Calls to regulate mental health apps during return

Regulation is needed for mental health apps as many Kiwis are expected to struggle through the coronavirus recovery, experts say.

Hundreds of mental health apps are available online, but not all are created equal.

‘‘There are already a lot of apps out there, and not all of them are evidence-based or evaluated,’’ Victoria University psychology professor Marc Wilson said.

‘‘It is a wild west out there, and I’ve seen some really passionate folks working on apps that they really want to help people with, and I’ve not been convinced that passion and a desire to make the world a better place means you don’t need an evidence-based [approach], rather than your own personal experience’’, he said.

Ministry of Health mental health and addiction deputy directorgeneral Robyn Shearer said digital mental health programmes – such as e-coaching, e-screening and e-therapy – are revolutionising mental health services. But they need to be safe and fit-for-purpose.

Later this year, the Ministry will

release a new framework aimed at guiding the use and development technology-based mental health support, she said.

‘‘There is good international evidence that there is a place for online tools and e-therapy as part of a wider mental health and wellbeing offering.

‘‘We know that current circumstances mean it is more important than ever for people to look after their mental health and wellbeing,’’ she added.

The Ministry has invested in three mental health apps as part of the $500m Covid-19 response health package, announced prior to lockdown.

This includes an app developed by former All Black Sir John Kirwan, a health journal app Melon and e-therapy programme Staying on Track. Apps can help take some strain off the mental health system, but are no substitute for a professional, Wilson said.

Their primary use is helping people cope while waiting to be referred to support services, or in cases of mild or moderate distress that do not require face-to-face intervention.

‘‘I don’t think anyone should rely on an app as their sole source of mental health support, and that is particularly true for people who are more than moderately distressed.

‘‘I don’t think anyone, even the truly enthusiastic eHealth advocates, would argue that this is a replacement for getting a referral to a mental health professional,’’ he said.

Wilson said people should also expect more stress.

‘‘Just as the move to lockdown massively disrupted people’s lives, I expect the same to happen as we return.’’