On a quiet Tuesday morning, Derrick McElroy, CEO and co-founder of MentalFit, found himself inundated with personal stories from users—stories of how the app had helped them manage anxiety, rebuild confidence, or simply breathe easier amidst life’s chaos. For McElroy, these weren’t just comments; they were fuel. Each story deepened his commitment to a mission born from a deeply human need: to make mental wellness accessible to all. And with MentalFit’s direct-to-consumer launch, that mission enters a bold new chapter, one that invites individuals across America to step into better mental health on their own terms.
MentalFit’s public launch is more than a strategic shift; it marks a cultural transformation. For years, the company had operated behind institutional doors, providing its innovative platform to universities, nonprofits, and employers dedicated to mental health. But the need for accessible, stigma-free support goes beyond those environments. With millions struggling with emotional strain and limited access to care, MentalFit’s move to serve individual users is both timely and culturally resonant.
The Origin Story: Building MentalFit From the Ground Up
Founded in Denver in 2021, MentalFit was envisioned as more than just a tech solution—it was meant to be a lifeline. McElroy and his founding team recognized that while mental health conversations were evolving, resources remained fragmented, impersonal, and often out of reach for those who needed them most. They asked a simple, but powerful question: What if there was one platform that met people where they were—emotionally, financially, and technologically?
This question gave rise to MentalFit—a mobile-first platform designed to blend professional therapy, self-guided tools, and community-based support into one seamless ecosystem. It wasn’t about replacing therapists or competing with mindfulness apps. It was about uniting them, offering users a customizable path toward mental wellness.
And users responded.
The Pivot: From Partnerships to People
Until now, MentalFit primarily served clients through organizational channels—helping employers reduce workplace burnout, enabling students to manage academic pressures, and offering nonprofits a scalable mental health solution. But the success of these partnerships revealed a deeper realization: even the best tools are ineffective if the broader public can’t access them.
In May 2025, MentalFit officially opened its digital doors to the entire U.S. population. No longer restricted to institutional users, anyone can now download the app, explore its tools, and connect with professionals through two separate therapy partnerships: Calmerry and BetterHelp. Both services are integrated within MentalFit’s core functionality, allowing users to choose the therapy platform that works best for them.
McElroy sums up the shift: “We created MentalFit to offer people a supportive network and to make mental wellness more accessible and convenient. With this launch, we’re empowering people to take charge of their mental wellness.”
What Makes MentalFit Different?
In a crowded wellness market, MentalFit stands out by embracing a holistic approach. It doesn’t treat mental wellness as a one-size-fits-all prescription, but as a deeply personal, evolving practice. Users can engage in quick, bite-sized moments—a journaling prompt, a daily affirmation—or take a deeper dive into mood tracking, peer forums, and therapist-led sessions.
Key features of the app include:
- Mood & Thought Tracking: Users gain real-time insights into emotional patterns, promoting self-awareness.
- Community Forums: Peer support is made tangible through moderated spaces for shared stories, advice, and encouragement.
- Guided Affirmations: Rooted in cognitive behavioral techniques, these tools foster resilience and self-compassion.
- Journaling Tools: Designed for reflection, these entries are kept private and secure, offering a personal space for clarity.
Perhaps the most transformative element is the partnership with Calmerry and BetterHelp. Users now have the option to connect with licensed therapists through either platform—giving them flexibility and choice in their therapy journey. With both services, users can access professional support within 24 hours, ensuring timely and personal care through text or video formats. The ability to switch therapists or add sessions further customizes the experience, making therapy more approachable for anyone new to the process.
A Platform for the People
While MentalFit’s technology is sleek, its ethos is deeply human. In interviews, McElroy often reiterates that mental health care should feel more like a conversation than a system. “Mental wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey,” he explains. “That’s why MentalFit offers a supportive network—whether it’s connecting with others who understand what you’re going through or getting professional help through Calmerry or BetterHelp.”
This inclusivity isn’t by chance. The platform’s design was shaped by feedback from diverse user groups—college students, working parents, and more—to create an intuitive interface that feels welcoming, not clinical. MentalFit’s goal is to encourage users without overwhelming them.
Importantly, this direct-to-consumer model doesn’t replace MentalFit’s institutional partnerships. The company continues to work with employers, universities, and nonprofits to tailor its offerings, recognizing that collective environments play an essential role in mental wellness. But now, it also speaks directly to the individual—whether it’s the night owl scrolling for support at 2 a.m., the new parent managing postpartum anxiety, or the graduate facing the uncertainty of the job market.
The Bigger Picture: Changing How America Sees Mental Health
MentalFit isn’t just another app; it’s a catalyst for cultural change. By normalizing daily wellness check-ins and providing low-barrier access to care, it redefines mental health not as a crisis to be handled, but as an ongoing practice to be nurtured.
The broader impact is already unfolding. As users weave MentalFit into their daily routines, they’re also reshaping the conversation—one post, prompt, and therapy session at a time. In a digital landscape where wellness can sometimes feel performative, MentalFit offers something rarer: a space to be real.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
MentalFit has cultivated a dynamic online presence to connect with its community and simplify access to its mental wellness tools. Its official website serves as a comprehensive hub, offering in-depth insights into the app’s features and its whole-person approach to mental health. On social platforms like Instagram and Facebook, MentalFit fosters meaningful engagement, sharing updates, tips, and mental health content that inspires daily self-care.
The app is readily available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, making it accessible to users across all major devices. Thanks to its strategic partnerships with Calmerry and BetterHelp, MentalFit also offers seamless access to licensed therapists—bringing professional support into users’ wellness routines with unparalleled ease.
