12 Chat Apps for Depression: Connect with Real People
By Matt RedererUpdated on August 16, 2024
When dealing with depression, many people struggle to find someone to talk to. It can be difficult and scary, especially with the amount of stigma and discrimination that still exists around mental health and mental illness. If this sounds like you, know that there are places you can turn when you are ready to open up.
There are many ways you can connect with others right on your smartphone. Whether you want to connect with people going through the same struggles, peers with lived experience, or a licensed professional, we have several apps that can help your voice be heard and get you encouraging support from people who care.
Keep reading to learn more about the different chat apps that are available. If you’d prefer to limit your search to apps that can connect you to a licensed professional, you can also check out our article covering the best therapy apps.
12 best chat apps for depression that connect you with real people
Regardless of where you are on your mental health journey, here are some apps that can help you talk to others.
1. 7 Cups
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free to chat, $150/month for licensed therapy
Who You Are Talking To: Community, Therapists
7 Cups is an anonymous chat app for depression and other mental health concerns that allows users to chat with others in various secure ways. Users can connect with each other and chat 1-on-1 or within chat rooms and community forums. The app also includes mindfulness exercises and can help users connect to a licensed therapist when they wish to seek professional help.
2. Therapeer
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, Private Rooms available for $4.99
Who You Are Talking To: Peer Supporters
Therapeer is a chat app for depression, anxiety, and other life struggles that aims to help users find emotional support from people that understand. The app allows users to connect with others that have lived through similar experiences and show support for one another. There’s also an option to open up a private room where experienced users can come show you support during your time of need.
3. BetterHelp
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: $40-$70/week
Who You Are Talking To: Therapist
BetterHelp is one of the top counseling apps for users who are looking for easy access to counseling. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, or life in general, you’ll be able to match with a therapist that will help you work through your situation. In addition to video and audio calls, the app includes a messaging option; perfect for those who would prefer to digitally chat with their therapist instead.
4. TalkLife
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, in-app purchases available
Who You Are Talking To: Community
TalkLife is a mental health community app that helps users share their feelings and communicate with other users. The app allows you to share exactly what’s on your mind while receiving and giving support for other people as well. It also allows you to filter posts so that you can connect with people that you’re most likely to bond with.
5. Talkspace
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: $65/week for individuals, $99/week for couples
Who You Are Talking To: Therapists
Talkspace is another popular counseling app that can help individual users and couples with any mental health or general life struggles. The app allows users to easily connect with a therapist who is a great match for their specific needs. It also uses a messaging platform so users may opt to have their sessions as a live chat instead of a video or audio call.
6. The Mighty
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free
Who You Are Talking To: Community
The Mighty is an online community for those who want to connect with others over their mental and physical health, making it one of the best apps to talk about depression. The app works like many social networks by allowing users to upload text and media posts as well as comment and like other users’ posts. It’s a great app for sharing your story and connecting with others over your experiences.
7. AbleTo
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, in-app purchases available
Who You Are Talking To: Community, Coaches, Therapists
AbleTo contains all the best features of mental health apps in one. It offers tools to manage your mental health including a mood tracker and coping exercises in order to help yourself work towards feeling better. Plus, it includes a community feature that allows you to interact with others with similar struggles and is currently rolling out coaching and therapy features.
8. Self-help App for the Mind (SAM)
Download It Now: Android
Cost: Free
Who You Are Talking To: Community
SAM is an app designed to help users overcome their anxiety while connecting with a community of people experiencing similar things. The app has tools to monitor your thoughts and behaviors and work through your anxieties with exercises. There’s also the “social cloud” feature that allows you to share your experiences and form bonds with others.
9. Teen Counseling
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: $40-$70/week
Who You Are Talking To: Therapist
Teen Counseling, also by BetterHelp, is a counseling app created specifically for teens who would benefit from talking to a licensed professional. The app allows teens to easily connect with a therapist and schedule sessions whenever and wherever. Like others, the app also has a messaging chat feature for those who would prefer to text over video and audio calls.
10. Moodtrack Social Diary
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, upgrade available for $0.99
Who You Are Talking To: Community
Moodtrack Social Diary is a mood tracking app that allows you to visualize your daily moods while sharing your experiences with others. The app has multiple tools that allow you to track your feelings and then identify present patterns. It also utilizes community chats so that users can encourage each other in their journeys.
11. ReGain – Relationship Counseling
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: $40-$70/week
Who You Are Talking To: Therapist
ReGain, part of the BetterHelp family of apps, is a counseling app that is specifically designed for those who would benefit from couples’ therapy. The app allows individuals and couples to easily connect with a licensed therapist who can help them with their relationship struggles. It also includes a secure messaging feature for those who would prefer to use that method of communication in their sessions.
12. Wysa
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free to use, $99.99/year for tools, $99.99/month for coaching and tools
Who You Are Talking To: AI chatbot, Coaches
Wysa is a great option for those who want to talk about their depression, anxiety, stress, or daily lives, but aren’t ready to talk to a real person. The app introduces users to Wysa, a friendly penguin who will chat with you daily and even use your interactions to track your mood and help you feel better. When users are ready, the app will help them connect with a licensed therapist.
Those are some of the best chat apps for depression. We hope you’ll be able to use these to connect with others and share what’s on your mind with someone who cares. If you want to explore other options, check out our articles on the best apps for depression.
Please remember: if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.