7 Mental health apps and computer programs

Long description

The move towards smartphones and tablets in recent years has seen an inflation of apps and programs designed to support people with mental health problems. These self-help applications can be a cost-effective method for delivering basic mental health and wellbeing information and support. An obvious virtue of mental health apps and programs is that they can be downloaded, often for free, and used flexibly in the users’ own time and geographic location.

Keeping track of the plethora of mobile phone apps and programs developed each year can be difficult. They are usually manualised and highly structured, often providing computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT). They are presented in a range of ways and include animations, graphics, videos, interactive episodes, homework assignments and access to supplementary resources.

One way to find apps that can be trusted and are safe to use is to look for mental health apps in the NHS Apps Library [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . Any apps listed here meet NHS standards, which include evidence of clinical safety, security and technical stability. (You can find more information on the assessment process/criteria on the NHS library website.)