MindShift app

In Mindshift app users learn cognitive behavioural tools and strategies to manage different types of anxiety. In particular, users can find help with general worry, social anxiety, perfectionism, panic and phobias. The app allows users to rate and keep track of their anxiety levels and provides three different types of strategies including thinking strategies, relaxation and mindfulness and behavioural strategies for overcoming anxiety.

For a more detailed description of the app, see Google Play(external link) or iTunes(external link) and for a detailed review, see reviews  below.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: April 2022
Version: 3.0.2              
Platform: Android 
Comments: Mindshift app offers brilliant self-guided treatment for generalised anxiety, perfectionism, social anxiety, panic disorder and specific phobias. It uses tried and true cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies which are not only well supported by research, but used by clinical psychologists all over the world as treatment for anxiety disorders. The app is attractive and easy to use and has the added bonus of a safe and supportive online forum where users can go to get support from other anxiety sufferers. I have no hesitation in recommending it to people suffering from the types of anxiety it offers help with, and to those who support them. 
NZ relevance: Relevant to a New Zealand audience but emergency contact details are very general unless the person is in Canada or the USA.
Safety concerns: None, however, emergency contact details are very general unless the person is in Canada or the USA.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Abbi Pritchard Jones, Adult mental health social worker
Date of review: August 2017 
Version: 1.2.3
Platform: Android
Comments: This app is most useful for people who experience anxiety. It is an extensive resource on the causes and management of  anxiety. It is easy to use and provides insights that will be useful to people in real life situations. I liked the “Quick Tips” section that appears on every page of the app and provides instant strategies for managing anxiety. Also very useful  are the mindfulness and  breathing audio talk through exercises.  While the app is comprehensive, this may put some people off and they may find its various sections a bit confusing to navigate. The app’s overall design is not the best and it would benefit from an overhaul to make it more pleasing to the eye and manageable.
Safety concerns: None
New Zealand relevance: The helpline numbers in the app are for Canadian users.