What are the best free school-linked mental health apps for getting help for a teen?

Here are some of the best free, school-linked or school-friendly mental health support options for teens. Since “school-linked” can mean different things depending on where you live, I’m including apps/services that are commonly used by schools, counselors, or can be accessed by teens with school referral/support.

Best free options

1) Kooth

• What it is: Free anonymous online mental health support for young people
• Age range: Usually teens and young adults
• Features: Chat with counselors, moderated peer community, journaling, wellbeing tools
• Why it’s good for school-linked support: Many schools refer students to Kooth or use it as an outside support option
• Best for: Anxiety, stress, low mood, school pressure

2) Breathe

• What it is: Free mental health support for students, often connected to schools/colleges
• Features: Mood tracking, coping tools, helplines, self-help resources
• Best for: Students who want quick, private support tools

3) MindShift CBT

• What it is: Free app based on cognitive behavioral therapy
• Features: Tools for anxiety, worry, panic, test anxiety, thinking traps
• Best for: Teens dealing with school stress or anxiety
• Note: Not school-specific, but very useful and free

4) Smiling Mind

• What it is: Free mindfulness and wellbeing app
• Features: Guided meditation, sleep support, stress reduction
• Best for: General stress, sleep, focus, calming down

5) Headspace for Teens / School programs

• What it is: Some schools provide free access through school partnerships
• Features: Mindfulness, sleep, stress, focus exercises
• Best for: Students with access through a school account
• Note: Usually not fully free unless the school provides it

6) Calm Harm

• What it is: Free app for managing self-harm urges
• Features: Distraction activities and urge-management tools
• Best for: Teens struggling with self-harm urges
• Important: Not a substitute for emergency help if there’s immediate risk

7) Wysa

• What it is: AI-guided mental health support with CBT-style tools
• Features: Mood tracking, coping exercises, anxiety tools
• Best for: Teen stress and anxiety
• Note: Some features may be paid, but basic support is often free

8) Student mental health platforms through schools

Many schools use platforms like:

• Navigate 360 / Student Support
• Gaggle / school wellness tools
• Counseling portals or teletherapy apps connected to the district

These are not always public apps, but they may be available free through a school counselor.

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If the teen may be in crisis

If there’s any concern about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or immediate danger, don’t rely on an app alone. Use:

• 988 in the U.S. and Canada (call/text/chat)
• Emergency services if the person is in immediate danger
• A trusted adult, school counselor, nurse, or parent/guardian right away

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Best picks by need

• Best overall school-linked option: Kooth
• Best for anxiety/test stress: MindShift CBT
• Best for mindfulness/sleep: Smiling Mind
• Best for self-harm urges: Calm Harm
• Best if school provides access: Headspace
• Best for quick coping tools: Wysa

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A good next step

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a short list by country (U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), or
2. the best options for a specific issue like anxiety, depression, self-harm, or school refusal.