Mental Health Apps Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Platform (Android, iOS) Application (Depression, Anxiety, CBT, DBT, Meditation, Stress) Patient (Adult, Children, Geriatric) End User (Home, Clinic, Hospital) - Global Forecast to 2031

The Mental Health Apps Market was valued at $0.7  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $2.85  billion by 2031, from an estimated $0.83  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 19.3% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Mental Health Apps Market Size & Forecast

The growth of this market is driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of mental illnesses, rising accessibility to the Internet, the growing number of smartphone users, a shortage of mental health professionals, and the rising awareness about mental health, driven by favorable public & private initiatives. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of digital therapeutics and the high level of personalization offered by mental health apps are expected to create market growth opportunities.

Mental Health Apps Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Mental Illnesses

According to the World Health Organization, mental health illnesses are on the rise globally, with common conditions including anxiety, clinical depression, and bipolar disorder. These issues can stem from various factors, including individual, family, community, and structural influences. Risk factors may include adverse childhood experiences, biological predispositions, stressful life events, and the presence of long-term physical conditions.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of mental illness. Measures such as social distancing, isolation, and disruptions to daily life, including school and workplace closures, have led to feelings of purposelessness and heightened anxiety about the state of the world. Many individuals, even those with previously robust mental health, have experienced challenges such as depression, stress, and anxiety during the pandemic, with lingering effects continuing to affect individuals today.

According to the WHO, approximately 1 billion people globally are living with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. Additionally, in 2022, 23.1% of people in the U.S. experienced a mental health condition (Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S.). Furthermore, in India, an estimated 60-70 million people suffer from common and severe mental disorders (source: WHO).

Furthermore, a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that nearly half of the world's population may develop at least one type of mental disorder by the age of 75. This growing prevalence of mental disorders, coupled with increasing awareness of treatment and management options, is expected to drive the adoption of mental health apps for treatment and management purposes.

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Rising Awareness About Mental Health, Driven by Favorable Public & Private Initiatives

Global initiatives are underway to raise awareness of mental health issues and improve access to mental health care and treatment. Governments and public organizations around the world are implementing various efforts to enhance access to mental health services. Some of these initiatives include:

• In October 2022, the government of India Launched the National Tele Mental Health Programme to improve access to quality mental health counseling and care services in the country. 

• In 2019, the WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 was extended to the year 2030 by the Seventy-second World Health Assembly. The aim of this action plan is mental health and well-being for all, to prevent mental health conditions for those at risk, and to achieve universal coverage for mental health services.

Such initiatives are expected to raise awareness and access to mental health care. This growing awareness is expected to ultimately drive the growth of the mental health apps market.

Mental Health Apps Market Trends

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Mental Health Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots are increasingly being integrated into mental wellness apps to provide users with personalized support, immediate responses, and 24/7 availability. These chatbots can offer a range of services, including mood tracking, mindfulness exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, and even crisis intervention. The use of AI allows for scalability and cost-effectiveness, making mental health support more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, AI-driven analytics enable app developers to gather valuable insights into user behavior and preferences, further enhancing the effectiveness of these mental health apps. Government institutions are taking steps to launch AI-based chatbots for mental health support. For instance, in March 2024, the U.K.'s National Health Service launched a chatbot called Wysa to assist with stress, anxiety, and depression management for both adults and teenagers.

Gamification of Mental Health Apps

Gamification involves integrating game-like elements, mechanics, and design principles into mental health apps to enhance user engagement and motivation. In mental health apps, gamification techniques can include:

Challenges and Goals: Users are presented with challenges or goals related to their mental health, such as completing a certain number of mindfulness exercises or achieving specific mood-tracking targets.

Progress Tracking: Apps may use progress bars, levels, or badges to visually represent users' progress and accomplishments, providing a sense of achievement and motivation to continue engaging with the app.

Rewards and Incentives: Users may earn virtual rewards, points, or virtual currency for completing tasks or reaching milestones within the app. These rewards can be used to unlock additional features, content, or customization options.

By integrating gamification elements, mental health applications aim to make the process of managing mental well-being more enjoyable, engaging, and sustainable for users. Gamification can help increase user retention, adherence to treatment plans, and the overall effectiveness of mental health interventions.

Mental Health Apps Market Opportunity

Increasing Popularity of Digital Therapeutics

Digital therapeutics (DTx) utilize wearable sensors, mobile applications, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to assist patients dealing with mental health issues. The increasing prevalence of diseases, the need to reduce healthcare expenditure, and the shortage of healthcare professionals have propelled the adoption of digital therapeutics. Digital therapeutics, which leverage software solutions and connected devices, are increasingly being used for disease management and treatment.

Furthermore, the increasing focus on self-testing for enhanced disease management contributes to the rising adoption of digital therapeutics. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the number of digital therapeutic platforms as patients sought alternatives to traditional healthcare settings. Digital therapeutics offer affordability, accessibility, convenience, and personalization while maintaining patient confidentiality, which is driving the demand for digital therapeutic applications for mental health issues. The growing demand for digital therapeutics and initiatives by companies to launch and obtain approvals for DTx solutions for mental health present opportunities for players in the mental health apps market. For instance, in July 2022, GAIA AG's (Germany) deprexis, an app for depression symptoms, was approved as a medical device by The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and can be reimbursed by statutory health insurance companies.

Mental Health Apps Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Platform: In 2024, the Android Segment to Dominate the Mental Health Apps Market

Based on platform, the market is segmented into Android, iOS, and other platforms. In 2024, the Android segment is expected to account for the largest share of 64.0% of the mental health apps market. This segment’s large market share can be attributed to the significantly larger number of Android users globally compared to iOS users. Additionally, the faster approval process of apps on Google Play Store compared to Apple’s App Store and the comparatively lower subscription rates for Android apps contribute to the growth of this segment.

However, the iOS segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate of 22.6% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing number of iPhone users worldwide. For instance, in the first quarter of 2024, Apple Inc. (U.S.) reported a revenue increase from iPhone sales, reaching USD 69.7 billion, compared to USD 61.57 billion in the first quarter of 2018 (Source: Business of Apps).

By Application: In 2024, the Depression & Anxiety Management Segment to Dominate the Mental health Apps Market

Based on application, the mental health apps market is segmented into depression & anxiety management, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, meditation management, stress management, and other applications. In 2024, the depression & anxiety management segment is expected to account for the largest share of 44.7% of the mental health apps market. This segment's large market share is attributed to the high prevalence of depression and anxiety worldwide. There has been an increase in depression and anxiety, with approximately 280 million people affected globally (Source: WHO). This rise can be attributed to various factors, including social, psychological, and biological influences.

However, the meditation management segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 20.4% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. This growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of meditation apps, driven by the growing need to prevent and manage mental illnesses at early stages. Moreover, the rising scientific research conducted to support the importance of meditation for mental well-being is expected to further propel the growth of this segment.

By Patient Type: In 2024, the Adults Segment to Dominate the Mental Health Apps Market

Based on patient type, the mental health apps market is segmented into adults, children, and Older Adults. In 2024, the adults segment is expected to account for the largest share of the mental health apps market. This segment’s large market share can be attributed to the high incidence of mental illness in adults, which can stem from various factors, including social, psychological, and biological influences. Furthermore, the increasing awareness of mental health issues and the decreasing stigma surrounding mental health in developed countries contribute to the large market share of this segment.

Moreover, the adults segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By End User: In 2024, the Home Care Segment to Dominate the Mental Health Apps Market

Based on end user, the mental health apps market is segmented into home care, hospitals, clinics, and other end users. In 2024, the home care segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. This segment’s large market share can be attributed to the growing awareness of mental health issues and the benefits offered by mental health apps. These apps offer therapeutic tasks and therapies that can be completed at home, providing comfort and familiarity to individuals with mental illnesses.

Moreover, the home care segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the confidentiality provided by health apps and the sense of safety and security provided by home environments in managing mental illness.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 37.2% of the mental health apps market. Moreover, in 2024, the U.S. is expected to account for the larger share of the mental health apps market in North America. This significant market share can be attributed to the widespread adoption of mental health apps in the U.S., driven by the high prevalence of mental health issues, high awareness regarding mental health conditions, and the increased adoption of digital health technologies.

However, the market in Asia-Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR of 20.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market can be attributed to supportive government initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being, a gradual increase in awareness of mental health issues, and rising disposable incomes in the region. Several mental health apps are being launched in Asia-Pacific countries. For instance, in 2022, the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (India) launched the Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System (MANAS) app for its medical students across 469 colleges. Despite these developments, the stigma surrounding mental disorders remains a challenge to market growth in Asia-Pacific.

Mental Health Apps Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios and geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past 3–4 years. The key players operating in the mental health apps market are Talkspace, Inc. (U.S.), BetterHelp (U.S.), Headspace Inc. (U.S.), Sanvello Health, Inc. (U.S.), ReachOut Australia (Australia), Calm.com, Inc. (U.S.), Twill Inc. (U.S.), Worry Watch (U.S.), Jade Lizard Software LLC (U.S.), Insight Network Inc. (U.S.), Aura Health (U.S.), MoodMission Pty Ltd (Australia), and Youper Inc. (U.S.).

Mental Health Apps Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In 2023, Big Health Inc. (U.S.), a digital therapeutics company that offers apps for mental health, acquired Limbix (U.S.), a creator of evidence-based digital therapeutic (apps) for teens and young adults with symptoms of depression.

• In 2021, Cognitive Apps Software (U.S.), a subsidiary of Life Clips, Inc. (U.S.), launched the Yuru 3-in-1 tool. This solution is designed to aid users in understanding and managing mental health.

• In 2021, Headspace, a meditation app, announced a merger with Ginger (U.S.), a mental health service provider.

Mental Health Apps Market Research Summary:

Key questions answered in the mental health apps market report: