How Psychologists Can Spot Red Flags in Mental Health Apps

Public interest in mental health apps has increased as quickly as the creation of these apps. Not all apps, however, are created equal.  This article by Anna Medaris in the American Psychological Association’s Monitor on Psychology helps to educate the reader on what to look for and what to look out for in such apps. In particular, people should be looking for apps that clearly explain what they do with your data and that have safeguards related to privacy. Potential app-users should also look for a digital badge from APA Labs that signal that certain criteria have been met in regard to such concerns as clinical usefulness and user safety.  Also, the article notes the importance of discussing your mental health app use with your mental health provider to increase the likelihood of that you are using apps that will be most beneficial.

Jeannine Monnier, Ph.D.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2026/03/red-flags-mental-health-apps

#MentalHealthApps #DigitalWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #PrivacyMatters #SafeTech