Mental Health Apps Gaining Popularity in India: Top 10 Platforms for Therapy and Wellness

From AI-powered chatbots to licensed therapist sessions, mental health apps are transforming how Indians access psychological support. Here's your complete guide.

Mental health awareness in India has reached a turning point. With 150 million Indians estimated to need mental health support, and only 9,000 psychiatrists available, technology is bridging the gap. Mental health apps have seen a 340% growth in downloads since 2020.

The Mental Health Crisis in Numbers

Top 10 Mental Health Apps in India

1. Wysa - AI-Powered Support

Rating: 4.8/5 (1M+ downloads) Founded: Bangalore, 2015

Features:

• AI chatbot available 24/7
• CBT-based exercises
• Mood tracking
• Sleep stories and meditation
• Human coach upgrade available

Pricing:

• Free: AI chatbot, basic tools
• Premium: ₹2,999/year (unlimited coaching)

Best For: Those hesitant to talk to humans, anxiety management

What Users Say: "The penguin (Wysa) doesn't judge. It's like having a patient friend at 3 AM."

2. YourDOST - Human Counselors

Rating: 4.5/5 (500K+ downloads) Founded: Bangalore, 2014

Features:

• Chat/call with certified counselors
• Corporate wellness programs
• Career guidance
• Relationship counseling
• Psychiatrist consultations

Pricing:

• Chat session: ₹250-500
• Voice call: ₹500-800
• Video session: ₹800-1,500
• Psychiatrist: ₹1,000-2,000

Best For: Those preferring human interaction, workplace stress

Partners: 500+ corporates including Flipkart, Infosys, IITs

3. Amaha (formerly InnerHour)

Rating: 4.6/5 (500K+ downloads) Founded: Mumbai, 2016

Features:

• Self-care programs (anxiety, depression, sleep)
• Therapy matching algorithm
• Progress tracking
• Psychiatry services
• Corporate solutions

Pricing:

• Self-care: Free
• Therapy session: ₹1,200-2,500
• Psychiatry: ₹1,500-3,000
• Subscription: ₹4,999/month (4 sessions)

Best For: Structured therapy approach, clinical conditions

Unique: Evidence-based programs designed by clinical psychologists

4. MindPeers

Rating: 4.7/5 (200K+ downloads) Founded: Delhi, 2020

Features:

• 3-minute therapist matching
• Audio/video sessions
• Corporate EAP programs
• Couple therapy
• Child psychology

Pricing:

• Therapy: ₹800-1,800/session
• Packages: ₹6,000 for 4 sessions
• Corporate: Custom pricing

Best For: Quick therapist matching, young professionals

Unique: Therapists rated and reviewed like Zomato restaurants

5. Practo Mind

Rating: 4.4/5 (Part of Practo app) Founded: Bangalore

Features:

• Integrated with Practo health platform
• Video consultations
• Prescription management
• Follow-up tracking
• Insurance integration

Pricing:

• Psychologist: ₹500-1,500
• Psychiatrist: ₹800-2,500
• Follow-up: Usually discounted

Best For: Those already using Practo, need prescriptions

6. Calm (International, Popular in India)

Rating: 4.8/5 (10M+ downloads globally)

Features:

• Meditation library (1000+ sessions)
• Sleep stories (narrated by celebrities)
• Breathing exercises
• Music for focus
• Masterclasses

Pricing:

• Free: Limited content
• Premium: ₹3,999/year

Best For: Meditation, sleep improvement, stress relief

Celebrity Narrators: Matthew McConaughey, Harry Styles, LeBron James

7. Headspace

Rating: 4.7/5 (5M+ downloads globally)

Features:

• Structured meditation courses
• SOS sessions for panic
• Sleep content
• Focus music
• Move (exercise)

Pricing:

• Free: Basics course
• Premium: ₹4,499/year
• Student: 50% discount

Best For: Meditation beginners, structured learning

8. Tele-MANAS (Government Initiative)

Rating: Free service Launched: 2022 by Ministry of Health

Features:

• Toll-free: 14416 or 1800-891-4416
• 24/7 availability
• 20+ regional languages
• Referral to district hospitals
• Follow-up calls

Pricing: Completely free

Best For: Those who can't afford paid services, rural areas

Coverage: All states with 700+ trained counselors

9. Cult.fit Mind

Rating: 4.5/5 (Part of Cult.fit)

Features:

• Meditation classes (live & recorded)
• Therapy sessions
• Sleep programs
• Corporate wellness
• Integrated with fitness

Pricing:

• Meditation: Included in Cult Pass (₹649/month)
• Therapy: ₹1,000-2,000/session

Best For: Fitness enthusiasts wanting holistic wellness

10. HealthifyMe Mind

Rating: 4.4/5 (Part of HealthifyMe)

Features:

• AI coach for emotional eating
• Stress management
• Sleep tracking
• Mood-food correlation
• Therapist consultations

Pricing:

• Included in HealthifyMe Pro: ₹3,999/year
• Therapy: Additional charges

Best For: Those linking mental health with physical health

Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right App

For Anxiety/Stress:

• Start with: Wysa (free AI) → Graduate to: Amaha or MindPeers

For Depression:

• Recommended: Amaha or YourDOST (human therapists essential)

For Sleep Issues:

• Start with: Calm or Headspace → Escalate to: Therapy if persistent

For Work Stress:

• Check if employer offers: YourDOST, MindPeers (many corporates subscribe)

For Students:

• Budget option: Tele-MANAS (free) or Wysa
• If affordable: Headspace (50% student discount)

For Couples:

• Recommended: MindPeers or Amaha (couple therapy options)

Red Flags: When Apps Aren't Enough

Seek in-person professional help if you experience:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Inability to perform daily tasks
• Substance dependency
• Severe panic attacks
• Psychotic symptoms

Emergency Helplines:

• iCall: 9152987821
• Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345
• NIMHANS: 080-46110007
• Tele-MANAS: 14416

Privacy and Data Security

The Verdict

Mental health apps are not replacements for severe clinical conditions but are excellent for:

• Building mental health habits
• Early intervention
• Maintenance between therapy sessions
• Those in areas without access to therapists
• Reducing stigma around seeking help

Start with free options, assess what works for you, and don't hesitate to upgrade to human therapists when needed. Your mental health is worth the investment.