## ⚠ Content Warning

This report covers topics classified as sensitive (health). Information is aggregated from public sources for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before acting on any information here.

---
last_verified: "2026-06-15T17:15:52.164Z"
---
schema_type: "SoftwareApplication"
entity_type: "Mobile Application"
app_name: "Calm Harm – manage self-harm"
developer_entity: "Stem4"
bundle_id: "uk.org.stem4.stem4"
app_store_id: "961611581"
google_play_id: "uk.org.stem4.calmharm"
category: "Health & Fitness"
primary_platform: "ios"
primary_monetization: "Free"
offline_capable: true
market_region: "US"
platforms: "iOS & Android"
app_last_updated: "2025-12-03"
report_date: "2026-06-15"
last_verified: "2026-06-15"
report_version: "6.2.1"
total_reviews: 3285
overall_rating: 4.34
sentiment: "Thrilled"
sentiment_score: 82
confidence: "high"
confidence_score: 0.6
top_praise_theme: "Evidence-based distraction techniques provide immediate relief for users managing intense self-harm urges"
top_complaint_theme: "Inflexible timer settings during breathing exercises create unnecessary pressure for users seeking calm"
top_request_theme: "Expanded accessibility options including text-to-speech and adjustable font sizes for diverse needs"
review_sample_size: 49
total_review_count: 49
analyzed_review_count: 49
data_age_days: 0
momentum_velocity: "steady"
intelligence_version: 3
nemesis: "DBT Coach"
competitor_count: 10
tags: ["health & fitness", "free", "thrilled sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "young", "people", "older"]
canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/uk-org-stem4-stem4"
license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0"
content_version: "v2"
---

# Calm Harm – manage self-harm App Audit

## TL;DR {#tldr}

- **Category**: Health & Fitness · Free
- **Signal**: Rating 4.34 · Sentiment Thrilled
- **Recent focus**: Inflexible timer settings during breathing exercises create unnecessary pressure for users seeking calm (top complaint) · Evidence-based distraction techniques provide immediate relief for users managing intense self-harm urges (top praise) · Expanded accessibility options including text-to-speech and adjustable font sizes for diverse needs (top request)

> **TL;DR:** Calm Harm – manage self-harm is a health & fitness app by Stem4, rated 4.34/5 by 3.3K users, with Thrilled user sentiment (82/100), available on iOS & Android.
>
> **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** — Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence.

<!-- speakable-start -->
> **Key Insight:** Calm Harm – manage self-harm maintains Thrilled user sentiment (4.34/5 from 3.3K reviews), with users consistently praising evidence-based distraction techniques provide immediate relief for users managing intense self-harm urges.
<!-- speakable-end -->

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Rating** | 4.34/5 (3.3K reviews) |
| **User Mood** | Thrilled |
| **Category** | Health & Fitness |
| **Developer** | Stem4 |
| **Pricing** | Free |
| **Platforms** | iOS & Android |
| **Confidence** | High (0.6/1.0) |
| **Data Age** | 0d |

## Metadata & Market Performance
- **Publisher:** Stem4
- **Category:** Health & Fitness
- **Target Audience:** Young people aged 13 and older who need evidence-based tools to manage or resist the urge to self-harm.
- **Platforms:** iOS & Android
- **Version Audited:** 6.2.1
- **Audit Date:** 2026-06-15
- **Signal Count:** 49 reviews analyzed
- **Confidence:** High (0.6/1.0)
- **App Store ID (iOS):** 961611581
- **Bundle ID:** uk.org.stem4.stem4
- **Google Play ID:** uk.org.stem4.calmharm
- **Performance Trend:** Mixed
- **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-06-15
- **Short Description:** Calm Harm provides tasks that help you track & resist self-harm urges

<!-- section:executive-snapshot -->
## Executive Snapshot
**What it is:** Calm Harm is a free, clinical-developed mental health app for teenagers that provides DBT-based activities to manage self-harm urges.
**Why users hire it:** Users hire the app for immediate, evidence-based crisis distraction that remains accessible without data or subscription barriers.
<!-- /section:executive-snapshot -->

<!-- section:features -->
## App DNA (Features & Intent)
- **[Differentiator] DBT-based Activity Timer:** 5-minute or 15-minute guided activities based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy principles to manage self-harm urges
  * *User Intent:* Users need clear guidance to understand and adopt the product quickly.
- **[Standard] My Records Log:** Self-monitoring section tracking urge strength, common triggers, and active times of day
  * *User Intent:* Users want visibility into their own performance and progress.
- **[Differentiator] Offline Functionality:** Full app access without requiring data or WiFi connectivity
  * *User Intent:* Users want uninterrupted access without internet dependency.
<!-- /section:features -->

<!-- section:market-position -->
## Market Position {#market-position}

Calm Harm maintains a stable presence in the Health & Fitness category with a 4.4-star rating across 3,285 total ratings. Its non-profit, ad-free model differentiates it from subscription-heavy mental health competitors, though its ranking volatility suggests a need for more frequent feature engagement.
<!-- /section:market-position -->

## Monetization Strategy
- **Model:** Free
- **Tiers:** Completely free with no in-app purchases required
- **Price:** iOS: $1.99
- **Analysis:** The app operates on a non-profit model funded by the charity stem4, with no monetization gates or subscription tiers.

<!-- section:sentiment -->
## 🟢 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 49 of 49 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment}
- **Overall Rating:** 4.34/5
- **Platform Split:** iOS 4.4/5 (682 ratings) | Android 4.3/5 (2.6K ratings)
- **Overall Sentiment:** Thrilled

### Top Praises
- **Evidence-based distraction techniques provide immediate relief for users managing intense self-harm urges**

### Top Complaints (Impact Areas)
- **Inflexible timer settings during breathing exercises create unnecessary pressure for users seeking calm**

### Top Requests (What Users Want)
- **Expanded accessibility options including text-to-speech and adjustable font sizes for diverse needs**

<!-- /section:sentiment -->
<!-- section:swot -->
## SWOT Analysis {#swot}

**Core Strengths:**
- NHS and ORCHA approval sustains organic install velocity
- DBT-informed methodology functions as a clinical brand moat
- Offline-first architecture ensures reliability during crisis

**Critical Frictions:**
- Fixed-duration timers create rigidity for users
- Lack of biometric security forces reliance on memorable passwords
- Background timer pauses during multitasking

**Growth Levers:**
- Wearable integration for discreet access
- Accessibility improvements for screen readers
- Expanded identity options for inclusivity

**Market Threats:**
- Clinical-style apps with diary card methodology siphoning power users
- AI-driven journaling apps increasing engagement through personalized prompts
- Tightening data-minimisation standards in the kids category

<!-- /section:swot -->
## Recent Changes (v2 → v3) {#recent-changes}

The app's competitive position is now better defined through sentiment analysis and a formal landscape audit, highlighting a shift from purely clinical praise to specific UX-related complaints regarding timer rigidity.

**Overall trend**: Mixed
**Compared at**: 2026-06-15

### High-impact changes
- **[Added] New complaint theme: Timer rigidity** (sentiment) — Users report that fixed-duration activities create unnecessary pressure, contrasting with the previous report's focus on positive clinical outcomes.

### Medium-impact changes
- **[Improved] Activity Timer repositioned** (features) — The DBT-based Activity Timer is now classified as a differentiator rather than a standard feature, emphasizing its role in the app's core value.
- **[Added] New operational weaknesses** (swot) — Added specific weaknesses including lack of biometric security and background timer pauses during multitasking.

<!-- section:rivals -->
## Rivals Landscape {#rivals}

> Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals.

### Calm Harm – manage self-harm vs DBT Coach — Head to Head
- **[DBT Coach](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/dbt-coach)** by Resiliens Inc.: This is the only direct competitor in the qualified pool that specifically targets Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for self-harm and emotional regulation.
  - **Moat strength:** Medium — durable but contestable
  - **Key differences:**
    - Provides structured, curriculum-based DBT skill training rather than just ad-hoc distraction tasks.
    - Includes comprehensive tracking for specific DBT diary cards to monitor emotional progress over time.
    - Offers a specialized focus on clinical skill-building that goes beyond simple urge-surfing techniques.
  - **Where Calm Harm – manage self-harm wins:**
    - ✅ Offers a more accessible, lightweight interface for users in acute distress who need immediate distraction.
    - ✅ Provides a completely free, non-gated experience for core urge-management tools compared to clinical-style apps.
  - **Where DBT Coach wins:**
    - ❌ Delivers a structured educational framework that builds long-term emotional regulation skills beyond immediate urge management.
    - ❌ Integrates clinical diary card methodology which provides deeper data for users tracking their mental health.
  - **Verdict:** The target app should defend its position as the 'immediate crisis' tool while considering a 'skills-building' module to prevent user churn to more clinical alternatives.

### Contenders (Strong Challengers)
- **[MindShift CBT - Anxiety Relief](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/mindshift-cbt-anxiety-relief)** by 247 Labs Inc [Moat: Medium]: Directly addresses anxiety and emotional regulation using CBT principles, serving a similar user base seeking mental health relief.
  - Features dedicated 'Coping Cards' that provide actionable, step-by-step guidance for managing specific anxiety-inducing situations.
  - Includes a 'Quick Action' feature set designed for immediate relief during high-stress moments.
- **[Bearable - Symptom Tracker](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/bearable-symptom-tracker)** by Bearable Ltd [Moat: Medium]: Provides a highly granular tracking experience that allows users to correlate self-harm urges with lifestyle factors and mood.
  - Enables complex data correlation between daily habits, mood, and specific symptoms or urges.
  - Offers a highly customizable dashboard that allows users to track unique triggers beyond standard categories.
- **[Daylio Journal - Mood Tracker](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/daylio-journal-mood-tracker-1)** by Relaxio s.r.o. [Moat: High]: A dominant force in mood tracking that competes for the user's daily check-in habit and emotional awareness.
  - Utilizes a non-intrusive, icon-based logging system that maximizes daily retention through low-friction interaction.
  - Provides robust statistical insights and trend analysis that visualize emotional patterns over long periods.

### Peers (What They Do Better)
- **[Insight Timer: Meditate, Sleep](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-spotlightsix-zentimer)** by Insight Network Inc: Adjacent mental health app focused on mindfulness and meditation as a tool for emotional regulation.
  - Hosts a massive library of community-led guided meditations covering specific emotional states and crises.
  - Operates a social-first model with live events and group meditation sessions to foster community support.
- **[Balance: Meditation & Sleep](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-elevateapp-kamino-kamino)** by The Mind Company: Adjacent app focusing on personalized meditation programs to improve overall mental well-being.
  - Uses dynamic, personalized audio programs that adapt based on user feedback and specific goals.
  - Employs a highly polished, minimalist UX that reduces cognitive load for users in distress.
- **[Happier Meditation](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-changecollective-tenpercenthappier)** by Happier Meditation, Inc: Adjacent app focusing on evidence-based meditation for stress and anxiety reduction.
  - Integrates expert-led video content that explains the science behind meditation and emotional regulation.
  - Focuses on 'skeptic-friendly' meditation content that avoids esoteric or overly spiritual language.
- **[Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-wakingup-wakingup)** by Waking Up Course, LLC: Adjacent app offering a philosophical and intellectual approach to mindfulness and emotional stability.
  - Provides a structured, long-form course format that treats mindfulness as a rigorous intellectual discipline.
  - Includes high-quality lectures and interviews that provide deep context for emotional regulation techniques.

### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative)
- **[Reflectly - Journal & AI Diary](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/reflectly-journal-ai-diary)** by Kodeon, Inc.: Leverages AI-driven prompts to engage users in reflective journaling, showing recent activity in the mental health space.
- **[Moodfit: Mental Health Tools](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/moodfit-mental-health-tools)** by Roble Ridge Software LLC: A comprehensive mental health toolkit that has maintained consistent updates and feature expansion.

<!-- /section:rivals -->
<!-- section:momentum -->
## App Momentum (Steady) {#momentum}

- Shipped journal entries at any time.
- Added Favourites list for activities.
- Enhanced mascot animations throughout interface.

> **Cadence:** 5 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 133 days since last update

<!-- /section:momentum -->

<!-- section:so-what -->
## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what}

Calm Harm – manage self-harm is a market-leading health & fitness app that is completely free.
With a 4.34/5 rating from 3.3K reviews, it delivers strong user satisfaction.

<!-- speakable-start -->
> **Bottom Line:** Calm Harm holds its category lead through clinical trust and non-profit accessibility, but its rigid UX leaves it exposed to more flexible, data-driven rivals, so revenue growth and retention hinge on modernizing the timer and security controls.
<!-- speakable-end -->

**Best for:** Young people aged 13 and older who need evidence-based tools to manage or resist the urge to self-harm.

<!-- section:pm-actions -->
### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves)

- [ ] [INVEST] [MEDIUM IMPACT] Ship flexible timer settings because user complaints flag fixed durations as distracting → improve session comfort — *Sentiment data identifies timer rigidity as a top frustration theme.* _(trade-off: deprioritize Push the accessibility font-size update to Q2 — timer flexibility addresses a higher volume of user frustration.)_
- [ ] [MAINTAIN] [HIGH IMPACT] Audit background-timer logic because multitasking complaints erode the daily habit → increase session completion — *Users report frustration when the timer pauses during communication app usage.* _(trade-off: deprioritize Same-quarter capacity available — no major lever displaced.)_
<!-- /section:pm-actions -->

<!-- section:feature-gaps -->
### Feature Gaps vs Competitors

- Structured DBT diary cards (available in DBT Coach)
- Wearable device integration (requested in user feedback)
- Real-time AI journaling prompts (available in Reflectly)
<!-- /section:feature-gaps -->

<!-- section:outlook -->
### Outlook: Stable

The mental health category is shifting toward personalized, data-driven experiences that integrate with daily habits, leaving static tools like Calm Harm at risk of stagnation. While the app's clinical foundation provides a stable user base, it must modernize its core interaction model to prevent churn to more flexible, tech-forward competitors.

- 🔴 Inflexible timer settings during breathing exercises create unnecessary pressure, which forces users to seek alternatives for personalized pacing.
- 🟢 The latest update added journal entries at any time, which increases session depth and user investment in the recovery journey.
<!-- /section:outlook -->

<!-- /section:so-what -->

<!-- section:metrics -->
## Key Metrics Summary

| Metric | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Overall Rating | 4.34/5 |
| Total Reviews | 3.3K |
| Sentiment | Thrilled (82/100) |
| Confidence | High |
| Pricing Model | Free |
| Platforms | iOS & Android |
| Key Features | 3 analyzed |
| Trend | Mixed |
| Outlook | Stable |
<!-- /section:metrics -->

## Competitor Comparison

| App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Calm Harm – manage self-harm** (this app) | 4.34/5 | Thrilled | Stem4 |
| [Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-wakingup-wakingup) | 4.9/5 | Excited | Waking Up Course, LLC |
| [Happier Meditation](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-changecollective-tenpercenthappier) | 4.8/5 | Excited | Happier Meditation, Inc |
| [Insight Timer: Meditate, Sleep](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-spotlightsix-zentimer) | 4.9/5 | Excited | Insight Network Inc |
| [Balance: Meditation & Sleep](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-elevateapp-kamino-kamino) | 4.9/5 | Excited | The Mind Company |
| [Reflectly - Journal & AI Diary](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/reflectly-journal-ai-diary) | 4.6/5 | Mixed | Kodeon, Inc. |

## Company Profile
- **Developer:** Stem4
- **Website:** [https://calmharm.co.uk/](https://calmharm.co.uk/)
- **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/calmharmapp) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/calmharmapp) · [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/calmharmapp)

## Data Sources & Links
- **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calm-harm-manage-self-harm/id961611581?uo=2)
- **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.stem4.calmharm&hl=en&gl=us)
- **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://calmharm.co.uk/)
- **Sources:** Developer website content, App store metadata, User reviews.

## Related Intel Reports
- [*Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-wakingup-wakingup) (Waking Up Course, LLC) — 4.9/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment
- [*Happier Meditation*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-changecollective-tenpercenthappier) (Happier Meditation, Inc) — 4.8/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment
- [*Insight Timer: Meditate, Sleep*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-spotlightsix-zentimer) (Insight Network Inc) — 4.9/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment
- [*Balance: Meditation & Sleep*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/com-elevateapp-kamino-kamino) (The Mind Company) — 4.9/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment
- [*Reflectly - Journal & AI Diary*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/reflectly-journal-ai-diary) (Kodeon, Inc.) — 4.6/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment
- [*Daylio Journal - Mood Tracker*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/lifestyle/daylio-journal-mood-tracker-1) (Relaxio s.r.o.) — 4.8/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment
- [*Bearable - Symptom Tracker*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/bearable-symptom-tracker) (Bearable Ltd) — 4.8/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment
- [*Moodfit: Mental Health Tools*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/moodfit-mental-health-tools) (Roble Ridge Software LLC) — 4.7/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment
- [*MindShift CBT - Anxiety Relief*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/mindshift-cbt-anxiety-relief) (247 Labs Inc) — 4.3/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment
- [*DBT Coach*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/health-fitness/dbt-coach) (Resiliens Inc.) — 4.6/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment

## Methodology {#methodology}

This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline:

1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** — Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps.
2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** — Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks.
3. **User Sentiment Analysis** — Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction and evidence quoting.
4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** — Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category.
5. **Intelligence Synthesis** — Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights.

- **Confidence Score:** 0.6/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality)
- **Reviews Analyzed:** 49
- **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, App Store metadata
- **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform
- **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence.
- **Report Age:** 0 days since last refresh

---
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Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.