Our methodology
How we review mental health apps
The mental health app space is full of affiliate-driven “reviews” that rank whoever pays best. Ours work differently. Here is exactly how we evaluate every product — and where our own conflicts of interest lie.
Our principles
Editorial and unsponsored
No company pays to be reviewed, to improve its rating, or to be ranked higher. We do not use affiliate links that influence scores. Ratings reflect our honest assessment of the product — nothing else.
We disclose our own product
Selfpause makes a wellness app focused on voice-recorded affirmations. Several products we review compete with us. Where that is true, the review says so plainly. We would rather you discount our opinion knowingly than trust it blindly.
Evidence tiers, stated honestly
We distinguish three levels and say which applies: clinically studied tools (validated in published research), evidence-informed tools (built on techniques like CBT but not themselves trialed), and wellness tools (no clinical claims). Marketing language never upgrades a product’s tier.
Privacy matters
Mental health data is among the most sensitive data there is. Where a product has a history of data-sharing problems or regulatory action, we report it factually in the review so you can weigh it yourself.
Wellness tools are not treatment
Every review carries the same reminder: apps can support wellbeing, but they are not a substitute for professional care. We never present an app as a treatment for a diagnosed condition, and we flag when a product’s own marketing blurs that line.
Pricing honesty
We report what a product actually costs to use meaningfully — including when a "free" app is really a paywall with a preview. Prices change often; every review shows the date it was last updated, and we verify pricing before bumping that date.
What every rating weighs
Content quality
Is the core content — sessions, exercises, conversations — genuinely good?
Habit & usability
Does the design help you keep using it, without dark patterns or shame mechanics?
Evidence
What level of research supports the product, honestly stated?
Value
Is the price fair for what you get, and is the free tier real?
Privacy & safety
How is your data handled, and how does the product behave around crisis situations?
Ratings are on a 5-point scale in 0.1 increments. A 4.5+ means we would recommend it without hesitation to the right person; below 3.5 means meaningful reservations. Reviews are re-checked and re-dated when products change pricing or features significantly.
If you are struggling: none of the products we review is a substitute for professional care. A licensed therapist or doctor can help you figure out what you need. If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency number — in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).