Are Apps great for easy access to information and skills? Yes! But are all Apps created equal? No.
There is growing research that well-designed and well-informed Apps can be a wonderful and effective way to enhance mental health. But it’s important to consider a few things before you start taking advice (or inputting your personal information) into a mental health App.
What to look for in an App:
(1) Who designed the App? Do they have adequate qualifications in psychology, psychiatry, or counselling?
(2) Is the App based on scientific evidence? Check the App is accurately reporting a basis in a well recognised psychological area (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). Good Apps will often mention the research base for their material.
(3) Check the App has an adequate privacy policy. Remember, the more skills based Apps often prompt you to monitor your symptoms or enter your own personal information or experiences.
(4) A high rating doesn’t equal a quality App. That others like the App is a great sign, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will cover the three points above.
Apps we like at Foresight Psychology:
(1) Smiling Mind. Developed by psychologists and educators to help you learn the skills of mindfulness. A great one for both beginners and more advanced practitioners of mindfulness meditation.
(2) Headspace. Guided exercises to teach you the basics of reducing stress with mindfulness meditation and skills.
(3) Virtual Hope Box. If you struggle with tolerating distress, then this App is for you. When you’re at your most distressed, it will offer you simple suggestions for taking time out, distraction, re-connecting with positive memories, guided relaxation, and coping tools.
(4) SHUTi. Okay, this one is one of the most pricey, but if you have chronic Insomnia, then this is the App of choice! It is not just a good adjunct to therapy but is offered as a complete treatment in itself. Not only is it VERY comprehensive with videos, skills, tutorials, and progress trackers, but it is an comprehensive evidenced-based CBT treatment program for Insomnia.
We’d love to hear in the comments some of your favourite Apps. At Foresight, we like to review Apps on a regular basis to find the best ones for our community. And remember, if you’re struggling with low mood, anxiety, alcohol, or other concerns and you don’t feel that you’re making enough progress alone, give us a call today at our Sydney psychology clinic to speak to our friendly team about how we can help you to live with more freedom, meaning, and well-being. Foresight Psychology Ultimo: 02 8380 8855 / info@foresightpsychology.com
