs
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Freemium
MindDoc combines longitudinal symptom tracking with structured therapeutic programs. The app monitors mood patterns over time and provides guidance on when a professional evaluation might be warranted. Educational modules use evidence-based approaches to address depression, anxiety, eating concerns, and stress.
The transdiagnostic design recognizes that mental health concerns often overlap. MindDoc's assessments help users understand their symptom patterns and make informed decisions about seeking care.
Daylio
Best for: Ultra-fast mood and habit tracking with high adherence
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Freemium
Daylio's strength lies in its simplicity. Users log moods with icon taps rather than lengthy written entries, making daily tracking effortless. The app generates clear charts showing mood patterns alongside activities, helping identify triggers and positive influences.
For busy students managing demanding schedules or clinicians tracking personal well-being, Daylio's minimal-friction design supports consistent use. The visual data format makes patterns immediately apparent.
How We Feel
Best for: Emotion labeling, reflection, and identifying triggers
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Conceived in collaboration with Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence, How We Feel helps users develop emotional vocabulary and awareness. The app guides emotion naming using a research-based framework, tracks patterns, and offers science-backed strategies for emotion regulation.
Building emotional granularity—the ability to identify and label specific emotions—improves emotion regulation and psychological flexibility. How We Feel makes this skill development accessible and trackable.
Apps for Students and Learners
Whether you're working through undergraduate psychology courses, preparing for graduate school, or studying for licensure exams, these apps support active learning and knowledge retention.
3D Brain (CSHL)
Best for: Neuroanatomy exploration with functions, disorders, and case studies
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center, 3D Brain offers an interactive tour of brain structures. Each region includes information about function, associated disorders, and relevant case studies. Users can rotate the 3D model, zoom into specific areas, and explore how damage to different regions affects behavior and cognition.
For students in neuropsychology, biological psychology, or clinical programs, this app transforms static textbook diagrams into dynamic, memorable learning experiences. It's equally valuable in classroom settings and independent study.
AnkiMobile / AnkiDroid
Best for: Spaced-repetition studying for EPPP terms, research methods, and course material
Platforms: iOS (paid), Android (free via AnkiDroid) | Cost: iOS paid; Android free
Anki uses spaced repetition algorithms to optimize long-term retention. The system presents flashcards at scientifically-determined intervals, strengthening memory just before forgetting occurs. Students can create custom decks or download shared decks covering everything from DSM criteria to statistical concepts.
For EPPP preparation, Anki decks cover all eight content domains. The active recall practice and spaced intervals produce significantly better retention than passive review. Many clinical psychology doctoral students credit Anki with their exam success.
Popplet
Best for: Concept maps, case formulation visuals, and research planning
Platforms: iOS, Web | Cost: Paid on iOS; free/basic on Web
Popplet creates visual concept maps that support systems thinking and complex relationship mapping. Students can diagram theoretical relationships, map case conceptualizations, plan research projects, or visualize interconnections between course concepts.
Visual organization tools like Popplet leverage spatial memory and help identify gaps in understanding. For courses requiring integration across multiple theories or planning comprehensive exams, these visual frameworks provide structure.
Apps for Research and Reading
Graduate students and researchers need efficient tools for managing literature, staying current with new findings, and organizing references. These apps streamline the research process.
Zotero (iOS)
Best for: Capturing articles, annotating PDFs, and generating APA citations
Platforms: iOS (syncs with desktop) | Cost: Free
Zotero is the gold-standard, open-source reference manager used throughout academia. The iOS app syncs seamlessly with the desktop version, allowing mobile capture of articles, PDF annotation, and citation generation in multiple formats, including APA 7th edition.
For thesis and dissertation work, Zotero's browser extension captures complete citation information with one click. The app's annotation tools support literature review organization, and the citation plugin integrates with Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Read by QxMD
Best for: Staying current with clinical literature and treatment guidelines
Platforms: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Read by QxMD personalizes topic feeds based on your interests and connects to institutional library access for one-tap PDF downloads. The app aggregates content from PubMed, major journals, and clinical guidelines, presenting new research in an easily scannable format.
For clinicians completing continuing education requirements or students working on literature reviews, Read by QxMD's intelligent recommendations helps identify relevant studies without manual database searches. The app also includes citation export to reference managers.
Safety, Privacy, and Data Considerations
Mental health apps collect sensitive personal information. Before downloading, take these precautions:
- Review privacy policies: Understand what data is collected, how long it's stored, and who can access it. Look for apps with clear data protection practices and minimal third-party sharing.
- Check permissions: Apps requesting access to contacts, camera, or location should justify why these permissions are necessary. Deny unnecessary permissions.
- Verify encryption: Apps handling health data should use encryption both during transmission and storage. Look for explicit statements about data security practices.
- Understand limitations: For serious mental health concerns, including PTSD, OCD, suicidality, or major depression, seek licensed professional care. Apps are supplemental tools, not replacements for therapy.
- Confirm current availability: App stores frequently update offerings. Verify availability and current pricing in your region before planning to use specific tools.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, don't rely on apps alone. Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or visit your nearest emergency department. For more information on choosing mental health apps, consult the American Psychological Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are psychology apps as effective as therapy?
No. While evidence-based apps can supplement treatment and provide valuable tools, they can't replace the therapeutic relationship, clinical judgment, and personalized care provided by licensed professionals. Apps work best as adjuncts to therapy or for skill-building between sessions.
Which apps are best for psychology graduate students?
AnkiMobile for spaced-repetition studying, Zotero for reference management, and 3D Brain for neuroanatomy are particularly valuable for graduate coursework. For EPPP preparation specifically, Anki decks covering all eight content domains receive consistently high marks from test-takers.
Do I need to pay for mental health apps?
Many high-quality apps, including PTSD Coach, CBT-i Coach, MindShift CBT, and Zotero, are completely free. Others like Sanvello and Wysa offer substantial functionality in their free tiers. Premium features typically add human coaching or advanced analytics, but aren't necessary for basic skill-building.
How do I know if a psychology app is credible?
Look for apps developed by universities, government agencies, established healthcare institutions, or companies with published peer-reviewed research. Check whether the app lists clinical advisors, cites evidence bases, and clearly states what it can and can't do. Be skeptical of apps making unrealistic claims or promising to "cure" conditions.
Can I use these apps if I'm not a psychology student?
Absolutely. While this guide targets psychology students and professionals, most apps serve broader audiences. MindShift CBT, Daylio, How We Feel, and similar tools benefit anyone interested in mental health, emotional awareness, or evidence-based coping strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize apps with institutional backing from universities, government agencies, or established healthcare organizations that demonstrate evidence-based approaches and clinical rigor.
- VA-developed apps including PTSD Coach, CBT-i Coach, and PE Coach 2 provide free, evidence-based tools for trauma and sleep management backed by extensive clinical research.
- For student success, AnkiMobile's spaced-repetition system significantly improves EPPP exam preparation and course material retention compared to passive review methods.
- Apps are supplements to professional care, not replacements. For serious mental health concerns like PTSD, OCD, or suicidality, work with licensed clinicians first.
- Review privacy policies before downloading. Mental health apps collect sensitive data, so verify encryption practices, data storage policies, and third-party sharing limitations.
- The most effective app is one you'll consistently use. Simple interfaces like Daylio often produce better outcomes than feature-heavy alternatives with lower adherence rates.
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