Apps and online care
Shimmer vs Bend Health
They differ on 10 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
Shimmer
You sign up, get matched with an ADHD coach, and meet by video once a week to work on goals like routines, planning and follow-through, with app check-ins in between.
Bend Health
You sign your child up online, and a care team of coaches, therapists and psychiatric clinicians works with your child and you by video, tracking symptoms with regular check-ins.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Shimmer: Peer support or coaching
- Bend Health: A therapist
- Good for
- Shimmer: Adults with ADHD (diagnosed or not) who want a regular coach to help with planning, routines and follow-through; People already treated for ADHD who want practical support alongside medication or therapy
- Bend Health: Parents of children or teens with anxiety, depression, ADHD or behavior problems; Families who want parents involved in care
- Probably not for
- Shimmer: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988
- Bend Health: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988, or call 911
- Cost
- Shimmer: $230/month for weekly 30-minute coaching
- Bend Health: Copay with insurance; $199.99/month self-pay (coaching), $399.99 with therapy, $549.99 with medication
- How you pay
- Shimmer: I'll pay myself
- Bend Health: Insurance
- Where
- Shimmer: iPhone, Android, Web
- Bend Health: Web
- Research
- Shimmer: Early research
- Bend Health: Limited research
- Privacy
- Shimmer: Grade B+
- Bend Health: Grade C
- Sells your data
- Shimmer: No
- Bend Health: Yes
- HIPAA
- Shimmer: No
- Bend Health: Yes
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.