There are an estimated 10,000–20,000 mental health apps across major app stores, covering everything from stress management and sleep to therapy and peer support. But quantity doesn’t equal quality.
Research shows that only about 2–15% of these apps have any published evidence behind them. Many tools are developed by tech startups rather than mental health experts and are released quickly with little or no evaluation.
Mental health apps are not regulated by Health Canada or most international bodies unless they meet strict criteria for medical devices. That means developers can make strong claims about treatment or improvement without proving their app is safe or effective.
Bottom line: Mental health apps may be able to help, but users need to evaluate them carefully.
What Apps Can Do
Despite the crowded landscape, high-quality digital tools have demonstrated real benefits when grounded in evidence-based approaches:
- Skills-building: Apps based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or behaviour-change models may help users practice coping skills, regulate mood, reduce stress, or track patterns over time.
- Bridging care gaps: For people facing long waitlists, scheduling challenges, or other barriers, apps may offer an accessible way to engage in helpful techniques between appointments.
- Support for common conditions: Tools targeting anxiety, mild-to-moderate depression, sleep issues, and stress have shown the strongest results, especially if the app has been evaluated by a recognized organization such as the Mental health Commission of Canada
- Human involvement helps: Engagement improves when apps include peer support, coaching, or clinician dashboards. These added layers can support adherence and accountability.
Across studies, the clearest pattern is that apps work best as complements, not replacements, for professional mental health support.
When Apps Disappoint — or Cause Harm
Many apps promise far more than they deliver. Risks include:
- Unproven therapeutic claims: Some tools present themselves as “treatments” but rely on techniques that aren’t grounded in evidence or clinical frameworks.
- Poor data practices: Independent analyses show that many mental health apps share user data with 3rd party companies, often without clear consent.
- Outdated or inaccurate content: Crisis numbers, privacy policies, or safety resources may be old or invalid.
- Low usability: technical bugs, confusing layouts, or overly time-consuming features cause users to disengage before any benefit can occur.
- Popularity ≠ safety: High download numbers and ratings rarely correlate with privacy protections or clinical value.
How to Choose a Safe, High-Quality Mental Health App
1. Evidence & Credibility
Look for references to peer-reviewed research, pilot studies, or transparent links to actual research backing an app’s claims. Review the app developer’s background. Apps created by credible institutions—including hospitals, government entities and universities—are safer than anonymous companies.
2. Privacy & Security
Check when the app’s privacy policy was last updated. Try to avoid apps that ask you to provide sensitive information in order to start using the tool. Good apps have clear, plain-language privacy policies explaining:
- What data is collected
- Why it’s collected
- Where it’s stored
- Who it’s shared with
- How to delete it
3. Fit & Accessibility
Consider whether the app has features that match your needs, like mood tracking, grounding exercises, sleep support, or structured therapy skills. Look for inclusive language, multilingual content, and accessibility features. Take note of subscription fees or in-app purchases.
4. Usability & Engagement
Consistent engagement with the app may lead to better outcomes. Try the app regularly for two weeks to see whether it fits naturally into your routine.
5. Clinical Integration
Some apps allow you to export data like mood charts or sleep logs to share with your care team. Others offer coaching, peer support, or clear crisis instructions. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends evaluating these features for privacy, safety, and evidence checks. Start With Trusted, Independent App Libraries
These resources don’t endorse apps but summarize what’s known about the app’s safety, privacy, functionality, and evidence:
- MindApps (Digital Psych/MIND) – Search hundreds of apps based on privacy, features, clinical foundations, and evidence.
- APA Mental Health Apps Hub – A step-by-step evaluation model with printable worksheets.
- MHCC Assessed Mental Health Apps – Canadian-focused evaluations with criteria for equity and cultural safety.
- CAMH/Infoway Guide – Canadian context, “questions to ask,” and implementation tips.
- Kids Help Phone: Resources Around Me – A curated, youth-specific list evaluated using the APA framework.
Note: Some tools in international libraries may not be available in Canada or may require subscription fees.
Red Flags: When to Skip an App
Avoid apps that:
- Have no privacy policy, an outdated privacy policy, or vague language about what data is collected and with whom it is shared.
- Do not have mandatory entry of sensitive information without a clear purpose or option to opt-out.
- Do not offer the option to download or permanently delete your data if you no longer wish to use the app.
- Make over-the-top claims (“Cure anxiety in 7 days!”).
- Do not list contacts for crisis lines, such as 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline in Canada.
- Have hidden fees or auto-renewing trials.