Digital Mental Health Tools

Digital mental health tools have been a topic of interest for the new generation because they can be used without appointments with medical professionals, and can be used at any time. Anyone with a cell phone, tablet, or computer can use these methods for their mental well-being. It is available in the iTunes App Store and Android app store, where user can track their progress and gather information on users’ typical behaviour, which provides a signal at the time of crisis. The available app is not yet regulated, and not much information is available on whether they are effective. (NIH, n.d.). Apps do not treat mental health conditions; they assist in daily living by promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as gratitude journaling, medication, and physical activity.

 

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Digital health includes a variety of categories, mobile health (mHealth), health information technology (IT), wearable devices, telehealth and telemedicine, and personalized medicine.” But the apps are not FDA-regulated. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) is FDA-regulated (American Psychological Association, n.d.), which uses software and delivers clinically validated intervention for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. DTx needs a prescription from a licensed health professional.

Tools for Mental Health and Wellness

 

Besides the apps to assist in daily life routine, medication, and physical activities, Internet-Based/Inference-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (iCBT), a clinically proven, self-paced program, is available easily and can be utilized from anywhere. iCBT provides confidential psychoeducation via mobile app and web browser for free, which supports mental health issues such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and other issues like family issues, divorce, and bereavement (Dialogue, n.d.). Some examples of the apps are CBTi Coach, MindShift, Tappy, Self Care Fidgeter, and Fidget Pro.

 

I-CBT allows users to manage their mental health and teaches behaviors and ways to deal with mild to moderate depression and anxiety cases. I-CBT has been proven to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) effectively, and it is evidence-based. I-CBT has a different approach than standard CBT therapy, where standard CBT focuses on supporting clients not reacting to intrusive thoughts negatively and preventing this from becoming a belief. I-CBT suggests, intrusive thoughts are normal and happen to everyone at some point, and it indicates that obsession comes from inferences or doubt, not from intrusive thoughts. I-CBT works on finding out the reason for obsessive-compulsive situations. Some randomized controlled trials have shown that I-CBT is an effective method of treatment for OCD.

 

Example- touching a door knob triggers the thought that may be door is contaminated, as obsessional doubts, as consequences the person thinks, if the door is contaminated, I will get sick, which gives anxiety that the person feels like ‘ it will be terrible to get sick”, as a result the person is obsessed to wash hands (icbt.online).

 

ICBT and traditional CBT differ in how they address cognitions, and do not connect to intrusive thoughts, whereas ICBT challenges the thinking process, but traditional CBT focuses on evidence. The main goal is to decrease the time spent with unwanted thoughts and time-consuming compulsions. ICBT reduces people's doubts about anything and doubts about themselves, and they find a stronger sense of self. This method teaches us how to trust ourselves again and develop better resilience.

 

According to Torous et. al., 2025, the emerging use of digital technology coaches provides mental health interventions, support, and self-help tools, which have shown effectiveness and can be used as a hybrid delivery from humans and technology. (Torous, et al., 2025). Virtual Reality Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (VR-CBT) treatments are effective for psychosocial and functional recovery in the majority of cases among schizophrenia, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), improving their everyday living skills and social skills. (Torous, et al., 2025).

 

Telehealth and Virtual Services


Digital mental health tools are increasingly taking the spotlight, gradually supplementing and in some cases replacing certain tele-health and virtual services. With their user-friendly design and convenience, especially for those with busy schedules, these tools are gaining popularity. Researchers continue to explore their effectiveness, while businesses invest in developing more advanced, personalized, and accessible platforms to meet diverse client needs. While digital tools may reduce the demand for virtual appointments and lessen clinicians’ workloads, many individuals still value face-to-face interactions with trusted professionals. Therefore, despite the growing use of digital mental health solutions, it is unlikely they will fully replace in-person counseling services anytime soon.

Telehealth and virtual services

References

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