With mental health awareness on the rise, more and more resources are available to help people who are struggling with their mental health. Just as important and beneficial it is to look after our physical health, the good health of our mental and emotional state is also vital in ensuring our general wellbeing.
However, there still remains a certain stigma and difficulty in seeking for professional help when it comes to our mental health. Thanks to the advancement of technology, these resources are right at our fingertips through our smartphones. Whether you’re shy or you have limitations in seeking help, you can choose to use these mental health mobile apps to receive one-on-one consultations, coaching, motivation and mental wellness tips and techniques.
Please take note that these mental health mobile apps are suitable in assisting with life challenges such as stress, family/relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, etc. However, they are not able to provide a diagnosis or prescription. If you are in crisis or in need of psychiatric evaluation, please seek help from a health provider near you.
Without further ado, here are 3 mental health mobile apps that you can access on your phones without even stepping out of your home.
1) Thoughtfull
Founded by Joan Low in 2018, Thoughtfull hopes to fill in the gap of mental health treatment modes in Malaysia. Having been a caregiver herself for her family member who suffered from mental disorder, she left her high-paying job in JPMorgan Chase & Co in Hong Kong and returned to Malaysia to start this new venture.
Paired with her personal experience and input from mental health professionals, Thoughtfull came about as an education outreach platform. I have personally attended one of their free community events – Dance Movement Therapy session to learn how dance can help with mental wellness.
Thoughtfull Chat was later developed to help users connect with certified mental health professionals (counsellors, psychologists, or psychiatrists) through a monthly subscription basis. Users can message their Thoughtfull Professional at any time of the day and the Professional will respond within the day if they are not able to respond immediately. The Professional will also check-in with the users daily. The subscription pricing is at RM199 per month but there is a discount if you opt for 3- or 6-month billing cycles.
Download it on App store or Google Play store.
Visit their website here.
2) PlusVibes
With the aim of becoming a one-stop-centre for all things mental health and wellbeing, Madiha Faud (Maddy) founded the mobile app in 2020. She was inspired by her own struggles with depression and the struggles of those who were suffering silently especially during the pandemic.
In addition to an in-app chat service that users can use to talk to qualified volunteers (they are called Vibers), the app also contains a wide collection of articles, videos and activities that cater to health topics such as anxiety, family, leadership, self-development, self-love and more.
The great thing about PlusVibes is that it is free for all to use. Features such as online chatting with Vibers, motivational and relaxation content are free to use. You don’t have to worry about your safety either when chatting – all chats are anonymous and will be deleted within 24 hours.
Subscription plans are available for users who want to schedule an appointment with a therapist, receive data analytics, and participate in monthly questionnaires to assess their mental health.
Download it on App store or Google Play store.
Visit their website here.
3) The Help Talk
Launched in 2017, The Help Talk was founded by clinical psychologist Alvin Tan along with co-founders Allen and Jasmine whom he met in a boot camp. Despite having his own practice, Alvin felt that his services weren’t reaching out to the people he thought needed them the most.
Many were not able to afford to continue their counselling sessions as one session can cost RM200 and above for 1 hour. With his co-founders who shared the same vision of increasing the availability of counselling services, The Help Talk charges RM192 per month and users can message their personal therapist without any limit.
All you have to do is fill up a simple questionnaire and you will be matched to your own therapist. The therapist will respond once to two times a day. Once you feel that your matter has been resolved, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
Download it on Google Play store.
Visit their website here.
