The Promise and Peril of Mental Health Apps

Can mental health apps be a tool in tackling the declining mental health in the United States and around the globe? Our review of the literature shows that mental health apps can improve symptoms of some disorders, such as depression and anxiety, when compared to no treatment. Such evidence of efficacy, however, is lacking in populations that are underserved by existing mental health services, including youth, seniors, men, and racial minorities. Additionally, a large number of apps claim to be evidence-based without any publicly available peer-reviewed evidence. This unregulated marketplace risks misleading consumers and exacerbating health disparities. We propose multi-level policy solutions, including oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), voluntary adoption of scientific disclosure standards by app stores, and the creation of accessible, AI-enhanced databases to help consumers identify validated tools. Mental health apps promise to expand access to care, but without stronger evidence and regulation, they may deepen—rather than bridge—the mental health treatment divide.