PTSD Coach Explorer 2 vs Anchor
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PTSD Coach Explorer 2
This is a research version of a mental health tool designed for participants in specific program evaluations. Access requires an invitation code provided by an approved investigator.
- Research version access
- Invitation code required
- Program evaluation participation
- NCPTSD approved projects
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This is a research version of PTSD Coach that is only for participants in approved program evaluation projects for NCPTSD. To unlock this app, you will need an invitation code from an approved investigator. Please contact your investigator if you need help.
Anchor
This app offers evidence-based DBT and CBT techniques for individuals managing PTSD and trauma. It provides immediate access to coping strategies, AI-powered support, and crisis resources, with features for mood tracking and progress visualization. All data is stored locally for enhanced privacy and security.
- Evidence-based DBT/CBT techniques
- AI support assistant
- Mood and emotion tracking
- 24/7 crisis resources
- Progress tracking
- Offline capability
- Privacy-focused design
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Anchor is an educational mental health support app designed specifically for veterans and individuals living with PTSD and trauma-related conditions. Built with evidence-based DBT and CBT techniques from authoritative sources including Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, the American Psychological Association, and the VA National Center for PTSD, Anchor provides immediate access to coping strategies, crisis resources, and AI-powered support whenever you need it. KEY FEATURES: Evidence-Based DBT/CBT Techniques (with Medical Citations) - Grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1, Body Scan, Physical Grounding, etc.) - Breathing techniques (Box Breathing, 4-7-8, Diaphragmatic, etc.) - Distress tolerance skills (TIPP, ACCEPTS, Self-Soothe, etc.) - Emotion regulation strategies (PLEASE, Opposite Action, Check the Facts, etc.) - Interpersonal effectiveness (DEAR MAN, GIVE, etc.) - Mindfulness practices (Observe, Describe, Participate, etc.) - Cognitive techniques (Thought Records, Behavioral Activation, etc.) - All techniques include citations to reputable medical sources AI Support Assistant - Real-time technique suggestions based on your emotional state - Crisis moment guidance with intelligent keyword detection - Trauma-informed, validating responses - Quick help buttons for immediate support - Powered by advanced natural language understanding Enhanced Mood & Emotion Tracking - Quick 5-point mood scale for fast check-ins - Detailed emotion logging with PTSD-appropriate emotion model - Track primary emotions, intensity, and context - Identify patterns in hypervigilance, shutdown responses, and emotional states - Progress charts and trend visualization - Data export for healthcare providers 24/7 Crisis Resources - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) - Veterans Crisis Line - Crisis Text Line - Local emergency resources - Personal safety planning tools Progress Tracking - Daily mood logging with progress charts - Technique effectiveness ratings - Identify patterns and triggers - Data export for healthcare providers Privacy & Security - All data stored locally on your device - No cloud storage without your consent - No tracking or analytics - HIPAA-aware design - Secure storage for sensitive information 100% Offline Capable - All features work without internet - Access techniques anytime, anywhere - Crisis resources available offline DESIGNED FOR: - Veterans with PTSD - Trauma survivors - Individuals in therapy seeking supplemental educational tools - Anyone learning DBT/CBT skills - People managing anxiety and stress IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Anchor is a self-help and educational tool. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a medical device and does not provide medical services. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately. WHY ANCHOR? Created with input from mental health professionals and trauma survivors, Anchor combines evidence-based techniques with modern technology to provide educational support when you need it most. Whether you're in therapy or managing symptoms on your own, Anchor is your companion for learning coping skills and personal growth. SUPPORT: For questions, feedback, or support, visit our GitHub repository or contact us through the app. Your journey to healing matters. Download Anchor today.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Anchor at every 9 days against PTSD Coach Explorer 2's every 6 months. PTSD Coach Explorer 2's advantage is ratings volume (6 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Anchor holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 2 respectively.
PTSD Coach Explorer 2 ships an update every 6 months, Anchor every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PTSD Coach Explorer 2 | Anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (6 ratings) | 4.5 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 203 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research | Ryan Charles Lingo |
Customer experience
PTSD Coach Explorer 2
Anchor
In-app purchases
PTSD Coach Explorer 2
No in-app purchases
Anchor
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PTSD Coach Explorer 2 free?
Is Anchor free?
Which has better reviews, PTSD Coach Explorer 2 or Anchor?
Do PTSD Coach Explorer 2 or Anchor have ads?
Which is updated more often, PTSD Coach Explorer 2 or Anchor?
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