Mental Health Apps Market — By Platform Type, By Revenue Model, By Application, By End Use, Global Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Mental Health Apps Market Size

The global mental health apps market size was valued at around USD 6.1 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 17.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The market growth can be attributed to the expansion of several factors such as internet and smartphone usage, increasing demand for wellness and self-care services, growing telehealth and remote mental health care services, and increasing rates of mental illnesses, among other reasons. Also, increasing acceptance and awareness, and the adoption of virtual therapy are some of the other crucial factors propelling market development.
 

Governments across the world are taking potential steps to limit the target population to mental health disorders. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set up a Mental health action plan 2013–2030 that focuses on providing appropriate intervention for people suffering with various mental disorders including depression. Further, several businesses have started corporate wellness initiatives in an effort to enhance the mental health and overall wellness of their workers.
 

 For instance, according to Fidelity Investments and Business Group on Health research, 78% of global employers now help employees improve their work–life balance, and 95% and mental health programmes in their corporate well-being platforms. These initiatives are being incorporated into such programs as a means of cost saving and efficient provisioning of the employees with mental health resources, stress relief aids, and other support services.
 

Mental health apps are mobile applications that offer help, resources, and features to manage one’s mental health and overall wellness. Users suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues will find various tools in apps meant to aid in coping with these problems. Mental health apps can be used on smartphones, tablets, computers, wearable devices, and various other devices.
 

Mental Health Apps Market Trends

• The world has seen a surge in mental health issues and disorders, stemming from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other stress-related disorders. In the U.S., there are reports from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) claiming that in the year 2021, roughly 57.8 million American adults (or 22.8%) suffered from some kind of mental health concern, with 5.5% of that population experiencing severe mental health issues.
   
• On the other hand, due to the rise of people-centric self-care, there are more and more individuals who actively partake in taking control of their mental health. Self-care is taken a step further in self-directed health management systems made possible with mental health applications that allow tracking of symptoms, practicing mindfulness, and learning coping mechanisms with ease.
   
• Further, self-care mental health applications are changing into FDA-approved digital modalities (DTx) for mental health disorders. Innovations like reSET and Somryst provide treatment for substance abuse disorder and sleeplessness using clinical psychotherapy. Also, the increase in available validated and licensed digital mental health solutions is boosting the credibility of healthcare practitioners and patients towards them. In 2024, the FDA approved 23 therapeutics for the digital treatment of mental health, which is a 40% increase from 2023. These shifts enhance the creation and acceptance of evidence based on mental health applications, thereby driving business expansion.
   

Mental Health Apps Market Analysis

Based on platform type, the market is categorized into iOS, android, and other platform type. The android segment is anticipated to reach USD 12.8 billion with a CAGR of 19.1% over the forecast timeline.
 

• The android platform offer developers can take advantage of the android platform’s open-source nature which provides unique features for varying user needs. Also, the android platforms enable integration with the entire ecosystem of Google services such as Google Play Store, Google Fit, or Google Assistant. For instance, in the year 2023, over 20,000 new mental health apps were uploaded onto the Google Play Store with a 25% increase in downloads compared to 2022. Such integrations improve the user experience and enable the apps to access data from other services to make informed recommendations.
   
• Similarly, according to Google’s Digital Wellbeing report, several people use mental wellness apps which are becoming more accurate and popular, partially due to Google Fit integration, which saw a 40% rise in connections to these apps in 2023.
   
• In addition, the popularity of android devices is not only in developed countries but also in developing countries that offer limited mental health resources. Therefore, mental health apps built on the android platform have the greatest reach even to the underserved populations SDK.
   

Based on revenue model, the mental health apps market is categorized into free apps and subscription-based. The free apps segment dominated the market in 2023 and was valued at USD 4.5 billion growing from USD 3.3 billion in 2021.
 

• The use of a few free mental health applications is beneficial to various users, including those who cannot afford premium apps or costlier therapeutic packages. This ensures that people from different economic classes have services available to them for assistance regarding their mental health problems.
   
• These free mental health apps are beneficial to users who do not want or are unable to pay for premium applications or therapy sessions. They eliminate the financial constraints associated with mental health support, which results in wider adoption and usage across various demographics.
   
• Furthermore, these applications also contribute significantly when it comes to creating awareness of mental health issues and reducing the stigma against mental illness by providing easily accessible assistance and support to the needy. It increases the level of understanding in seeking assistance whenever mental issues arise.
   

Based on application, the mental health apps market is categorized into depression and anxiety management, meditation management, stress management, wellness management, and other applications. The depression and anxiety management dominated the market in 2023 and was valued at USD 1.8 billion growing from USD 1.3 billion in 2021.
 

• Anxiety and depression are a few examples of mental health disorders that impact people across the globe. For instance, over 280 million people suffered from depression in 2021 according to WHO reports. Also, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that in 2022, 31.1% of adults in the U.S. suffered from anxiety disorders.
   
• The Department of Health and Human Services spent USD 35 million in 2023 for the expansion of mental health services. The American Psychological Association reported a 30% increase in the use of mental health applications between 2021 and 2023. This indicates that more people are open to utilizing these services as they seek to improve their mental health.
   
• Therefore, users are provided with evidence-based tools and interventions that easily help them manage anxiety and depression. These applications allow users to access mental health resources whenever there is a need, whether at home, during crisis moments, or even while on the move, thereby making it easier to adopt self-care routines.
   
• In addition, these applications allow the user to take active control over their mental health by managing symptoms and triggers on their own. They typically include psychoeducation, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) techniques, mindfulness exercises, stress management, and many other resources that allow users to improve their mental wellbeing independently.
   

Based on end use, the mental health apps market is categorized into home care settings, mental hospitals, and other end users. The home care settings segment held highest market share of 61.7% in 2023 and is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 18.1% over the forecast period.
 

• Mental health applications are an cost effective option for home healthcare that helps caregivers to provide extra support and resources for users without requiring expensive in-person visits. This not only lowers healthcare costs but also improves the effectiveness of home care programs.
   
• Also, mental health applications make it easy for caregivers to remotely monitor other people’s mental health, ensuring that they update on their progress, look out for new symptoms, and even give interventions when necessary.
   
• This type of monitoring is useful because it allows for changes in a person’s mental health to be picked up early before a crisis or hospitalization occurs. Therefore, the rising demand of these mental health applications will spur segmental growth.
   

The North America region dominated the global mental health apps market in 2023 with USD 3.5 billion growing from USD 3 billion in 2022.

• North America has seen a spike in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) claims that, an estimated 21.5% American adults grappled with some form of mental illness, which is about 53.2 million individuals in 2022. Between 2021 and 2023, the reported anxiety among adults grew from 36.4% to 41.5%, according to the CDC.
   
• In Canada, the Mental Health Commission reported that in 2023, 25% of persons aged 18 and above screened positive for depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The recognition of mental health challenges in this area has been growing, and so is the demand for effective treatment.
   
• Further, in the region, the acceptance of technology-based digital health solutions such as mental health apps, continues to grow among providers and users alike. As approaches towards digital health changes, more people are ready to adopt new tools that technology offers for mental health self-management.
   

Germany is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period in the Europe mental health apps market.
 

• Germany is currently experiencing a shortage of psychiatrists and therapists, which has resulted in long waiting times for in-person mental health care. According to the German Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists (BPtK), patients in 2023 faced an average wait of 142 days for psychotherapy, with some regions seeing delays of up to six months. For those who cannot secure timely appointments, mental health apps offer immediate and accessible support.
   
• By 2023, the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) had approved 33 Digital Health Applications (DiGA), with 8 specifically targeting mental health issues. The uptake of these digital mental health solutions surged by 47% from 2021 to 2023, as highlighted in the Implementation Report of the German Digital Healthcare Act (DVG). Services that incorporate self-help software, AI chat therapy, and online counseling are gaining traction, with over 2.8 million Germans utilizing mental health apps in 2023.
   
• In addition, these apps act as a quick and easy way for people all over the nation to get help, obtain information, and participate in activities that seek to improve their mental health. Therefore, everyone owning a smartphone, and the internet being readily available, people can easily install and use these mental health applications regardless of being outdoors or in the comfort of their homes.
   

China mental health apps market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness a high growth rate from 2024-2032.
 

• In China, there has been an increased emphasis on mental health as a result of urbanization, societal shifts, and modern-day stressors. In 2023, registries reported having 62,000 mental health professionals registered, compared to 40,000 in 2021. China’s government allocated USD 248.1 million towards the development of mental health infrastructure, an increase of 45% compared to their 2021 budget.
   
• Usage of digital mental health resources within China surged by a staggering rate of 78% from 2022 to 2023, with CiBai and KnowYourself providing services to over 12 million users by 2024. Growing understanding and recognition of the importance of mental health makes services like these necessary across the country.
   
• Henceforth, the Chinese government has and continues to provide full support to the development of mental health services. These strides include the greater adoption of new digital technologies, including mental health applications, in the processes of healthcare system reforms.
   

Mental Health Apps Market Share

The market is exceptionally competitive, owing to advancements in AI therapy, telehealth, and personalized mental health services. BetterSleep, Calm, Headspace Inc, and Sanvello Health are the leading brands in the market, controlling around 42% of the market share in total. These companies integrate meditation, stress management, sleep therapy, and CBT-based interventions to meet broad-ranging mental health needs. This space is increasingly competitive due to the proliferation of new digital therapeutics (DTx) solutions, AI chatbots, wellness apps, and strategic partnerships with providers, payers, and pro-tech companies. Other local players and new entrants are also emerging in the industry offering affordable, culturally relevant therapies, which further changes the market.
 

Mental Health Apps Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the mental health apps industry include:

• 7 cups of Tea
• BetterSleep
• Calm
• Fabulous
• Headspace Inc.
• Mindscape
• MoodMission Pty Ltd.
• Relax
• Sanvello Health
• Woebot
• Youper, Inc.
   

As the go-to platform for mental well-being, Headspace offers guided sessions for stress relief, sleep improvement, and enhanced focus. Their program is reputed for its meditation and mindfulness exercises Headspace backs with research.
 

Calm, too, has built reputation for analyzing its users’ anxiety levels and guided meditations and stories. It features an extensive library of sleep stories and regulated techniques to help manage anxiety and bolster mental resilience.
 

Mental Health Apps Industry News:

• In August 2023, Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions and Wysa launch first insurance-specific mental health app, Wysa Assure, an AI-based mental health support app. The app is designed to measure an individual's risk score and meet the needs of insurers and their customers. This development enabled the company to develop similar products to cater for a wide range of patient population, thereby improving their industry reputation in the coming years.
   
• In October 2022, Calm launched its clinical mental health offering, Calm Health. It is a subscription-based app focused to provide condition-specific programs specially designed to “bridge the gap between mental and physical healthcare'. This product launch has improved the company’s product portfolio and sales generating prospects.
   

The mental health apps market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Platform Type

• iOS
• Android
• Other platform type

By Revenue Model

• Free apps
• Subscription-based

By Application

• Depression and anxiety management
• Meditation management
• Stress management
• Wellness management
• Other applications

By End Use

• Home care settings
• Mental hospitals
• Other end users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE