23 Feb Mental Health Apps . . . The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Recently, a parent asked me to recommend a good mental health app for her child struggling with a mental health issue.
I told her that while no app can substitute the benefits of therapy with a licensed professional, mental health apps can supplement a therapist and offer additional resources. Currently, there are an estimated 20,000 apps on the market, growing 32% between 2019 and 2020. So, how can consumers ensure that the app they choose to help manage their child’s mental health is trustworthy and reliable?
The American Psychological Association (APA) has published an App Evaluation Model designed to help practitioners evaluate an app’s validity and safety based on a framework model. There remains the caveat that no app’s approach work for all people. This App Evaluation Model aims to gather information on the following:
1. Where is it from? This is the basic information about the app, such as: who made it, the cost and the foundational model.
2. Is it safe? Again, the App Evaluation Model requires the practitioner to examiner if the app collects personal data and personal health information, does it sell personal data to a third party and whether it is HIPPA compliant.
3. Is it useful? Practitioners need to examine if the app is supported by empirical research. The likelihood that many apps have been scientifically tested is rare. Therefore, consumers should look at apps developed by licensed professionals and endorsed by experts in the field.
4. Is it useable? Many apps hold attention for a few days or weeks, then lose their novelty. An app should be easy to use, offer good reminders and valuable resources to ensure that it is beneficial and useable for the long haul. It should have the option for use on a mobile device to help support ease of access.
5. Is it integrated? Some apps will integrate into an electronic medical record. This is optimal for individuals linked with a mental health professional.
Access to mental healthcare in the digital world is moving at the speed of light. Currently, there is no standard by which apps claiming to offer help for people needing emotional support are evaluated for safety and efficacy.
As a professional in the field, I have a duty to advocate that mental health apps are evaluated and endorsed to help ensure that this new means of accessing mental healthcare is safe.