We are excited to introduce you to COVID Coach, a free app designed to provide evidence based anti-anxiety tools and enhance emotional support during the coronavirus pandemic. This app is not a replacement for therapy or psychiatric treatment for anxiety, but it is still a great tool for those struggling with increased anxiety during this time.
Developed by the licensed clinical psychologists at the National Center for PTSD at the VA, it joins other free, widely-used mental health apps like PTSD Coach and Mindfulness Coach. Although this is an app developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is intended for use by everyone in the community (not just veterans and not just people suffering from PTSD) and is available for both iOS and Android phones.
Like other apps developed by the psychologists at the National Center for PTSD, it is designed to be totally private and secure. This means that no email account or password is required. It also means that user data are not collected.
COVID Coach offers access to stress management tools such as audio-guided mindfulness and deep breathing, as well as exercises designed to address anxiety, trauma reactions, and relationship conflict. It also has quick links to resources for finding crisis care and mental health support, and service agencies for families and those seeking basic fundamentals.
The VA let us know that Covid Coach will be updated regularly and that they encourage your feedback on ways it can be improved upon.
We hope that you’ll help us spread the word about COVID Coach!