Digital Behavioral Activation App Shows Depression-Fighting Potential

https://alert.psychnews.org/2025/04/digital-behavioral-activation-app-shows.html

The app used in this trial was Moodivate, which enables users to set goals across certain life areas as well as measurable activities to reach a goal.

https://www.behavioralactivationtech.com/apps/moodivate

Behavioral activation apps for mental health. (ChatGPT, 2025-4-15)

Behavioral Activation Apps for Depression and Anxiety

Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based therapy approach that combats depression (and often anxiety) by encouraging engagement in positive, meaningful activities . In recent years, several mobile apps have been developed to deliver BA strategies and other cognitive-behavioral techniques to users in an accessible way. (Notably, one such app is Moodivate, a BA app shown to reduce depressive symptoms in trials , but we will exclude Moodivate here to focus on alternative options.) Below, we explore a range of BA-inspired mental health apps for depression or anxiety, detailing their platforms, features, clinical/research use, cost, and any therapist integration. A comparison table is provided, and the most evidence-based or professionally recommended apps are highlighted.

MoodTools

MoodTools is a free, research-informed self-help app for depression available on both iOS and Android . It was designed in collaboration with mental health professionals and packages several evidence-based tools for mood improvement . Key features include:

• Platforms: iOS and Android .
• Key Features: A Behavioral Activation Activities tool (suggests positive activities and tracks mood before/after) , a cognitive Thought Diary for challenging negative thinking, a PHQ-9 Depression Test for symptom tracking, a Safety Plan for suicidal crises, educational information, and curated uplifting videos . These tools help users regain energy and counter negative moods using proven CBT methods (e.g. BA therapy in the Activities section) .
• Clinical/Research Use: MoodTools incorporates research-supported techniques and is a non-profit project. While no formal RCT has been published on MoodTools itself, its components (like BA and thought records) are evidence-based. The app is widely recommended as a self-help adjunct; for example, it’s listed by health organizations (including NHS resources ) and APA publications as a top CBT app for depression. Its design and updates reflect clinical expertise, lending it credibility as an evidence-informed tool.
• Cost: Completely free, with no ads or subscription fees . (It may offer an optional in-app purchase or donation, but all core features are free.)
• Therapist Integration: There is no dedicated clinician dashboard. However, data sharing is possible in practice – users can export or show their PHQ-9 results, activity logs, or thought diary entries to their therapists. Many clinicians recommend MoodTools to clients and may review the app’s homework (e.g. thought records) during sessions, integrating it informally into therapy.

MoodMission

MoodMission is a goal-oriented app grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (including BA techniques) to help users cope with low mood, anxiety, or stress . It provides “missions” – small tasks or activities – tailored to how the user is feeling. Key details include:

• Platforms: iOS and Android (available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play) .
• Key Features: Upon rating your mood or anxiety level, MoodMission suggests a personalized list of 5 “missions” – quick, evidence-based activities you can do to improve your mood . These missions span various techniques (mindfulness meditations, short exercises, relaxation, positive affirmations, behavioral activation tasks, yoga exercises, gratitude practices, etc.) . Completing missions earns in-app rewards and achievement badges, introducing a gamified incentive to motivate use . The app also keeps a log of missions done and learns which strategies work best for you over time .
• Clinical/Research Use: MoodMission is one of the most evidence-backed depression/anxiety self-help apps. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that using MoodMission led to improvements in mental health and well-being . In fact, multiple studies (Bakker et al. 2018, 2019) have validated MoodMission’s efficacy . This level of RCT support is rare among mental health apps, highlighting MoodMission as a standout evidence-based option. Clinically, it is used in research settings and recommended by psychologists as a practical way for clients to practice coping skills between sessions.
• Cost: Free to download and use the basic functionality . It offers in-app purchases; for example, there may be a one-time upgrade or optional purchases for additional missions or to support the developers. However, all essential features (mission suggestions, tracking, etc.) are accessible without payment .
• Therapist Integration: There isn’t a built-in clinician monitoring system. Even so, therapists can integrate MoodMission into treatment by assigning missions as homework and reviewing a client’s mission log or mood changes. The app’s personalized mission reports (and the fact that it is grounded in CBT) make it relatively easy for a clinician to align the app’s tasks with therapeutic goals. MoodMission is primarily a self-help tool, but its strong evidence base and structured activities make it a trusted recommendation by many mental health professionals.

Mood Coach

Mood Coach is a mobile app developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver behavioral activation to users – originally intended for Service members and Veterans with depression or PTSD . It guides users to “learn and practice Behavioral Activation” in a structured way . Key points:

• Platforms: iOS (iPhone/iPad). As of the latest update, Mood Coach is available for Apple devices (it is a free download on the iOS App Store) . (No Android version has been released by the VA, so Android users cannot access Mood Coach as of now.)
• Key Features: Mood Coach helps users boost their mood through positive activities. Users create a personalized one-week activity plan by selecting important life value areas (e.g. family, health, work, leisure) and then scheduling enjoyable or meaningful activities in each area . The app includes: an Activity Scheduler (“My Plan”) with a calendar of planned activities, an Activity Log to track completed activities and progress, a daily mood rating tool (0–10 scale with a mood history graph) , educational modules about depression, PTSD and BA (“Learn” section), a built-in depression symptom assessment (PHQ-9 questionnaire with tracking over time) , and a “Get Support Now” safety resource list . It also provides sliders to rate each activity’s fun, difficulty, and importance, helping users reflect on the reward value of the activity . Overall, Mood Coach essentially translates the core components of brief BA therapy (psychoeducation, values-based activity planning, self-monitoring, and mood tracking) into an interactive app format .
• Clinical/Research Use: Mood Coach was developed by the VA’s National Center for PTSD with clinical guidelines in mind . BA is endorsed as a first-line treatment for mild-moderate depression in the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines , so the app serves as a self-help adjunct or after-care tool for veterans receiving therapy . While Mood Coach itself hasn’t (publicly) undergone RCTs, it is grounded in an evidence-based intervention (BA) and underwent usability testing within VA populations. In practice, VA clinicians may encourage patients to use Mood Coach between therapy sessions to reinforce BA skills . Its use is mostly within clinical settings (VA hospitals, veteran clinics) or by individuals familiar with VA mental health resources, though it is available to the general public as well.
• Cost: Free. Mood Coach costs nothing to download or use . It was funded by the VA and contains no in-app purchases or ads.
• Therapist Integration: There is no real-time clinician portal. However, Mood Coach is explicitly designed to augment face-to-face care . Users can share their weekly activity plans, PHQ-9 scores, or mood logs with therapists during therapy. Many of the concepts (like identifying life values and scheduling activities) are therapist-friendly; a clinician can easily review the app’s plan on the patient’s phone or discuss progress (the app’s “My Plan History” and mood charts) in session. In summary, integration is informal but encouraged – the app is often recommended by clinicians as a supplement to BA therapy, especially in the veteran population.

The Guardians: Unite the Realms

The Guardians: Unite the Realms (also referred to as Paradise Island in newer versions ) is a novel gamified behavioral activation app. It’s presented as a free mobile role-playing game that rewards users for completing real-life activities that benefit their mental health . Key details include:

• Platforms: Mobile game available on iOS and Android. (The app is publicly released and free-to-play, designed to run on most smartphones .) Users download it like any game from the app stores – no special hardware needed.
• Key Features: The Guardians ingeniously turns BA into a motivating fantasy game. Each day, the app prompts users with suggested “real-life adventures” – i.e. simple positive tasks based on BA therapy (like taking a walk, calling a friend, doing a hobby) . When the user completes a real-life activity and reflects on how it made them feel (the core BA process) , the game rewards them with immediate in-game rewards such as points, virtual pet upgrades, and unlocking game content . The game’s storyline involves collecting and training cute pet companions to save an island from evil, and the only way to progress in the game is by doing the real-world therapeutic activities and logging them . This design leverages the fact that people with depression can be as engaged by video games as anyone – by providing fun incentives, it gives users “the kick you need” to overcome low motivation and perform healthy activities . The Guardians thus features daily quests (real-world tasks), a reflection journal, levels and achievements, and a rich game environment to maintain user engagement far better than typical health apps.
• Clinical/Research Use: The Guardians is the product of an MIT Media Lab project in collaboration with clinical psychologists . The BA content was developed with a Harvard clinical researcher to ensure therapeutic fidelity to evidence-based BA techniques . Initial research on the app is very promising: in a study of over 7,000 users, The Guardians achieved more than 2.5× the long-term retention of typical mental health apps and even ranks in the top 15% of all mobile games for retention . Importantly, on 72% of days that people played, they also completed a real-life BA task; and in over 80% of those instances the activity improved the user’s mood . A 2024 pilot trial focusing on perinatal depression found high user satisfaction and mood improvements associated with using The Guardians . While still relatively new, it is considered a credible, innovative intervention that could increase engagement in BA, and it even won the 2021 Fast Company “Innovation by Design” award in wellness . Clinically, The Guardians is being studied as a self-help tool (for example, a trial for pregnant women with depression ), but is not yet standard in clinics. Therapists, however, have noted its potential and may recommend it to younger clients or those drawn to gaming, to bolster activity scheduling adherence.
• Cost: Completely free. The developers explicitly note it is “an entirely free mobile game” with no paywalls . Unlike typical games, it does not push in-app purchases or ads; the reward system is purely about mental health activities. This makes it accessible to all users without financial barrier.
• Therapist Integration: Currently, The Guardians does not have a clinician dashboard or data-sharing feature. Its primary use is self-guided. However, a therapist could incorporate it informally by encouraging a client to try it and discussing the types of activities the game recommends. Because the app focuses on reflection after each task, users could bring those reflections or any noted mood changes into therapy discussions. Given its early stage, formal integration is minimal – but its strong engagement might help clients stick to the BA homework that therapists assign. As research evolves, The Guardians could become a widely recommended adjunct for those who find traditional apps unstimulating.

MoodKit

MoodKit is one of the earliest comprehensive CBT apps for mood improvement, developed by two clinical psychologists. It’s based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles and includes a significant behavioral activation component. MoodKit aims to help users “apply effective strategies of professional psychology to your everyday life” . Details include:

• Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch). (Historically, MoodKit has been an iOS-only app. There have been some references to an Android version in reviews , but the official listing is on Apple’s App Store. As of 2025, it remains primarily an iOS app.)
• Key Features: MoodKit offers four core tools : Activities – a catalog of over 200 mood-boosting activities and suggestions for behavioral activation (spanning categories like productivity, social, physical, pleasurable activities, etc. Users can schedule these activities and rate their mood impact); Thought Checker – a thought record for identifying and challenging negative thoughts (CBT cognitive restructuring); Mood Tracker – to record mood ratings over time and see graphs; and Journal – to reflect and build self-awareness. The Activities feature is central: it provides techniques and ideas to help users engage in positive behavior and break out of negative cycles . MoodKit’s interface is user-friendly and allows personalization (users can add custom activities, etc.). It also emphasizes skill-building and “wins” – reinforcing any positive thinking or activities accomplished.
• Clinical/Research Use: MoodKit is empirically informed and has even been tested in clinical research. In a 2019 primary care trial, MoodKit (as a self-help CBT app) was an active control against a BA app, and users of MoodKit showed significant reductions in depression comparable to the BA app users . This suggests MoodKit is effective in alleviating symptoms when used for self-guided treatment. Many therapists have recommended MoodKit to patients since its launch, given it was created by psychologists and incorporates evidence-based techniques. It’s been featured in professional reviews and by organizations like One Mind PsyberGuide. Clinicians appreciate that MoodKit’s tools mirror exercises done in therapy; for instance, the activity list aligns with BA homework, and the thought diary aligns with CBT therapy worksheets. It is widely regarded as a trusted, professional-grade app for depression.
• Cost: Paid app (one-time purchase). MoodKit costs about $4.99 (USD) on the App Store . There are no subscriptions or in-app purchases after that – one purchase unlocks all features. This modest price for a permanent toolkit is often cited as “affordable” by clinicians . (Note: There have been reports of a freemium model in some contexts, but the official pricing remains a one-time fee.)
• Therapist Integration: While MoodKit is meant for self-help, it has some integration-friendly aspects. Users can export or share their entries; for example, they can email or show their thought records or mood charts to a therapist . The app explicitly mentions that clients can share recorded information with therapists electronically . This makes it easy to incorporate into therapy – a therapist might assign using MoodKit for homework (e.g. “Try one new MoodKit activity each day and record your mood”) and then review the app’s logs together. Because it’s grounded in standard CBT, therapists find it aligns well with treatment plans. In sum, MoodKit can be a valuable adjunct in therapy, with semi-formal integration via sharing of the user’s progress.

Woebot

Woebot is a popular mental health chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to deliver CBT-based support, including elements of behavioral activation. Unlike the other apps listed, Woebot is a conversational agent – a chatbot you can talk to daily for coaching, mood tracking, and learning coping skills. It has garnered significant attention for its evidence-based approach and engaging format. Key points:

• Platforms: iOS and Android (Woebot is available as a mobile app on both platforms) . Originally launched via messaging platforms, it’s now primarily an app. There is no web/desktop version for users – the AI interaction happens on the phone app.
• Key Features: Woebot engages users through text-based conversations. It checks in with you daily via chat, asking how you’re feeling and what’s going on . Based on your responses, Woebot offers step-by-step guidance using CBT techniques – for example, it might help you identify a cognitive distortion in your thinking, suggest a reframing of a negative thought, or encourage you to do a small positive activity if you’re down . It includes intelligent mood tracking (the bot tracks mood ratings over time and provides feedback or charts) . Woebot also teaches skills through over 100+ brief stories and lessons drawn from evidence-based therapies – topics include managing anxiety, dealing with procrastination, coping with grief, etc. If someone is struggling with low motivation, Woebot might employ BA by gently prompting them with something actionable (“How about we try a small walk?,” for instance). The bot’s personality is friendly and empathetic, using emojis and a casual tone to build engagement. Users essentially get a CBT self-help session in a chat format, available 24/7.
• Clinical/Research Use: Woebot is among the most empirically evaluated mental health apps. In a randomized controlled trial with young adults, using Woebot for just two weeks led to a significant reduction in depression (PHQ-9 scores) compared to an information-only control group . Users in the trial engaged with Woebot almost daily and rated it favorably . Other studies have shown Woebot can reduce anxiety and improve resilience when used consistently . The app’s content is grounded in CBT, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and it has been developed by clinical researchers at Stanford. Woebot is widely recommended by professionals as a top mental health app; for example, it’s endorsed for its evidence base and was even listed as an NHS-approved app in the UK for a time. The company (Woebot Health) is actively conducting clinical trials to seek FDA approval for specific clinical uses (like a version for postpartum depression). In practice, many users find Woebot as a accessible alternative or supplement to therapy, and some therapists suggest it to provide daily support between sessions.
• Cost: Free for general use . Woebot currently does not charge individual users – its model has been to offer the core chatbot free of charge. (There is no subscription; the company pursues funding and partnerships elsewhere, meaning users can get help without payment.) This free access has made it extremely accessible worldwide. (If specialized clinical versions of Woebot are released in future, those might involve costs via healthcare systems, but the consumer app remains free.)
• Therapist Integration: Woebot does not have a feature for therapists to monitor chats or progress in real-time. The conversations are private to the user and the bot (and data is anonymized for research). However, therapist recommendation of Woebot is common – a therapist might suggest a client use Woebot to practice CBT skills daily. Users can also share with their therapist what they’ve learned or how their mood changed over the week per Woebot’s tracking. For instance, Woebot provides weekly mood summary charts and insights ; a user could screenshot or discuss these with a clinician. Additionally, because Woebot teaches CBT concepts (like thought challenging), it can reinforce what is covered in therapy. While not integrated in a technical sense, Woebot often acts as a 24/7 adjunct “coach”, and clinicians view it as a helpful extension of care for motivated patients.

Sanvello (formerly Pacifica)

Sanvello (originally known as Pacifica) is a comprehensive mental health app for stress, anxiety, and depression that incorporates behavioral activation alongside other CBT and mindfulness techniques . It is often touted as an all-in-one app for managing mood, with self-guided content and the option of coaching or therapy services. Key details:

• Platforms: iOS, Android, and a web app interface. Sanvello is widely accessible on mobile devices, and some features (like community discussion boards) can be accessed via web.
• Key Features: Sanvello provides guided journeys – structured multi-week programs teaching CBT skills through readings, videos, and exercises . Users get daily tools such as a Mood Tracker (to rate mood and add notes), Health Habit trackers (to log activities like sleep, exercise, meditation, which can serve as BA by encouraging healthy routines) , and an Thoughts tool to challenge cognitive distortions. The app’s content is rooted in empirically-supported therapies and it explicitly “teaches CBT” in an immersive way. Behavioral activation comes in through features like guided goal-setting and daily activity ideas: Sanvello might prompt you to set a small goal for the day (e.g. “Take a 10-minute walk”), and it reminds you and asks you to check it off, thus building active coping habits. Other notable features are: a library of guided meditations and relaxation audio, assessments (like PHQ-9 and GAD-7 tests to gauge depression/anxiety levels) , and a peer support Community where users anonymously post and encourage each other. Sanvello also has a premium tier that offers coaching sessions (text-based support from a coach) and even one-on-one tele-therapy with licensed therapists via video within the app. In summary, it’s a holistic platform: mood tracking, lessons, habit tracking, goals, community, and optional human support.
• Clinical/Research Use: Sanvello is built on evidence-based methods (CBT, mindfulness) . While the app itself has primarily commercial origins, it has been involved in some research: for instance, studies have examined its use for delivering mindfulness-based interventions to college students . It’s also been effectively used in a large naturalistic study where its users saw improvements in depression and anxiety over time . Sanvello is widely recommended by mental health professionals and organizations due to its comprehensive nature – it was one of the first mental health apps to be covered by insurance (after Pacifica was acquired by a healthcare company, some insurance plans now offer Sanvello’s premium content to members). It has been featured by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and in the NHS app library in the UK. Clinicians appreciate that the app can serve as a continuum of care: patients can work through CBT exercises on their own or with a coach, which can complement formal therapy. Some employers and universities also provide Sanvello to populations as a wellness resource.
• Cost: Freemium model. Many features are free: downloading the app, using the mood tracking, peer community, and a limited selection of meditations or exercises costs nothing . However, full access requires a subscription of about $8.99 per month (or ~$54 per year) . The subscription unlocks all guided journey courses, unlimited use of tools, and coaching/therapy services (though live therapy sessions might be billed separately or via insurance). Students and some health plans often get discounts. In short, one can benefit from Sanvello’s basic tools for free indefinitely, but the richer content is behind a paywall.
• Therapist Integration: Sanvello has a unique position: it offers its own clinicians (coaches and therapists) through the app for users who choose that route. If a user signs up for Sanvello Therapy, their sessions with a Sanvello therapist happen in-app, and presumably that therapist can see their tracked data (mood trends, etc.). For external therapists, Sanvello doesn’t provide direct access to user data due to privacy. But users can share their Sanvello progress summaries or assessment results with their personal therapist. Sanvello actually encourages users to share a summary PDF with a healthcare provider, especially after completing an assessment or a program. In practice, many therapists will recommend Sanvello to their clients for self-care between sessions (for instance, using the relaxation exercises or mood log). The integration is indirect but the app’s comprehensive nature means a client might do significant therapeutic work on their own and discuss insights (e.g. “I noticed on Sanvello that my mood dips every afternoon when I’m isolated, so I plan to schedule an activity at that time”). Additionally, the community feature is something some therapists flag as a support system for clients (with appropriate caution). Overall, Sanvello is considered a professionally endorsed app bridging self-help and telehealth.

Happify

Happify is a well-known mental wellness app that uses science-based games and activities to increase positive emotions and resilience . While not a traditional BA app, it operates on similar principles – encouraging frequent engagement in enjoyable or meaningful tasks to shift thinking patterns and improve mood. It draws from positive psychology, CBT, and mindfulness research . Key details:

• Platforms: iOS, Android, and Web. Happify’s platform is versatile; users can access their account on a computer or through the mobile app.
• Key Features: Happify turns evidence-based techniques into interactive activities and games. When you use Happify, you choose “tracks” or goals (e.g. “Conquer Negative Thoughts” or “Build Gratitude”) and the app then gives you a sequence of daily tasks or games related to that goal . Examples of activities include: playing a quick game that reinforces positive words (to train your brain away from negative bias), writing a brief gratitude journal entry, doing a guided relaxation, or taking a short quiz about your strengths . These tasks are often fun and feel like playing rather than therapy, but they are drawn from techniques shown to boost happiness. Happify calculates an “happiness score” based on your inputs, and you can see that score improve as you progress week by week . It also features guided meditation audios and articles to support well-being. Users earn points and medals for completing activities, adding a gamified incentive. The app sends reminders to keep you on track with the program. Essentially, Happify’s core is behavioral activation through positive psychology – it asks you to break unhealthy habits and form new positive ones by practicing skills daily . It’s reported that 86% of users feel better about their lives after 2 months of use (according to Happify’s own data).
• Clinical/Research Use: Happify is based on established research in positive psychology and CBT . The app’s developers cite numerous studies that inform their activities . While much of the evidence for Happify’s efficacy comes from internal analyses and user surveys, there have been some independent studies. For instance, an 8-week study found using Happify significantly reduced loneliness and stress in participants compared to a control group , and other observational studies (published in JMIR) showed improved well-being and reduced anxiety among Happify users . Happify, being a commercial product, is also used in enterprise and clinical contexts: some employers and insurance providers include Happify as part of wellness programs, and a digital therapeutic version for chronic illness management (Happify Health) is being developed. Mental health professionals have mixed views – some appreciate that it engages people who might not otherwise do therapy-like exercises, while others note it’s more of a “wellness” tool than a targeted clinical intervention. Nevertheless, Happify is widely recommended in lay press and by some psychologists for people looking to build daily positive habits or supplement therapy with mood-lifting exercises.
• Cost: Freemium. Happify can be downloaded and tried for free, which gives access to a limited number of activities and tracks. To unlock the full library of tracks and games, a subscription is required. The cost is roughly on the order of $14.95 per month (with discounts for longer plans; e.g. ~$6–8/month if paid annually). Sometimes promotions or employer sponsorships can reduce the cost to the user. All the in-app games and content are included in the subscription (Happify doesn’t have microtransactions beyond the subscription). So, while one can use a few basic features for free, meaningful use of Happify as intended (over months) typically requires paying for a subscription.
• Therapist Integration: Happify is primarily a direct-to-consumer wellness app, and it doesn’t offer a way for an outside therapist to monitor a user’s progress. However, if a person is seeing a therapist, they could certainly discuss their Happify exercises – for example, share that they’ve been practicing gratitude via the app or that their “happiness score” has improved. Some therapists might recommend Happify to clients who struggle with anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) as a way to systematically increase positive experiences. Happify’s parent platform has been building more clinically oriented products (like digital coaching for depression), but those are separate from the consumer app. In summary, Happify is not integrated with therapy, but it’s often listed as a useful self-help tool. Its bright, game-like approach can complement therapy by keeping a patient engaged in between appointments, especially in doing the kind of positive activities a therapist might encourage under behavioral activation.

Comparison of Key Features and Details

To summarize the above information, the table below compares the main attributes of each app:

App	Platform(s)	Key Features (Evidence-Based Techniques)	Research/Clinical Use	Cost Model	Therapist/Clinician Integration
MoodTools	iOS, Android	PHQ-9 depression test; Activity scheduler with mood tracking (BA) ; CBT thought diary; safety plan; psychoeducation; curated videos.	Research-supported content ; developed with clinicians; widely recommended self-help for depression (NHS, APA) .	Free (non-profit, no ads) .	No portal; users can share mood logs or PHQ-9 with therapists manually. Often used as therapy adjunct.
MoodMission	iOS, Android	Tailored list of 5 coping “Missions” per mood check-in (e.g. mindfulness, exercise, behavioral activation, gratitude); in-app rewards; mission log.	Backed by RCT evidence – significantly reduces depression . Designed by psychologists; used in studies and by clinicians as an evidence-based tool.	Free download, IAP for full content (core features free) .	No clinician dashboard; therapists assign missions as homework and review progress via app logs. Evidence-based and often recommended.
Mood Coach	iOS (VA app)	Behavioral Activation planner: choose values & schedule activities ; activity log; daily mood tracking; PHQ-9 assessment; BA psychoeducation; crisis resources.	Developed by VA for veterans . BA is VA-recommended treatment ; used to supplement VA therapy . High uptake in veteran care; content based on proven BA protocol .	Free (government provided) .	Adjunct to therapy: intended to augment clinician care . No real-time sharing, but patients and VA clinicians use it together (reviewing plans, PHQ-9 scores in sessions).
The Guardians	iOS, Android	Gamified BA: daily real-life “quests” (pleasant activities) rewarded in-game ; reflection after each task ; engaging RPG with pets, levels, rewards; high-frequency reminders via game mechanics.	Research-driven (MIT Media Lab) . Pilot data: 2.5× retention of typical apps, 80% of logged activities boosted mood ; effective in a perinatal depression trial . Innovative approach winning design awards .	Free (fully free-to-play, no ads) .	Not formal; primarily self-help. Therapists may recommend to clients who enjoy games. No clinician monitoring, but high engagement helps users stick to BA homework.
MoodKit	iOS	Activities planner with 200+ suggested tasks (BA) ; thought checker (CBT thought record); mood tracker graphs; journaling tool. Developed by psychologists for self-monitoring.	Empirically supported: improved depression in a clinical trial (vs. TAU) . Frequently recommended by therapists; content aligns with CBT/BA worksheets used in therapy .	Paid app (~$4.99 one-time) . No subscription required.	Data export/sharing available – users can email or show logs to therapists. Often integrated informally (therapist assigns app exercises, reviews client’s entries).
Woebot	iOS, Android	AI Chatbot providing CBT coaching: daily mood check-ins, CBT and mindfulness lessons, suggests activities and coping strategies in chat format; mood trend graph feedback . Conversational and personalized.	RCT proven: significantly reduced depression in 2 weeks ; high user engagement. Developed at Stanford; multiple studies show efficacy for depression, anxiety . Widely cited as an evidence-based app.	Free (no cost to user) . (Company monetizes via partnerships, not via user fees.)	No clinician portal (conversations private). Still, therapists recommend Woebot as 24/7 support; users can share weekly summaries with therapists. Complements therapy by reinforcing CBT techniques daily.
Sanvello	iOS, Android, Web	All-in-one CBT app: guided multi-week CBT courses (“Journeys”) ; daily mood and habit tracking; tools for relaxation and thought reframing; goal-setting & activities for BA; community support forum; optional coach/therapist services.	Based on empirically-supported treatments (CBT, mindfulness) . Used in studies for stress and shown to improve symptoms in users over time . Commonly recommended by professionals; adopted in some insurance wellness programs.	Freemium: Core tracking and community are free. Full content via Subscription (~$9/mo or $54/yr) . Many insurers/universities provide premium access.	Integrated telehealth available (in-app coaches and therapy for subscribers). External therapists can’t log in, but users share progress summaries. Often therapist-endorsed for self-care between sessions.
Happify	iOS, Android, Web	Positive psychology games and exercises: short activities to build gratitude, mindfulness, optimism ; tracks/goals (e.g. “overcome negativity”); “happiness score” tracking ; daily reminders; engaging quizzes and tasks (CBT and mindfulness-based).	Content is science-based (draws on CBT and positive psychology research) . Internal data shows 86% users feel better after 2 months ; studies indicate reduced stress and loneliness with use . Popular in corporate wellness; sometimes mentioned by therapists as a way to increase positive activity.	Freemium: Limited content free; requires Subscription (~$15/mo, discount for annual) for full access.	No direct clinician features. Primarily self-improvement focused. Therapists may suggest it for fostering daily positive activities, but they cannot monitor in-app data.

Table: Comparison of behavioral activation and mental health apps (excluding Moodivate). BA = Behavioral Activation; CBT = Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; PHQ-9 = Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression scale; IAP = In-App Purchases; VA = Veterans Affairs.

Most Evidence-Based and Recommended Apps

Among the apps discussed, a few stand out for their strong evidence base or professional endorsements:

• MoodMission – Backed by multiple randomized controlled trials, MoodMission has demonstrated efficacy in symptom reduction . Its grounding in CBT and BA, plus its free access, make it one of the most evidence-based choices. Mental health professionals frequently cite MoodMission as an exemplary research-supported app.
• Woebot – Woebot’s RCT and ongoing research program give it a high credibility. It uniquely delivers therapy techniques via chatbot, which many therapists appreciate for client use between sessions. Woebot is widely recommended and even being evaluated as a digital therapeutic for clinical use, underscoring its evidence-based design.
• Mood Coach – While not tested in RCTs like some others, Mood Coach is built by the VA on a well-proven treatment (BA) . It’s part of clinical practice in veteran care and aligns with official guidelines. This provenance and its comprehensive BA feature set make it highly trusted by clinicians, especially for depression.
• MoodTools and MoodKit – These apps, though slightly older, are widely recommended by psychologists and counselors due to their developer credibility and incorporation of CBT/BA techniques. MoodKit has even shown efficacy in a controlled trial . Both are often suggested as top picks in depression self-help resources for their breadth of tools and ease of use.
• Sanvello – Sanvello (Pacifica) is frequently recommended in therapy circles and by organizations (e.g. featured in ADAA’s resources) because of its broad, clinically-aligned content. Its integration of CBT, monitoring, and even access to coaching/therapy give it a strong reputation. It may not have the same RCT backing as MoodMission or Woebot, but its empirical foundation and popularity among users and providers make it a standout.
• The Guardians – As an emerging app with cutting-edge engagement, The Guardians is notable for achieving outcomes (high adherence, mood improvement) that typical apps struggle with . Professionals are excited by its potential, though it’s newer. It’s highly recommended for those who find standard apps unengaging, given its gamification approach shown to improve long-term usage .

In conclusion, behavioral activation apps are increasingly abundant, but those above have the strongest support. MoodMission, Woebot, and MoodTools/MoodKit are top choices for evidence-based self-help, each aligning closely with techniques a therapist might use. Mood Coach is uniquely suited for those in or out of the VA system looking for a structured BA plan. Sanvello and Happify offer broader wellness experiences and are widely used, though Happify skews more toward general well-being with a positive psychology slant. When selecting an app, users and clinicians should consider the level of evidence and how well the app’s features map to the individual’s needs and whether professional support is involved. Fortunately, all these apps are grounded in established therapeutic principles, aiming to make proven strategies like behavioral activation more accessible to anyone in need of mood support . Each of them can be a valuable tool to increase activity, structure, and positive experiences in the daily lives of people dealing with depression or anxiety – which is exactly the outcome behavioral activation targets.