Mental health has become a growing concern, with most recognition occurring in the last few decades. Whether you’re a mental health professional or an individual seeking help, navigating the ever-changing world of thoughts and cognitive issues can be a challenge. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, medication, therapy, or both are standard practices that address these issues. Having the proper professional or counselor for your needs can heavily influence how much progress a person can make.
Samaritan is a spiritually integrated Christian counseling agency located in Sewickley, with additional locations around Western Pennsylvania. It serves clients of all ages and stages, including married couples, veterans, young adults, children and teens. Their approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and build on that foundation with a spiritual base. Carla Sandy, a licensed seasonal counselor at Samaritan, has worked with many clients and has seen the wonderful benefits of counseling.
“It is my privilege to work as a psychotherapist and provide emotional support to my clients in a dynamic and vital way. The bonds of trust and mutual cooperation we create together are among the most rewarding things I could do with my career. I am both excited and humbled by the work my clients and I do together daily,” said Sandy.
Sandy has been a counselor since 1996 and has seen many challenges throughout the years. Working with different age groups and seeing clients with diverse backgrounds and needs can create challenges in itself, on top of the ongoing research to better serve the mental health space.
Part of that ongoing research is happening right on your phone. In addition to seeing a licensed therapist, mental health apps can be a great supplementary tool to help patients on their mental health journeys. These apps can support patients between appointments. They are also accessible and convenient, as many of them are free and can be downloaded to smartphones very easily. All of these apps have various purposes, from correctly identifying your emotions to leading you through guided meditations.
Finch
Finch is a mental health and wellness app designed to offer users personalized support through a virtual pet. By taking care of your pet, users can engage in self-care activities such as journaling, mindfulness exercises, and goal setting. The app encourages users to track their moods, reflect on their feelings, and complete tasks that promote mental well-being. Finch also integrates rewards, such as customization options for your pet and new activities, to keep you motivated. With a focus on a positive, gentle approach, Finch is an engaging tool for those seeking consistent mental health maintenance.
How We Feel
How We Feel is an emotional wellness app that helps users identify and track their moods through a simple, daily check-in. The app provides an easy-to-use interface where users select their emotional state from a wide range of feelings. Once selected, it offers insights into the user’s emotional patterns over time, helping individuals better understand their mental health. How We Feel also features a library of resources, including tips for managing stress and building emotional resilience. The app is designed to promote self-awareness and emotional literacy, providing a gentle way to cultivate a deeper connection to one’s mental state.
Headspace
Headspace is a popular meditation and mindfulness app designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mental well-being. It offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleepcasts to help users cultivate mindfulness throughout their day. Headspace’s structured programs cover topics like stress management, focus, and personal growth, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced meditators. The app also provides sleep aids and visualizations to improve the quality of sleep. With a user-friendly interface and approachable content, Headspace encourages mindfulness practices that support emotional regulation, better sleep, and overall mental clarity, helping users lead calmer, more balanced lives.
Worry Watch
Worry Watch is an app designed to help users track and manage their anxiety and worry. Through a simple interface, users log their worries and the outcomes, tracking how often their fears come true. This process encourages users to question irrational thinking and gain perspective on their worries. The app offers various tools, such as thought reframing and mindfulness prompts, to help reduce anxiety. Over time, Worry Watch allows users to see patterns and progress, fostering healthier cognitive habits. It is an empowering tool for individuals looking to confront their anxiety and create a more balanced mindset.
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