Stressed Out? These 3 Apps Can Help Calm Nerves

(CBS SF) -- A growing number of websites and apps are now offering help with stress, anxiety and other common mental health issues.

Experts say so-called "digital therapeutics" could help provide relief to users,  but also warn they're not for everyone and could have serious limitations.

Earlier this year, Joyce Guan of San Francisco turned to Lantern for help with stress.  The start-up co-founder says it was a natural choice given her busy lifestyle.  "I don't go to the store, I use Instacart,  I don't pickup up takeout,  I have it delivered.  So why would I leave the house to talk to someone?" Guan explained.

Guan says the app gives her 24/7 access to a "coach," who she mainly communicates with by text or email.  There's also online offerings to help learn to deal with anxiety. "Everyday there is some learning and education and one or two exercises," she said.

App therapy is a growing field with at least half a dozen sites,  including Headspace which bills itself as a "Gym Membership for the Mind."

Happify offers what it says are "science-based games and activities" that "build skills for lasting happiness."

But do they work?

"The answer is not clear yet,"  according to Jennifer Brokaw, MD.  "We have to think of them like a drug and subject them to the same scrutiny," she told ConsumerWatch.  Brokaw says the apps could be helpful for some,  but says those with severe problems should look elsewhere.  Lantern, for one, screens users first.  Those with serious or severe issues are advised to seek-face-to-face treatment.

The California Psychiatric Association says right now there's not enough evidence to support that the apps are effective on their own,  but says there may be a role for them as an "add-on" treatment for people working with a licensed professional.