State of the Field of Mental Health Apps. Issue 4 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neary, Martha; Schueller, Stephen M.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 25:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 537
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: mental health -- mobile apps -- mHealth -- dissemination -- technology; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2018.01.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Abstract: Mental health apps offer unique opportunities for self-management of mental health and well-being in mobile, cost-effective ways. There is an abundance of apps available to consumers, but selecting a useful one presents a challenge. Most available apps are not supported by empirical evidence and thus consumers have access to a range of untested apps, the benefits of which are not known or supported. While user ratings exist, and are likely to be considered by consumers when selecting an app, they do not actually yield information on app suitability. A possible alternative way for consumers to choose an app would be to use an app review platform. A number of attempts have been made to construct such a platform, and this paper introduces PsyberGuide, which offers a step towards providing objective and actionable information for publicly available mental health apps. Highlights: Apps are a useful tool in self-management of mental health and well-being Most publicly available mental health apps have no direct scientific support User ratings are an indication of app popularity but not clinical usefulness Consumers and clinicians need additional ways to determine what "good" apps are App rating platforms (for example, PsyberGuide) may be a way to address this