What are good apps for mental health problems?
These are part of what is now called ‘Digital Enabled Therapy’ (DET). And DET of a form of self-management – ie looking after yourself.
DETs are therapies accessed online and via mobile apps (which makes DETs easy to access). They can be used to alongside self-study-based programmes or can be supported by trained therapists.
Most DET programmes focus on common disorders, such as depression and anxiety. There are also a limited number of specialised digital programmes for more complex mental health problems.
‘Velibra’ is designed to help people suffering from social anxiety and panic disorders. It has proven to be more effective when combined with a support plan. Such programmes aim to support more independent people, allowing mental health practitioners to support people who need more direct help.
There are multiple online programmes available for adults with depression. ‘Space’, ‘Deprexis’, and ‘Minddistrict’ are NICE recommended and based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy (counselling).
Some CBT apps also help people with physcial health problems. ‘Regul8’ is an online CBT-based programme designed to help those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
