Public availability of evidence-based mental health apps: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-guided apps

AI Summary

Fifty two percent of evaluated self guided mental health apps were publicly available.
Available apps were most commonly on both Apple App and Google Play Stores, with 40% offered at no cost.
Study quality and meta analytic effect size showed no significant association with app availability, indicating a gap between evidence and translation.

NPJ Digit Med. 2026 Jul 16. doi: 10.1038/s41746-026-03014-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite mental health apps having a rigorous evidence base, little is known about the proportion of efficacious apps that are publicly available. Our systematic review and meta-analysis identified self-guided mental health apps evaluated in controlled trials, determined their public availability, and examined how evidence quality and strength influence availability. A literature search identified 16,971 records, of which 110 studies, investigating 112 apps, met inclusion criteria. Of the 81 unique self-guided apps, 42 (52%) were publicly available. Apps were most commonly available through both Apple App and Google Play Stores (79%) at no cost (40%). Study quality assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool had no significant association with app availability (p = 0.851). Meta-analysis found no significant difference (p = 0.228) in effect size compared to control between available apps (g = 0.33) and unavailable apps (g = 0.45). Considerations apart from evidence quality or strength determine app translation highlighting a gap between evidence and availability.

PMID:42463537 | DOI:10.1038/s41746-026-03014-5

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