Even Those with Severe Mental Illnesses Benefit from Therapy Apps

The New York Times - Dror Ben-Zeev, assistant professor of psychiatry, participates in The New York Times' opinion section "Room for Debate," discussing whether or not smartphone apps can be used to treat anxiety or depression. The article notes that Ben-Zeev leads a research group that studies the effects of mobile phone applications on mental health, and that their research has found that some app interventions can benefit those who use them. "Used successfully, mobile health apps enable these individuals to receive support outside of brick-and-mortar clinics and in their real-world environments," says Ben-Zeev. "They are no longer constrained by office hours, location or therapist availability"