DARE app

An app for people with anxiety.

DARE BMD Publishing
Features
  • Audio tracks
  • Diary
  • Tracking
  • App community

Get the app from

Country of origin Ireland
Clinical review 


Read a clinical review of this app.

Security and privacy Does the app:
  • collect medical information? Yes
  • require a login? No
  • have password protection? Yes
  • have a privacy policy? Yes
  • require internet access? Yes
Read more safety tips around health apps.
Cost Free basic
Paid upgrade ($89.99 per annum - not reviewed here)

What does the app do?

DARE app provides a series of audio tracks designed to help those suffering from anxiety including panic attacks, health anxiety, insomnia and generalised worry. Users may be able to learn strategies to cope better with worry and anxiety, reduce frequency of panic attacks and improve sleep.

For the complete app description, go to Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or for a more detailed review, see Reviews.

PROS CONS 

✔ Good educational information about panic and anxiety provided in audio format which will be useful for those who prefer to learn in this way.

✔ Contains information about techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to anxiety.

✔ Reassuring and encouraging audio tracks.

✔ Contains useful guided relaxation and breathing audios.



✘ Based on the book DARE, a method for coping with anxiety which borrows strategies from both acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, but does not have an evidence base supporting it as a whole treatment.

✘ Although the DARE steps seem very useful and align well with acceptance and commitment therapy strategies, exercises to practise these steps are not taught by the app.

✘ Limited content in free version.

✘ Some audio tracks for use during anxiety attacks guide the listener through a series of steps but these appear to somewhat contradict the main methodology of the DARE steps (eg, use relaxation to calm body instead of “running towards” anxiety step; eg, tell self “I’m excited” rather than defuse the worry about symptoms ).

✘ Provides content to reassure users but this is not a recommended treatment for anxiety and, in some cases, can maintain an anxiety disorder.

✘ Use of audio tracks to manage panic attacks repeatedly may maintain anxiety by becoming a “safety behaviour” in themselves rather than helping people to develop their own coping strategies and feel truly safe in the face of anxiety.

Review details

  • April 2022, Version 6.16.6, Android

Related topics

Mental health and wellbeing apps
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app

App developer: If you are the developer and would like to provide updated information about this app, please email the app library manager at hello@healthify.nz

Disclaimer: Healthify’s app library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Data security and privacy information


Tips to improve your privacy and security when using health apps
Health Navigator Charitable Trust, NZ, 2019


Staying safe online
Netsafe, NZ, 2020

Credits: Healthify Editorial Team

Reviewed by: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology

Last reviewed:

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