Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No, this site is not sponsored. No app developers participated in the selection process or the writing of the app summaries. To better guide you in choosing apps, some visible information—such as app names, images, screenshots, and support links—comes from official app stores (App Store and Google Play).

Developing an app is expensive. Developers need to pay programmers, designers, and health experts. To cover costs, they often need to generate income.

Some apps are initially free but require payment later. Others are paid from the start. Some remain free thanks to financial support from governments or foundations.

We’ve ensured that free, low-cost, or trial options are included to reduce barriers and help as many people as possible find suitable tools.

All apps were selected for their quality. They are developed by independent companies or organizations with no ties to the selection committee.

Why are only some apps listed when I see many more in the app store?

To simplify your choice, we kept to a limited number of apps per category. The collection highlights apps that met rigorous evaluation criteria and were deemed suitable for use in Quebec. Some popular apps are not included, because:

• They didn’t meet the standards

• Others performed better

• Their benefits weren’t sufficiently demonstrated

Start by exploring the available themes. There are multiple apps for each theme. Each app has a detailed summary describing its benefits, cost, and intended audience and how to use it. Unlike app stores, this site presents a curated and evidence-based selection—apps are only listed if we have verified their usefulness and quality.

No. These apps are for anyone looking to take care of their mental health—with or without a diagnosis. They can be used preventively, as occasional support, or to supplement professional care.

Yes. These apps can be used independently, even while waiting for professional support. They are not a substitute for professional help but can provide complementary support.

Yes. Apps were also selected for their ease of use. They are designed to be accessible even without technical knowledge, and often feature clear navigation, step-by-step instructions, and tutorials.

To begin, feel free to explore the app with a trusted person. If you have issues, you can visit the help section of the app store or contact the app’s technical support.

The apps in the collection are available in French and English at a minimum. For other languages, check the app listing in the App Store or Google Play. Before downloading, verify the available languages or visit the developer’s website.

The official names of the apps are shown in English to respect their intellectual property and to make them easy to find in app stores (App Store and Google Play). That said, a brief explanation is provided in French for each one, and all featured apps are available in at least both English and French.

Payment is made directly in the app when you select your subscription.

You need an active account (Apple ID or Google account) with a payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.). If you don’t have a credit card, you can buy a gift card at a grocery store and use that for payment.

Subscriptions often renew automatically, monthly or yearly, depending on what you choose.

You must cancel directly in your device’s settings, not in the app itself. Here’s how:

• iPhone (Apple): Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Select the app > Cancel Subscription

• Android (Google Play): Open Play Store > Menu > Payments and Subscriptions > Subscriptions > Select the app > Cancel

After cancelling, you typically keep access to the app until the end of the current paid period.

These apps are generally available for Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad), which cover most smartphones used in Quebec.

• If using your phone: Tap the "Get" button on an app page to be redirected to the official app store.

• If using a computer: Click “Get” and scan the QR code with your phone to go directly to the download page.

Yes. This site does not collect personal data. We use cookies only to improve navigation and content quality. For more information, consult the Privacy Policy.

All listed apps were reviewed to ensure they have clear privacy policies and follow best practices in data protection. No app was selected without confirming this.

That said, we always recommend reading the terms of use before installing any app.

No. The apps on this site can support your efforts toward wellness and self-management, but they do not replace consultations with health professionals.

If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, please consult a health professional.

Need urgent support? Services are available 24/7 from:

• Info-Social 811: Dial 811, option 2

• Suicide prevention: suicide.ca, 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553), or text 535353

• Emergency: Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger

This website does not provide technical support for the apps. However, most apps offer good support. See the “Support For Using The App” section in the app summary, which links to the developer’s help service.

This collection is designed to support, not replace, clinical judgment. Each app is accompanied by a summary sheet providing information on its usefulness, data privacy safeguards, and ease of use. Professionals remain free to choose the app and the type of support best suited to each individual's care.

Sharing the collection helps with prevention and awareness: by promoting reliable tools, we increase the chances that individuals will engage early in self-care approaches. A deployment kit, including communication tools, will soon be available on the website.

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The collection is aligned with the priorities of the Plan d’action interministériel en santé mentale 2022-2026, which emphasizes innovation to improve access to mental health care and services. It is intended to equip individuals, their loved ones, and professionals in the public health system in selecting mobile apps that support mental health and well-being.

The collection was developed with a person-centered approach, respecting autonomy and supporting mental health self-management. It is consistent with the Programme québécois pour les troubles mentaux (PQPTM). The featured apps are tools for promotion and prevention and may also complement other treatment approaches depending on their use.

We regularly review the apps to reflect updates, content quality, new research, and continued compliance with our criteria. Summaries are updated when major changes occur (e.g., new features, pricing updates, regulatory notices).

New apps may also be added if they meet evaluation standards.

Yes. If you know of a mental health app that should be considered, you can suggest it by contacting the Centre d'expertise en technologie de l'information en santé mentale, dépendance et itinérance.