Free & Near Free Mental Health Resources For Abused Children & Trauma Survivors

Print page one and KEEP KARA’s Free Mental Health RESOURCE BOX listing in your favorites for PTSD Coach, PTSD Family Coach, and 988/Crisis Text Line as always‑available supports for abused and neglected children, youth, and adults.

Crisis lines (U.S.)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  24/7 free support by call, text, or chat for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
  https://988lifeline.org​

• Crisis Text Line
  Text 741741 (U.S.) for free 24/7 crisis support from trained volunteers.
  Listed under youth crisis resources at: https://connectsafely.org/resources-for-youth-in-crisis/​

• National Child Abuse Hotline (ChildHelp)
  1‑800‑422‑4453 or text CHILDHELP to 847411; 24/7 hotline with professional crisis counselors; support for children, survivors, and concerned adults.
  https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/ (linked via TSN resources).​

  

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• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth)
  24/7 crisis and suicide‑prevention services for LGBTQ youth ages 13–24 (chat, text, phone).

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to help children where you live.

Below is an extensive list of

mental health resources broken out by audience.

All of these are free or near‑free, and most are evidence‑based.

For children and youth

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Youth Resources
  Tip sheets, videos, and guides created with youth input to explain trauma, feelings, and coping.
  https://www.nctsn.org/audiences/youth​

• NCTSN – General Child Trauma Resources
  Searchable library by trauma type, age, language (e.g., abuse, neglect, disasters, racial trauma).
  https://www.nctsn.org/resources and https://www.nctsn.org/resources/all-nctsn-resources​

• Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
  For teachers, school staff, and parents supporting traumatized students in school.
  https://www.nctsn.org/resources/child-trauma-toolkit-educators​

• Trauma Survivors Network – Pediatric Resources
  Curated list of child‑focused hotlines and supports, including ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline and The Trevor Project for LGBTQ youth.
  https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/pediatric-resources​

• Resources for Youth in Crisis (ConnectSafely)
  One page with crisis contacts: Crisis Text Line (text 741741), YouthLine, National Child Abuse Hotline (800‑422‑4453), dating abuse and domestic violence hotlines, and more.
  https://connectsafely.org/resources-for-youth-in-crisis/​

• Sidran / Traumatic Stress Institute – Youth/Teen Hotlines List
  Extensive list of youth helplines (National Runaway Safeline, Boys Town, Teen Line, etc.) for teens dealing with abuse, trauma, or crisis.
  https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/hotline-list/​

For adults and caregivers with childhood trauma

• NCTSN – Resources for Parents and Caregivers
  Guides on supporting traumatized children, understanding triggers, and building trauma‑informed homes and systems.
  https://www.nctsn.org/resources (filter by audience “Parents/Caregivers”).​

• NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma
  Free e‑learning library (webinars, courses, CE credits) on child trauma, ACEs, and trauma‑informed care—helpful for foster parents, advocates, and professionals.
  https://learn.nctsn.org​

• What Is Complex Trauma: A Resource Guide for Youth and Those Who Care About Them
  Plain‑language guide on complex trauma, coping strategies, and improvement, usable by youth and adults.
  https://www.nctsn.org/resources/what-complex-trauma-resource-guide-youth-and-those-who-care-about-them​

• NIMH – Coping With Traumatic Events
  Overview page with self‑help strategies, when to seek help, and links to tools and apps.
  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events​

Apps and online self‑help tools (teens and adults)

• PTSD Coach (mobile app + web)
  Free, research‑based app created by the U.S. VA and DoD; includes education, coping tools (grounding, relaxation, sleep), symptom tracking, and links to support.
  App info: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ptsdcoach_app.asp​
  Web version: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline/default.htm​

• Other PTSD‑related apps (VA National Center for PTSD)
  Additional free apps like CPT Coach and PE Coach to support trauma treatments (with or without a therapist).
  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/​

• NIMH / SAMHSA app listings
  NIMH and SAMHSA highlight PTSD Coach and related apps as evidence‑based tools for people dealing with trauma and their families.
  https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/ptsd-coach​
  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events​

Crisis lines (U.S.)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  24/7 free support by call, text, or chat for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
  https://988lifeline.org​

• Crisis Text Line
  Text 741741 (U.S.) for free 24/7 crisis support from trained volunteers.
  Listed under youth crisis resources at: https://connectsafely.org/resources-for-youth-in-crisis/​

• National Child Abuse Hotline (ChildHelp)
  1‑800‑422‑4453 or text CHILDHELP to 847411; 24/7 hotline with professional crisis counselors; support for children, survivors, and concerned adults.
  https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/ (linked via TSN resources).​

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth)
  24/7 crisis and suicide‑prevention services for LGBTQ youth ages 13–24 (chat, text, phone).
  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/​

For schools, community groups, and advocates

• NCTSN – Organizational and Screening Resources
  Tools to help organizations and systems become trauma‑informed, plus guidance on trauma screening and assessment.
  https://www.nctsn.org/resources/nctsn-resources (see “Screening and Assessment”).​

• NCTSN main site and resource index
  Central hub for everything above, with filters by audience (youth, parents, educators, providers) and trauma type (abuse, neglect, community violence, disasters, etc.).
  https://www.nctsn.org and https://www.nctsn.org/resources​

• Supporting Young Minds 2025 Resource Guide (Mental Health America)
  PDF guide with hotlines, online supports, and community resources for youth mental health and trauma, including 988.
  https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SYM-2025-Resource-Guide.pdf​

Headspace and similar mindfulness apps

• Headspace

  • Guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and short videos for stress, anxiety, and sleep.

  • Teen and student options: https://www.headspace.com/teens and https://www.headspace.com/app​

• Calm

  • Mindfulness, sleep stories, and relaxation exercises; widely used by teens and adults to manage anxiety and insomnia.​

• Insight Timer

  • Free meditation library with thousands of guided practices, many focused on anxiety, trauma, and sleep.​

Trauma‑ and PTSD‑focused apps

• PTSD Coach

  • Evidence‑based app from the VA/DoD with PTSD education, self‑assessment, symptom tracking, and coping tools (grounding, relaxation, sleep, anger management).

  • Info and links: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ptsdcoach_app.asp​

• PTSD Coach Online (web version)

  • Same tools in a browser: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline/default.htm​

• PTSD Family Coach

  • For partners/caregivers of someone with PTSD: education, communication tips, and self‑care. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/familycoach_app.asp​

Youth‑oriented mental‑health apps (useful for traumatized teens/kids)

• MindShift CBT

  • CBT tools for anxiety and worry; often recommended for teens.​

• Calm Harm

  • Skills for riding out urges to self‑harm using DBT‑style coping; targeted at teens and young adults.​

• HappiMe (Green app for ages 4–11)

  • Builds self‑esteem and positive thinking in younger children; used by child‑abuse and foster‑care organizations. https://www.childhelphotline.org/teen-apps/​

Aggregated lists you can mine further:

• 10 Free Mental Health Apps for Kids and Teens (PDF):
  https://studentmentalhealthtoolkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DownloadableResource_MentalHealthAppsforKidsandTeens.pdf​

• Free apps for kids, parents, and youth (Safe & Sound):
  https://safeandsound.org/blog/free-apps-to-support-the-mental-health-of-kids-parents-and-youth/​

Emotion‑regulation and anxiety apps often recommended for kids (trauma‑informed in practice)

These aren’t labeled “trauma apps” but are commonly recommended by child‑mental‑health providers to help under‑12s with big feelings, worry, and self‑regulation, which are core trauma‑recovery skills.​

• Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame (Sesame Street)
  Teaches preschool and early‑elementary kids to pause, breathe, think of solutions, and try them—exactly the kind of coping sequence used in trauma‑informed care.​

• Daniel Tiger’s Grr‑ific Feelings
  Helps young kids label emotions, calm down when angry, and use music/activities to relax; very useful for children who struggle to express or regulate trauma‑related feelings.​

• HappiMe (Green version: ages 4–11)
  Focuses on building self‑esteem and positive thinking through kid‑friendly exercises; endorsed by child‑abuse organizations as a free tool for younger children.​
  Info: https://www.happi-me.info (see Green app for ages 4–11)​

• TogetherAI / other “feelings check‑in” apps
  Listed in “10 Free Mental Health Apps for Kids and Teens” as helping young children identify and track their emotions, with simple mood check‑ins and psychoeducation.​

• Positive Penguins / similar CBT‑for‑kids apps
  Use stories and games to help children understand feelings and challenge negative thoughts, aligning with core CBT approaches used in child trauma treatment.​

Lists that aggregate these options:

• 10 Free Mental Health Apps for Kids and Teens (Student Mental Health Toolkit – PDF): https://studentmentalhealthtoolkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DownloadableResource_MentalHealthAppsforKidsandTeens.pdf​

• ChildHelp Teen Apps page (includes kid‑friendly options like HappiMe, MindShift, Calm Harm for older kids/teens): https://www.childhelphotline.org/teen-apps/​

Important caveats from the research

• A systematic review of mobile mental‑health apps for preadolescents and adolescents found very few apps with strong evidence, and many had privacy gaps or content not aligned with best‑practice guidelines.​

• A 2025 co‑design study of a trauma‑support app based on Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) (for children 8+) shows promise, but emphasizes that most trauma apps for young people are still in early stages and are best delivered alongside therapist or caregiver support.​

For kids under 12 in CPS or with significant trauma, the most trauma‑informed approach is usually:

• Use therapy‑aligned tools (Triangle of Life, breathing/emotions apps) with a caregiver or clinician.

• Use PFA Mobile and NCTSN resources to guide how adults respond to and talk with children after trauma.​

For children under 12, there are only a few apps that are explicitly trauma‑focused; most options are emotion‑regulation and anxiety apps that use trauma‑informed ideas (naming feelings, calming the body, building safety) rather than talking about “PTSD” directly. Research reviews also stress that very few kids’ apps have strong clinical trials, so these should complement, not replace, real‑world support.​

Trauma‑ and stress‑informed apps usable with younger children

• Help Kids Cope (NCTSN)
  For parents to help children cope with disasters and scary events; includes sections by age group (preschool, school‑age, teen) on common reactions and how to respond.​
  Download/info: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/help-kids-cope​

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) Mobile – for adults helping kids
  Not for kids to use alone, but gives responders, caregivers, and teachers step‑by‑step guidance on how to support infants, preschoolers, school‑age children, and adolescents after trauma (matching responses to age‑specific stress reactions).​
  Info: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/pfa-mobile and https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/pfa_app_pro.asp​

• Triangle of Life (TF‑CBT support)
  A therapist‑facing/child‑facing app developed to reinforce Trauma‑Focused CBT skills for traumatized children; it uses interactive activities to teach cognitive coping and relationship skills learned in therapy.​
  Overview article: https://www.pittsburghparent.com/new-app-augments-evidence-based-therapy-for-traumatized-children/​

There are very few apps made only for children in CPS, but there are several good, free tools designed for foster youth, out‑of‑home youth, or traumatized kids that fit this group well.

Apps and tools designed around foster / out‑of‑home youth

• FOCUS on Foster Families (UCLA)
  A skills app (Apple only) that helps foster youth and their caregivers identify and track emotions, practice problem‑solving, and improve family interaction; it is an adaptation of an evidence‑based trauma and resilience program used in military and foster families.​

  • Ages: roughly 6–12 and 13+ (youth and their caregivers).

  • Listed as “focus on foster youth and families” in county mental‑health app guides.​

• FostrSpace (JJBH Research)
  A mobile web app for youth in foster care or out‑of‑home placements that offers psycho‑educational materials, access to a “personal care navigator,” peer support, and licensed clinicians in a safe online space.​

• App under development for youth in out‑of‑home care
  A 2024 study describes a mobile app built with and for youth in out‑of‑home care (shelters, foster placements) to support independent living, emotional regulation, and daily‑life management, using an evidence‑based intervention‑mapping approach.​

  • This app is not yet a widely distributed product, but the research underscores that trauma‑informed apps tailored to foster youth are being actively developed.​

• Foster Friendly App (for foster/kinship families)
  While not a trauma self‑help app for kids directly, the Foster Friendly App connects foster and kinship families to local discounts, foster closets, nonprofits, and community supports, improving stability and material support around the child.​

General youth mental‑health apps recommended for foster/CPS youth

• ChildHelp’s Teen Mental Health Apps list
  ChildHelp’s National Child Abuse Hotline curates free apps for youth (including foster youth) such as MindShift CBT, HappiMe, and Woebot, which help with anxiety, coping skills, self‑talk, and mood tracking.​

• “5 Therapy Apps that Could Change the Mental Health Game for Foster Youth” (The Imprint)
  Profiles several mainstream therapy/chat apps and tools that foster youth can use to work through trauma and strengthen relationships (e.g., text‑based therapy platforms and CBT‑style apps), highlighting how they may fit the foster‑care context.​

• Free apps for kids, parents, and youth (Safe & Sound)
  A 2025 overview highlights free apps for 13–25‑year‑olds, including Soluna (California‑only 1:1 coaching app) that offers confidential mental‑health chat support and coping tools for teens and young adults, many of whom have trauma histories.​

Because the evidence base for child and teen mental‑health apps is still limited, reviews note that few have strong clinical trial data and that they should be used as supplements to real‑world therapy and supportive relationships, especially for children in CPS or foster care

 

PTSD Coach app: randomized trials

• A randomized controlled trial of the PTSD Coach smartphone app (self‑management only, vs. waitlist) found that users had significantly greater improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms and psychosocial functioning than the control group, and a higher proportion achieved clinically significant PTSD symptom improvement.​

• A later trial of the Swedish version of PTSD Coach showed that 3 months of access to the app reduced PTSD and depressive symptoms compared with a waitlist group, with more users moving below the threshold for probable PTSD; users rated the app as slightly to moderately helpful and satisfactory.​

• A VA‑run pilot RCT with community trauma survivors concluded that PTSD Coach was feasible and acceptable, with many participants finding the “Manage Symptoms” tools most useful, though sample size limited firm conclusions about efficacy.​

PTSD Coach + clinician support

• A 2023 randomized clinical trial tested “clinician‑supported PTSD Coach,” combining the app with four brief psychotherapy sessions. The study reported that the app plus minimal clinician support produced meaningful PTSD symptom reductions, and highlighted the model as a scalable way to extend care.​

Systematic reviews of PTSD and trauma apps

• A systematic review of PTSD apps in commercial app stores found that while high‑quality apps based on CBT and other established PTSD treatments exist, only one app (PTSD Coach) had been rigorously evaluated in an RCT at the time; many other apps lacked evidence and had weak privacy protections.​

• An informatics analysis of trauma‑related apps (“Dr. Smartphone, can you support my trauma?”) concluded that trauma apps vary widely in clinical foundation, privacy, and usability; it emphasized that only a small subset have a clear therapeutic basis aligned with clinical literature and are appropriate to integrate with professional care.​

• A 2024 meta‑analysis of digital mental‑health interventions for PTSD found small but clinically meaningful symptom reductions, particularly when CBT‑based techniques were used; results for purely self‑managed apps were more modest and variable.​

Overall takeaways

• PTSD Coach and a few similar tools have randomized‑trial evidence showing modest improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms and good user acceptability.​

• Most PTSD/trauma apps on app stores do not yet have strong evidence, and quality and privacy protections are uneven, so users and clinicians need to choose carefully.​

• Researchers and VA reviews emphasize that these apps are best viewed as adjuncts to evidence‑based therapy (CBT, CPT, PE, EMDR), not stand‑alone replacements—especially for people with severe or complex PTSD.​

For teenage trauma survivors, the best apps combine solid clinical backing with youth‑friendly design. Here are strong, free options to recommend.

Trauma‑specific, evidence‑based apps

• PTSD Coach (VA/DoD – not just for veterans)

  • Helps teens and adults understand PTSD, track symptoms, and use coping tools (breathing, grounding, sleep help, managing anger and trauma reminders).​

  • Info: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ptsdcoach_app.asp​

  • Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=is.vertical.ptsdcoach​

  • iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ptsd-coach/id430646302​

• PTSD Coach Online (browser‑based)

  • Same tools, no download; useful on shared or school computers.

  • https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline/default.htm​

• PTSD Family Coach (for caregivers of traumatized teens)

  • Supports parents/caregivers with education on PTSD, communication tips, and self‑care—indirectly helping the teen.

  • Info & links: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/familycoach_app.asp​

A full list of VA trauma apps (including therapy companions like CPT Coach and PE Coach) is here:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/​

General mental‑health apps often helpful for traumatized teens

These are not PTSD‑only, but widely used for anxiety, mood swings, and sleep problems that often follow trauma. (Names come from APA/trauma‑psych reviews, which emphasize evidence‑based content and privacy.)​

• Calm Harm – uses DBT‑style skills to ride out urges to self‑harm; designed for young people.

• MindShift CBT – CBT tools for anxiety, panic, and worry; journaling and coping strategies.

• MoodMission – Suggests small “missions” for low mood or anxiety, teaching practical coping actions.

You can find current, vetted versions via:

• APA Trauma Division’s Mental Health App Database: https://apatraumadivision.org/mental-health-app-database/​

How to introduce these to teens

• Emphasize that apps are tools, not replacements for therapy; best used alongside a trusted adult, counselor, or therapist.​

• Start with PTSD Coach for trauma education and grounding tools, then add MindShift/Calm Harm for day‑to‑day anxiety or self‑harm urges.​

• Pair app use with crisis resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Text Line (text 741741) for moments when coping tools aren’t enough.

Several high‑quality PTSD and trauma apps are completely free and work on both iOS and Android. These are among the most trusted because they’re built by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense, or vetted by APA and other professional groups.​

Core PTSD and trauma apps

• PTSD Coach

  • Who it’s for: Anyone with PTSD symptoms or a trauma history (not just veterans).

  • What it does: Education about PTSD, self‑assessment, symptom tracking, and dozens of coping tools (breathing, grounding, relaxation, sleep, anger, trauma reminders).​

  • Platforms:

    • Info & overview: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ptsdcoach_app.asp​

    • Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=is.vertical.ptsdcoach​

    • iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ptsd-coach/id430646302​

  • Notes: Evidence‑based CBT strategies; recommended by APA reviewers as a top free PTSD app.​

• PTSD Coach Online (web version)

  • Browser‑based version with 17 tools for sleep, trauma reminders, anger, anxiety, and more.

  • https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline/default.htm and tools menu at https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline/tools_menu.htm​

• PTSD Family Coach

  • Who it’s for: Family members and partners of someone with PTSD.

  • What it does: Education about PTSD’s impact on families, self‑care tools, relationship guidance, and ways to support a loved one.​

  • Info & download links: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/familycoach_app.asp​

Treatment‑companion apps (for people in therapy)

These are free but designed to be used with a therapist:

• CPT Coach (Cognitive Processing Therapy companion)

  • Helps people doing CPT keep worksheets, track symptoms, and complete between‑session assignments.​

• PE Coach (Prolonged Exposure companion)

  • Helps schedule and track exposure exercises, record sessions, complete symptom scales, and practice skills.​

An overview of all VA trauma‑related apps is here:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/​

How to find and vet more apps

• APA Trauma Division – Mental Health App Database
  Reviewed list of 40+ mental‑health apps (including trauma/PTSD‑relevant ones), with notes on evidence base, privacy, and usability.
  https://apatraumadivision.org/mental-health-app-database/​

• Healthify PTSD apps list
  Consumer‑friendly review page summarizing key PTSD apps, their functions, and how to get them.
  https://healthify.nz/apps/p/ptsd-apps​

• NIMH and SAMHSA recommendations
  Both agencies highlight PTSD Coach and related apps as safe, free tools to supplement care and self‑management.
  SAMHSA app info: https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/ptsd-coach​

 

 

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