Digital transformation and innovative technologies have already revolutionised the healthcare industry and will continue to do so. Software solutions such as electronic health record systems, smart wearable devices, e-prescription, and telehealth are no longer a dream but a part of reality.
We’ve all heard about telehealth apps regarding physical health, but what about mental health? Nowadays, more and more people understand that mental health is an integral part of a person’s well-being, and taking care of it is crucial. Meanwhile, mental health applications are one of the most promising examples of telehealth software and continue to gain popularity.
What are mental health apps?
But first, let’s define what mental health apps are. Mental health apps are solutions designed to help users monitor their mental health, improve mindfulness, and cope with mental health problems. With the help of such apps, people get access to a pool of licensed healthcare providers who assist with assessing, regulating, and preventing various aspects of mental health.
Types of mental health apps can be divided into the following categories:
- Mood and symptom trackers. Stress, sleep, anxiety, and trigger monitoring
- Meditation and relaxation. Exercises for stress relief, breathing, and meditation
- Teletherapy. Online therapy sessions via audio, video, or text messages
Mental health apps also assist patients suffering from depression, eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, addictions, and more. Naturally, such applications can’t replace a therapist or a doctor, but they can significantly help those struggling with certain issues.
Why are mental health apps gaining popularity?
But why are mental health apps becoming more and more popular today?
- Online mental health services help reach a wider audience and provide needed help to those in need.
- Mental health applications offer affordable and easily accessible care to diverse populations.
- Online therapy sessions allow patients to relax and feel comfortable enough to share their problems and feelings, as they can conduct sessions anywhere.
- Such apps remove the stigma from the topic of mental health.
- Patients can choose audio or video calls or text messaging formats of engagement with their therapists.
Video and audio calls
Facilitating secure and efficient communication is vital when creating a mental health app. Therefore, you need to integrate patient-doctor interaction tools, such as video and audio calls. Conducting real-time therapy sessions is an integral part of the healing process. Teletherapy facilitates direct and convenient communication without requiring patients to visit a therapist’s office. In addition, patients can be more open and honest, as they can attend virtual sessions from the comfort of their homes.
In-app chat
Apart from the essential features of audio and video conferencing, mental health apps should also have integrated chat features. Patients may have questions in between sessions, have doubts regarding medication, or be concerned about their emotional well-being. The opportunity to receive an online consultation and exchange quick messages with your therapist or psychiatrist enhances the continuity and quality of treatment.
Self-monitoring
Self-monitoring is an important aspect of the healing journey, and mental health apps can make it more enjoyable and convenient with tracker and diary features.
Trackers made in the form of checklists help patients be organised and gain control over their mental health. Users can set personal goals and take little daily steps to achieve them. The feature helps to track progress over time, prevent issues, and maintain well-being. Trackers can monitor the following aspects:
- Sleep duration and quality
- Mood
- Stress level
- Medication intake
- Therapy session attendance
- Completed activities and exercises
- Sport
Patients can use the diary feature to write down their feelings, emotions, mood changes, and triggers. Journaling is a rather calming exercise that helps practise mindfulness and can even replace meditation. It’s also a great help for those struggling with mental health issues, as they can write down and track what causes panic attacks, anxiety, or depressive episodes.
Notifications and reminders
Notifications and reminders are integral to a mental health app, as they keep users engaged and help build relationships with them. Patients can set up customizable notifications and reminders regarding:
- Upcoming sessions and consultations
- Session rescheduling
- Journal entries
- Mindfulness and relaxation exercises
- Data entry into the tracker
- Medication intake
Thanks to notifications, users monitor their mental state throughout the day and practise mindfulness. The app can also send out promo codes or information about discounts. But be careful not to overload the users with too many notifications, as this can be an additional stress factor.
Integrated calendar
A calendar feature built into the app is an excellent tool for facilitating the treatment process. The calendar shows free and occupied time slots, so practitioners and patients can quickly and conveniently schedule their therapy sessions and consultations. This also allows doctors to manage their scheduled appointments efficiently. Moreover, patients can use the calendar to set their daily routines, medication intake, and activities for maintaining mental health, such as walking, meditating, etc.
Final thoughts
Mental health apps are saviours in today’s modern and hectic world, where we face daily pressing deadlines and stress. Such applications offer personalised, accessible, and affordable support anytime and anywhere. Rapid technological advancements and the global focus on mental health have indeed transformed the industry and provided profitable business opportunities. That’s why mental health app development today is a promising, socially important, and rewarding area for investment.
Jeffrrey Grant, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
