Commencing the day with a bowl of cereal is a routine for many—a quick, light, and potentially nutritious choice. The process of selecting a mental health app amidst today’s extensive market bears similarities to choosing breakfast cereal. Given the prolonged waiting lists for NHS mental health services, these apps offer a seemingly affordable and accessible alternative. However, concerns about their efficacy and the absence of regulatory oversight raise questions about the potential harms they may pose.
While it is improbable that most mental health apps actively harm users, some may inadvertently encourage behaviors that do not contribute to overall well-being. Many apps strategically categorize themselves as wellness tools rather than therapy providers to sidestep regulatory responsibilities. This distinction allows them to guide users toward additional help without offering regulated advice, reducing their accountability for monitoring potentially harmful situations.
Unlike traditional face-to-face therapy, apps are designed for short, ten-minute sessions accessible whenever needed. The plethora of options available in app stores provides users with diverse support levels, yet few present comprehensive evidence of their effectiveness through controlled trials and in-depth analyses. This lack of transparency leaves potential users uncertain about the reliability and evidence-based nature of the care they may receive.
While the abundance of choices is a positive aspect, the absence of evidence regarding effectiveness, coupled with the ease of downloading and subsequently ignoring these apps, can impede users from accessing genuine, evidence-based care. The National Institute for Care and Excellence’s (Nice) approval of eight online interventions in March 2023 marked a positive step, subjecting these apps to scientific assessments to determine their real-world effectiveness.
To address this uncertainty, mental health app providers should prioritize transparency, outlining the personal information collected, user involvement in app design, recommended usage, and safety measures. Establishing clear rules for marketing health apps within app stores, such as Google Play and Apple’s App Store, would further instill confidence in consumers, allowing them to choose mental health apps with the same ease as selecting breakfast cereal.
In conclusion, the need for mental health apps is evident, but users must be empowered with information to make informed choices. While formal regulation might not be an immediate requirement, adjustments in marketing rules and enhanced transparency are necessary to ensure these apps genuinely contribute to mental well-being.
