Mental health apps: Therapy goes online through digital technology

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 2, 2022

Insight summary

The rise of mental health applications is transforming the way therapy is accessed, offering new avenues for care, especially for those hindered by physical disability, affordability, or remote locations. This trend is not without challenges, as concerns about data security and the effectiveness of virtual therapy compared to traditional methods persist. The long-term implications include changes in job opportunities for psychologists, shifts in patient treatment preferences, and new government regulations.

Mental health app context

Mental health smartphone applications aim to provide therapy to those who may not be capable of accessing such services or are inhibited from doing so, such as due to physical disability and affordability limitations. However, the effectiveness of mental health applications compared to face-to-face therapy is still debated among experts within the psychology and medical fields. 

Amid the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health applications were downloaded 593 million times, with most of these mental health applications having a single focus area. For example, the app, Molehill Mountain, focuses on therapy interventions for depression and anxiety. Another is Headspace, which trains users to practice mindfulness and meditation. Other apps connect users with licensed therapists to conduct online therapy sessions, such as Mindgram. Mental health and wellness applications can offer various types of support, from logging noticed symptoms to receiving a diagnosis from a trained medical professional. 

Application developers and healthcare experts can monitor the effectiveness of an application by compiling user ratings and feedback. However, current application rating systems are ineffective for verifying the quality of applications associated with complex subject matter such as mental health therapy. As a result, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is developing an application rating system that seeks to act as a thorough guide for prospective mental health application users. The rating system is expected to assess factors such as efficacy, safety, and usefulness. In addition, the application rating system may guide application developers when working on new mental health applications. 

Disruptive impact

Over time, these mental health applications may provide a more accessible option for those who find traditional therapy challenging to access. The increased anonymity and comfort offered by these platforms allow users to receive treatment at their own pace, making it an appealing choice for many. Particularly for those in remote or rural locations, these applications can serve as an essential source of assistance where previously none may have been available.

However, the shift towards digital mental health services is not without its challenges. Concerns about hacking and data breaches could discourage many patients from exploring the possibility of online mental health services. The 2019 study by BMJ revealing that a significant number of health apps shared user data with third-party recipients underscores the need for stringent security measures. Governments and regulatory bodies may need to implement and enforce regulations to ensure the privacy and safety of users' information, while companies may need to invest in enhanced security protocols.

In addition to the individual benefits and security concerns, the trend towards mental health applications opens up new avenues for research and collaboration. Researchers and application developers may work together to study the effectiveness of these platforms compared to traditional face-to-face interactions. This collaboration could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment plans. Educational institutions may also explore ways to integrate these applications into mental health curricula, providing students with hands-on experience and understanding of this emerging field in mental health care.

Implications of mental healthcare applications 

Wider implications of mental health applications may include: 

• More jobs becoming available for psychologists in technology companies serving as advisors and in-house care, especially as more businesses focus on developing their own health services and take employee mental health more seriously.
• Improved patient productivity and self-esteem at the population scale, as the daily provision of texting interventions provided by some mental health applications assists patients with their day-to-day anxiety symptoms.
• Traditional, in-person psychologists receiving fewer patient queries as more people opt to use mental health applications due to lower costs, privacy, and convenience.
• The government establishing new laws to ensure the ethical use of patient data in mental health applications, leading to enhanced consumer trust and standardized practices across the industry.
• A shift in educational curricula for mental health professionals to include training in digital therapy platforms, leading to a new generation of therapists skilled in both traditional and virtual care.
• A potential increase in health disparities as those without access to technology or the internet may find themselves excluded from these new forms of mental health care, leading to a widening gap in mental health treatment accessibility.
• The creation of new business models within the healthcare industry focusing on subscription-based mental health services, leading to more affordable and accessible care for a broader range of consumers.
• A potential decrease in the overall cost of mental health care as virtual platforms reduce overhead expenses, leading to savings that may be passed on to consumers and possibly influencing insurance coverage policies.
• An increased focus on interdisciplinary collaboration between technology developers, mental health professionals, and researchers, leading to more personalized and effective mental health applications.
• Environmental benefits as the shift towards virtual mental health care reduces the need for physical office spaces and transportation to therapy appointments, leading to decreased energy consumption and emissions.

Questions to consider

• Do you think online mental health applications can fully replace face-to-face therapy? 
• Do you think governing authorities should regulate mental health applications to protect the public?