Do mental health apps actually work? 7/3/25

I have an ignorant question:

Do mental health apps actually work?

Side but HUGE question: what does “work” actually mean?

If we believe that one of the biggest indicators of positive mental health is community and relationships, are we creating an unnecessary, intermediate step of youth and young adults relying on apps to be their coach, therapist, companion, and confidante?

There is already an addictive relationship for youth and their phones. That parents are simultaneously battling and enabling.

If we teach 14 and 20 year olds the neural pathway of “use an app to improve their mental health”, then they will become addicted to that also.

I think mental health apps are a decent introduction. But if it’s not ultimately working towards building community and human to human interaction, then I think it’s missing the point of overall human wellness.

Should mental health apps be positioned more as a short-term fix as opposed to a long-term habit? Or vice versa perhaps?

People who have more experience and insight than me in this space, please help shed light on my ignorance. 🙏