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An overview of and recommendations for more accessible digital mental health services

Nature Reviews Psychology volume 1, pages 87–100 (2022)Cite this article

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Abstract

Mental health concerns are common, and various evidence-based interventions for mental health conditions have been developed. However, many people have difficulty accessing appropriate mental health care and this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital mental health services, such as those delivered by mobile phone or web-based platforms, offer the possibility of expanding the reach and accessibility of mental health care. To achieve this goal, digital mental health interventions and plans for their implementation must be designed with the end users in mind. In this Review, we describe the evidence base for digital mental health interventions across various diagnoses and treatment targets. Then, we explain the different formats for digital mental health intervention delivery, and offer considerations for their use across key age groups. We discuss the role that the COVID-19 pandemic has played in emphasizing the value of these interventions, and offer considerations for ensuring equity in access to digital mental health interventions among diverse populations. As healthcare providers continue to embrace the role that technology can play in broadening access to care, the design and implementation of digital mental healthcare solutions must be carefully considered to maximize their effectiveness and accessibility.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (K01 DK116925; K08 MH112878; P50 MH119029). C.S.-S. is supported by a fellowship from the Cohn Family Foundation and an R3 funding mechanism supported by Rush University Medical Center and RTI International.

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  1. Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Emily G. Lattie & Andrea K. Graham

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Colleen Stiles-Shields

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E.G.L serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for Vault Health. A.K.G receives grant support from Adaptive Health, Inc.

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Lattie, E.G., Stiles-Shields, C. & Graham, A.K. An overview of and recommendations for more accessible digital mental health services. Nat Rev Psychol 1, 87–100 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00003-1

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