Best CBT Self alternatives: apps like CBT Self-Care Journal

6+ similar apps compared and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
6 free apps
Updated November 2026

Whether you want more options like CBT Self or a completely different take on the same concept, our curated list of 6+ similar apps has you covered. Updated for 2026 with the latest ratings and comparisons.

Top Alternatives to CBT Self

Simple CBT - Mental Health App#1

Simple CBT - Mental Health App by Kevin David Tanner

Therapy Journal & Mood Tracker
Editor's Choice
💪 Health & Fitness
4.8(40 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Simple CBT - Mental Health App screenshot 1
Simple CBT - Mental Health App screenshot 2
Simple CBT - Mental Health App screenshot 3
Simple CBT - Mental Health App screenshot 4
Simple CBT - Mental Health App screenshot 5
Simple CBT - Mental Health App screenshot 6

This app offers a minimalist journal to help users identify and overcome negative thought patterns. It guides users through a simple process to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, with features like badges for motivation and PDF export for sharing entries with therapists. All data is stored locally for enhanced privacy.

FreeCBT#2

FreeCBT by Evan Rosson

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Strong Contender
💪 Health & Fitness
4.7😊(170 ratings)
Free
FreeCBT screenshot 1
FreeCBT screenshot 2
FreeCBT screenshot 3

This app provides a digital thought diary to practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It helps users identify and challenge negative automatic thoughts, retrain their brains, and ultimately improve mood and behavior. It's an open-source tool for self-help and as a companion to traditional therapy.

What We Love

  • 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 💰 Completely free with no ads or subscriptions
  • 🎯 Effective CBT methodology in 3-column format
  • ⚡ Quick and easy to use in the moment
  • 🔒 Private and secure thought tracking
  • 📱 Accessible on-demand mental health support
  • 🧠 Helps identify and challenge cognitive distortions
  • ✨ Minimalist design without unnecessary features
  • 🙏 Highly recommended by mental health professionals
  • 📝 Useful for journaling and thought reframing

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Swipe navigation causes accidental distortion selection
  • 💾 Data loss issue after app updates
  • ⌨️ Keyboard covers input area while typing
  • 📱 Limited cross-device synchronization
  • 🎨 Missing dark mode option
  • 📊 No analytics or thought tracking over time
  • 📤 No export functionality for sharing with therapist
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar#3

Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar by Custom Arts

Mental Health Log & DBT Diary
Worth Considering
💪 Health & Fitness
4.8😊(109 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar screenshot 1
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar screenshot 2
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar screenshot 3
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar screenshot 4
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar screenshot 5
Mood Journal, BPD, Bipolar screenshot 6

This app uses AI to help you track your emotions, understand patterns, and manage mental health challenges. It offers conversational AI chat, voice conversations, and on-device intelligence for private, judgment-free support. Discover insights valuable for personal clarity and therapeutic discussions.

What We Love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 📈 Tracks mood trends
  • 💡 Captures feelings and thoughts
  • 🤝 Helpful for therapy/doctor communication
  • ✨ AI-generated stories are gentle
  • 🆓 Free functionality without subscription
  • 📊 Visualizes mood over time
  • 🗣️ Word association with feelings
  • 🔒 Passcode/lock feature
  • ✅ Syncs with Apple Health
  • 🎵 Pleasant sound effects
  • 🚀 Quick and efficient entries
  • 👍 Intuitive design
  • 💡 Useful for medication changes
  • 👍 Good for daily journaling
  • 💡 Reminders are helpful
  • 👍 Great for bipolar disorder tracking
  • 👍 Helps with remembering past feelings
  • 👍 Appreciated for not requiring payment for core features

Room to Improve

  • 🎨 UI could be more aesthetically pleasing
  • 🤔 Mood icons not always preferred
  • 🎛️ Limited customization options
  • 📉 Mood scale might be insufficient
  • ⚠️ Ads can be annoying
  • 💸 Subscription cost perceived as high
  • 🔄 Data doesn't sync between devices
  • ❓ Unclear meaning of smiley faces
  • 🖼️ Introduction images are in English