Do Mental Health Mobile Apps Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Published reviews have found that

mental health apps can be effective for reducing [8] and depression [9] with an overall effect size of small to moderate [10]

. Within this research, there are some notable shortcomings, including substantial heterogeneity across studies.

Are mental health Applications evidence based?

Articles tell us what to do, but apps help lead us and remind us to practice self-care every day. Below are apps we recommend, and

many have been shown to be effective in evidence-based research

.

What is the problem with mental health apps?

Mental health apps

may promote unsafe and misleading messages

. For example, potentially harmful information was noted in apps about bipolar disorder (Nicholas et al. 2015), suicide (Larsen et al. 2016a) and alcohol use (Crane et al.

How does mental health app work?

App-based features that

enable users to self-monitor their mood by periodically reporting their thoughts, behaviors, and actions

can increase emotional self-awareness (ESA), which has been found to be implicated in anxiety, depression, and substance abuse (14).

Do mental health apps make money?

Are mental health apps profitable?

Yes, and their profitability is growing

. The annual growth of the mental health app market is 23.7%, and by 2027, mental health app market revenue is forecasted to reach $3.7 billion. Calm, one of the most popular meditation apps in the world, made $150 million in revenue in 2019.

Do apps help with anxiety?

How effective are apps for anxiety? Depending on how often you use your apps of choice,

they can be highly effective in helping to lower feelings of anxiety, stress, and panic

. Many of these apps use evidence-based techniques of mindfulness and grounding.

Who benefits from mental health apps?

Potential Benefits of Mental Health Apps

These features may be of particular benefit to

rural populations

; people on waiting lists for face-to-face services; or, difficult-to-engage groups such as teenagers (16). Other advantages include affordability, convenience, and anonymity.

Who uses mental health apps?

Interest in mental health apps is linked to increasing mobile phone access, with

over 225 million people in the United States and over 2 billion people around the globe

using these devices today [2].

Is Android a uper?


Android Apps by Youper, Inc on Google Play

.

How many mental health apps exist?


As many as 20,000

mental health apps may exist today,

5

with two of the most popular being Calm

6

and Headspace. Both of these focus on mindfulness and meditation, and are meant to help individuals get support other than from connection to a therapist or other traditional mental health services.

How do you develop a mental health App?

  1. User Profile. It is crucial that when you create a mental health app, it has a personal touch to it. …
  2. Notifications. …
  3. Dashboards. …
  4. Self Monitoring. …
  5. Messaging. …
  6. Calling – Audio & Video. …
  7. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. …
  8. Gamification.

What do you think about using a smartphone app to treat anxiety?

Researchers tested a new smartphone app for severe mental illness on 315 people across 45 states. They found that

symptoms of anxiety and depression were reduced after using the app for 30 days

. Additionally, participants reported increased self-esteem and positive perceptions relating to their own recovery.

Do Self Care apps work?

A self-care app

might help you fall asleep, but it can't tell you why you're not sleeping in the first place

. It might remind you to eat, but it won't reveal to you why you're not eating. It can improve your breathing, but it won't unpack why you need breathing assistance.

How much does a mental health app cost?

Best Mental Health Apps Cost Moodfit Best Overall Free MoodMission Best for Learning Coping Skills $5 for app Talkspace Best for Therapy Varies based on plans, but

starts at $65 for unlimited messaging therapy
Sanvello Best for Stress Relief Basic version: free; Premium: $9

How much does it cost to make a mental health app?

Team Average cost Total cost Development Agency in the US

$150 per hour


$150,000
Freelancers $25 $25,000 Outsource Agency in India $30 $30,000 Outsource Agency in Ukraine $35 $35,000

Who is the target audience for mental health apps?

Mental health apps can be designed for different age groups, genders, and demographics. For instance, the BlueIce app is tailored to young people, taking into account the psychological characteristics of this age group. However, some mental health apps target

all age groups, genders, and segments of the population

.

How do I turn my anxiety into motivation?

  1. Use the Adrenaline. Anxiety gives you adrenaline. …
  2. Reframe Your Anxiety. …
  3. Accept that Anxiety May Be Inevitable. …
  4. Channel the Anxiety into Motivation.
  5. Distinguish Productive Worry from Unproductive Worry. …
  6. Decatastrophize Your Anxiety. …
  7. Practice Centering.

What is the 555 game for anxiety?

Play the 5-5-5 game

Play this to get back into your body and stop anxiety fast:

Look around and name 5 things you can see.

List 5 sounds you can hear. Move 5 parts of your body you can feel (i.e. rotate your ankle, wiggle your ears, nod your head up and down).

What eases your anxiety?

Some are lifestyle changes that can help lessen anxiety over time, such as

a regular meditation practice, physical activity, spending time outdoors, or making a few food swaps

. Others, like deep breathing and distraction techniques, can provide natural anxiety relief the moment the mind sends an SOS.

Why do people need mental health apps?

Research from 2018 showed that mental health apps

may help improve both the monitoring and management of mental health conditions

. Further research from 2018 also suggested apps work because they're easy to use, increase engagement in treatment plans, and make monitoring symptoms easier.

How can I track my mental health progress?

  1. Keep a journal. Regular tracking of how you are feeling and whether it was a good or bad day can help you understand where you're at in your mental health journey. …
  2. Ask a family member, friend or mental health professional. …
  3. Explore digital behavioral health tools.

Can an app replace a therapist?

From the looks of it,

mental health apps aren't going to replace doctors or therapists anytime soon

. Many of the apps haven't been studied, and most aren't connected to a healthcare provider or therapist, which puts a cap on how helpful an app can be.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.