Sanvello App Overview

Sanvello is an evidence-based mobile app that allows you access to on-demand help for stress, anxiety, and depression. Sanvello has all of the support you need in one place: online therapy, coaching, self-care tools, and a community that gets it. Sanvello uses the clinically proven techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness designed to work together to help you learn how to feel happier. Sanvello has something for everyone. Users are able to listen to guided meditations, learn then practice CBT skills, connect with other members, and track their mood, daily thoughts, and habits all in one place. One thing that Sanvello reviewers appreciate is that because of the financial hardships people are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are offering their “premium” memberships to all users for FREE. 

Unlike many of its competitors, Sanvello happily works with and accepts most major health insurance plans, which means you might have free access to all self-care content and tools within the app. They are available globally, putting your mental health at your fingertips with access to high-quality support anywhere and at any time. Sanvello believes that having access to mental health support shouldn’t be a privilege and offers their app for free to those looking for that little extra push to feel happier as they navigate the uneasy and uncomfortable feelings caused by depression, anxiety, and stress.  

Founded in 2014 under the name Pacifica by CEO Dale Beermann and experienced developer Chris Goettel, who were inspired to create an app specifically focused on CBT and mindfulness through their own experiences with mental health concerns. Beermann used mindfulness techniques to combat insomnia, and Goettel dealt with his social anxiety by employing therapy grounded in CBT. The health app was renamed in 2019 after being acquired by Sanvello, which is a branch of United Health, an insurance company.   

How Does the Sanvello App Work?

Sanvello offers its users four kinds of support with their all-in-one health app. It was initially developed to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, and stress. Still, the founders saw a need for more comprehensive mental health care that included more aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle and incorporating things like regular exercise, better sleep regimens, and moderation of stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, as well as alcohol. 

The four types of support that Sanvello currently offers are:

Self-care

Promoted as a place to feel better, the Sanvello app gives you clinically proven therapies grounded in CBT and mindfulness for dealing with mild to moderate stress, depression, anxiety, so you can get the relief you need and feel happier over time. Self-care support offers daily mood tracking, where you will answer a simple question each day, so you’re able to assess your mood, track your activity, and identify patterns. You’re also offered guided journeys and coping tools that range depending on your needs to help you feel more in control. After you’ve tracked your habits, activity and learned how to take time to relax, you’ll receive a weekly progress report that tracks where you are and where you want to go. Self-care is an excellent introduction to the benefits of therapy. Whether you know everything or nothing about CBT and Mindfulness, incorporating self-care into your daily routine may be the place to start your journey to feeling like you again. 

Peer Support

Think of peer support as the next best thing to having all your best friends in one place and all dealing with the same thing you are. Peer support is a community that allows you to connect with others anonymously where you can share advice, ask questions, and talk to others who understand what you’re going through because they too are going through something similar or have already been there and can offer encouraging words or affirmations in a safe space. Within the peer support community, you’ll be able to explore a wide range of topics, such as seeing the bigger picture or dealing with feelings of depression, all while knowing that you’re not alone. Peer Support is an excellent way to find others in your same boat and is best for those who find solace in being surrounded by other people. 

Coaching

Coaching gives you access to the experienced Sanvello coaches that will help you face any challenges as an adversary. They will be your personal guide and provide you with direction, support, and motivation via one-on-one messaging or real-time classes when you require a little extra help navigating your mental health. Each coach has a background in mental wellness and is trained (over 200 hours) in cognitive behavior change, a form of CBT that helps you think about what you’re dealing with in a new way. Coaching is a great jumping-off place for those curious about therapy but aren’t ready to dive in feet first. 

Coaching is only available in the U.S.     

Therapy 

Therapy can be daunting and inconvenient. With Sanvello, you’re able to talk to a licensed therapist from the comfort of wherever you are via live video sessions. Therapy can help you navigate your feelings and experiences when dealing with mental health issues. It can help you feel less stuck and on the road to healing. A Sanvello therapist is someone that will help you dive into what’s going on, identify things, like the thoughts and behaviors that may be holding you back, and will create a plan that fits into your schedule to help you prioritize yourself and feel better. 

Sanvello currently offers therapy in 22 states but is continuing to roll out nationwide. 

Is the Sanvello App Right for Me?

As we stated above, Sanvello gives you access to clinically proven techniques based on CBT for dealing with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and depression. If you’re looking for a jumping-off place to learn more and explore the benefits of CBT, want a place to go when you’re in need of motivation, need a little extra hand-holding while you’re deciding if traditional therapy is the way to go, or are wanting an online therapist, Sanvello could be what you’re looking for. 

Those new to CBT and Mindfulness will gain basic knowledge while using the Sanvello app, but it can also serve as an excellent tool for those already familiar with these practices but cementing it in your everyday life. Sanvello is great for tracking your daily habits, can aid in increasing your self-awareness, and is an excellent tool for those already in therapy. The app will even extend your subscription to your current therapist as a way for them to see how you’re feeling in between sessions.

Sanvello is NOT Right for Some 

It is important to note that even though Sanvello is a great resource for many things, it is not an alternative to medical or mental health treatment, especially if you’re struggling with severe mental health conditions, addiction, or having suicidal thoughts. 

The app was designed to help those struggling with depression, anxiety, and stress, so it may not be helpful if you’re struggling with issues related to OCD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. 

The same can be said for those wanting a meditation app specifically to establish a meditation practice. 

If you or a  loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room. You are not alone!

Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 OR Text HOME to 741741 for immediate help. 

Is the Sanvello App Credible? 

Sanvello was founded by two men who were inspired by their own experiences in dealing with mental health issues. While creating the app, they wanted to focus more so on self-help rather than exclusively online therapy because they found that most people were intimidated by the idea of therapy. 

Licensed therapists and psychologists designed the techniques that Sanvello uses in their four types of support to emulate traditional therapy in a digital setting. They only employ licensed therapists for those taking advantage of their online therapy, and each care member has over 200 hours of CBT training and a background in mental health. 

How Much Does the Sanvello App Cost?

Sanvello has two versions of its app: a restricted version for free and a premium version for paid users, which grants you access to all self-care content. However, Sanvello is dedicated to giving all people access to the support they need regardless of their financial situation and is currently offering their premium membership to everyone for FREE for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The cost after the pandemic will return to normal. 

Self-care Cost

• Premium Membership - $8.99/month or $53.99/year (requires a subscription)

• Unlimited health and goal tracking

• Thought-provoking exercises

• Full meditation library

• Guided journeys

 Coaching Cost

• Premium Membership - $50/month or $350/year (requires a subscription)

• FREE 14-day trial

• Unlimited health and goal tracking

• Thought-provoking exercises

• Full meditation library

• Guided journeys

• Journey Classes

• Unlimited one-on-one messaging

Therapy Cost

• Initial Therapy Session (60 mins) - Up to $140 

• Follow-up Sessions - $65 - $105 (depending on type and length)

• Unlimited health and goal tracking

• Thought-provoking exercises

• Full meditation library

• Guided journeys

• Journey Classes

• Unlimited one-on-one messaging with a care team member

• Virtual therapy sessions with a licensed and vetted therapist

Sanvello works with many major health insurance companies. If you’re paying through your health plan, it is recommended that you reach out to your provider directly for details regarding your coverage.

What Do We Think About the Sanvello App?

From all that we’ve read and researched, the Sanvello app seems incredibly legit in what it has to offer. However, one comment we kept coming across from other reviewers is that since its expansion into other mental health support areas, such as coaching and support groups, Sanvello has lost some of its shine. That branching out into these other areas has muddied the waters a bit. That being said, the Sanvello app seems to be a great place to become more attuned with therapy rooted in mindfulness and CBT. 

We truly appreciate that they are offering their premium membership at no cost while we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic. This is quite admirable and a massive draw for those wanting to explore self-care and meditation. There are so many people dealing with mental health issues surrounding depression and anxiety, and Sanvello is here to help those that need it most. We say, give Sanvello a chance before looking elsewhere - they could be the ticket you’re looking for!