May 31, 2022
Workbooks, exercises, and apps for mental health therapy are great adjacent tools for in-person sessions with coaches and therapists. With our world turning more and more digital by the minute it is easy to see the growth in the mental health and wellness categories. The key questions we need to start asking when considering apps in modern mental health care are:
Let’s explore some of these conversations below:
Before we dive in too deep let’s start to understand some of the pros and cons associated with using apps for mental health therapy.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Convenience: Treatment can take place anytime and anywhere and can be ideal for those who are challenged by in-person sessions. | Effectiveness: The biggest challenge with apps for mental health therapy is obtaining scientific evidence that they work as well as traditional methods. |
Introduction to Mental Health Care: Technology can be a good first step for individuals who have avoided mental health care in the past. | Who Should Use Apps: A heavy concern is understanding if apps work for all people and for all mental health conditions. |
Lower Cost: Some apps are free or cost less than traditional care. | Privacy: Apps deal with very sensitive personal information so creators need to be able to ensure privacy for app users. |
Interest: Some technologies might be more appealing than traditional treatment methods, which may encourage clients to continue therapy. | Guidance: There is no standard rule book to help consumers know if an app is proven effective. |
24-hour service: Some technology can provide round-the-clock monitoring or intervention support. | Regulation: The question of who will be the one to mental health technology and the data it generates needs to be answered. |
Support: Technology can complement traditional therapy by extending an in-person session, reinforcing skills, and providing support. | Overselling: There is some concern that if an app or program promises more than it delivers, consumers may turn away from other, potentially more effective therapies. |
Self-Monitoring Features: Some apps enable users to self-monitor their mood by reporting their thoughts, behaviors, and actions. This can help support self-awareness and understanding. |
Now that we understand some of the benefits and challenges associated with using mental health applications, we can dive a little deeper into how to integrate these kinds of technologies into our lives. It will be very case-sensitive based on the mental health challenge you’re trying to treat, the severity of the condition, and your understanding of technology.
For those who aren’t able to meet with a mental health professional due to a lack of time, resources, or accessibility, mental health apps do have a fair number of advantages. At a minimum, they provide some sort of guidance and support -- which is better than nothing. As these applications continue to grow alongside technology they can aid in removing barriers and stigma surrounding mental health for individuals who haven’t taken the full leap into therapy.
Considerations
Of course when deciding to use a mental health app and integrate it into your life there are a number of questions you should be asking when trying to select the right platform. Take some of the following questions in mind as you move forward:
Bring Mental Health Therapy Apps into Everyday Life
Getting started and developing a routine can be the hardest part. Here are some ways to start developing that consistency:
Suggested Apps
Some of the apps that work well with individuals are listed below. Be aware this isn’t a full list, there are plenty of options out there. The key is finding the right fit for your circumstance. Don’t be afraid to try multiple to get into the swing of things.
Mental health professionals are using apps with patients in many ways. Apps can be assigned as a form of homework to help a patient practice new skills and stay motivated between sessions. Tracking a patient’s moods or other symptoms can be another perk when integrating apps into traditional therapy. These apps can be used as an accessible alternative to revisit concepts for patients who have finished therapy.
Considerations
There is a level of responsibility that comes into play when bringing an application into your therapy practice. There needs to be a level of protection for your patient's data, privacy, and current needs.
Bring Mental Health Therapy Apps into Practices
With more than 10,000 apps for mental health therapy available, a high turnover rate, and low barriers for new apps to emerge patients can certainly benefit from guidance on how to select a mental health app. Finding technology that is both evidence-based and focused on privacy can be challenging. Research does suggest that self-help apps provide more value when used in partnership with traditional therapy. Finding the right balance for your practice is a learning experience.
Suggested Apps
The apps for mental health therapy listed below specifically are highlighting the partnership between patients and mental health professionals. They have created underlying software and processes to use the apps for therapists as tools for between-session support and ongoing progress management.
Apps for mental health therapy offer various opportunities for individuals, patients, or mental health professionals to add some variety to their treatment plans while also encouraging users to track their progress.
As health professionals ourselves, we value client outcomes that are made possible through between-session work. Supporting our clients through content, assignments, and communication fosters better relationships and outcomes.
Noble is consistently building various types of online counseling software and materials for better between-session care. We support businesses, counselors, mental health professionals, and clients, paving a smoother path to healing. If you have questions about using our platform in your practice, Contact Noble today.