Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer scalable ways to deliver mental health support via smartphone technology. This updated meta-analysis builds on Lindhiem et al., synthesizing findings from 79 randomized controlled trials identified through PsycINFO. Eligible studies included clinical samples, randomized designs, and at least one mHealth intervention group. Three comparisons were examined: mHealth + treatment versus control treatment, mHealth versus control treatment, and mHealth versus no treatment. Results showed small to moderate effects, with the strongest outcomes when mHealth interventions supplemented traditional care. Moderator analyses revealed greater effects for studies targeting substance use and for interventions that included clinician guidance or text messaging as a supplement. Effects were stronger in this updated meta-analysis compared to the original. High heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals suggested variability across studies. Despite limitations, findings support mHealth interventions as effective tools to expand mental health care access, particularly when integrated with traditional treatment.
*AbbottD.LackC. W.AndersonP. (2023). Does using a mindfulness app reduce anxiety and worry? A randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 37(1), 26–42. https://doi.org/10.1891/JCPSY-D-20-00058
2.
*Akin-SariB.InozuM.HaciomerogluA. B.CekciB. C.UzumcuE.DoronG. (2022). Cognitive training via a mobile application, reduce obsessive-compulsive-related distress and cognitions during the COVID-19 outbreaks: A randomized controlled trial using a subclinical cohort. Behavior Therapy, 53(5), 776–792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2021.12.008
3.
AlmeidaR. S. de. (2022). Mobile Mental Health: Opportunities and Challenges. In Digital Therapies in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health (pp. 1–20). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-8634-1.ch001
4.
AlsahliS.HorS.LamM. (2023). Factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of mobile health apps by physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 11(1), e50419. https://doi.org/10.2196/50419
5.
*AnastasiadouD.FolkvordF.BrugneraA.Cañas VinaderL.Serrano-TroncosoE.Carretero JardíC.Linares BertolinR.Muñoz RodríguezR.Martínez NuñezB.Graell BernaM.Torralbas-OrtegaJ.Torrent-SolàL.Puntí-VidalJ.Carrera FerrerM.Muñoz DomenjóA.Diaz MarsaM.GunnardK.CusidoJ.Arcal CunilleraJ.Lupiañez-VillanuevaF. (2020). An mHealth intervention for the treatment of patients with an eating disorder: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(7), 1120–1131. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23286
6.
AriasD.SaxenaS.VerguetS. (2022). Quantifying the global burden of mental disorders and their economic value. EClinicalMedicine, 54, 101675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101675
7.
*AsayutN.OlsonP. S.KanjanasilpJ.ThanaratP.SenkraigulB.SittisarnC.SuksawatS. (2022). A community pharmacist-led smoking cessation intervention using a smartphone app (PharmQuit): A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 17(3), e0265483. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265483
8.
*BalmumcuA.Ünsal AtanS. (2021). Smoking cessation programs for pregnant women: Utilizing WhatsApp text messaging. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 32(3), 188–196. https://doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000417
9.
BañosR. M.HerreroR.VaraM. D. (2022). What is the current and future status of digital mental health interventions?The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 25, e5. https://doi.org/10.1017/SJP.2022.2
10.
*BastiaansenJ. A.OrnéeD. A.MeursM.OldehinkelA. J. (2022). An evaluation of the efficacy of two add-on ecological momentary intervention modules for depression in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (ZELF-i). Psychological Medicine, 52(13), 2731–2740. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720004845
11.
*BauerS.OkonE.MeermannR.KordyH. (2012). Technology-enhanced maintenance of treatment gains in eating disorders: Efficacy of an intervention delivered via text messaging. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80, 700–706. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028030
12.
*BaumeisterH.PaganiniS.SanderL. B.LinJ.SchlickerS.TerhorstY.MoshagenM.BengelJ.LehrD.EbertD. D. (2021). Effectiveness of a guided internet- and mobile-based intervention for patients with chronic back pain and depression (WARD-BP): A multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 90(4), 255–268. https://doi.org/10.1159/000511881
13.
*BenjetC.AlborY.Alvis-BarrancoL.Contreras-IbáñezC. C.CuartasG.Cudris-TorresL.GonzálezN.Cortés-MorelosJ.Gutierrez-GarciaR. A.Medina-MoraM. E.PatiñoP.Vargas-ContrerasE.CuijpersP.GildeaS. M.KazdinA. E.KennedyC. J.LuedtkeA.SampsonN. A.PetukhovaM. V., . . . KesslerR. C. (2023). Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy versus treatment as usual for anxiety and depression among Latin American university students: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(12), 694–707. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000846
14.
*Ben-ZeevD.BrianR. M.JonathanG.RazzanoL.PashkaN.Carpenter-SongE.DrakeR. E.SchererE. A. (2018). Mobile health (mHealth) versus clinic-based group intervention for people with serious mental illness: A randomized controlled trial. Psychiatric Services, 69(9), 978–985. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800063
15.
*BertholetN.SchmutzE.StuderJ.AdamA.GmelG.CunninghamJ. A.McNeelyJ.DaeppenJ.-B. (2023). Effect of a smartphone intervention as a secondary prevention for university students with unhealthy alcohol use: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 382, e073713. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-073713
16.
BorensteinM. (2022). Comprehensive meta-analysis software. In EggerM.HigginsJ. P. T.SmithG. D. (Eds.), Systematic reviews in health research: Meta-analysis in context (pp. 535–548). Wiley Books.
17.
*BröckerE.OlffM.SulimanS.KiddM.GreyvensteinL.SeedatS. (2024). A counsellor-supported ‘PTSD coach’ intervention versus enhanced treatment-as-usual in a resource-constrained setting: A randomised controlled trial. Global Mental Health, 11, Article e7. https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2023.92
18.
CareyE. G.RidlerI.FordT. J.StringarisA. (2023), Editorial perspective: When is a ‘small effect’ actually large and impactful?Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 64, 1643–1647. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13817
19.
CarlJ. R.JonesD. J.LindhiemO. J.DossB. D.WeingardtK. R.TimmonsA. C.ComerJ. S. (2022). Regulating digital therapeutics for mental health: Opportunities, challenges, and the essential role of psychologists. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(S1), 130–135. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12286
20.
*Catuara-SolarzS.SkorulskiB.Estella-AguerriI.Avella-GarciaC. B.ShepherdS.StottE.HemmingsN. R.de VillaA. R.SchulzeL.DixS. (2022). The efficacy of “Foundations,” a digital mental health app, improve mental well-being during COVID-19: Proof-of-principle randomized controlled trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 10(7), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.2196/30976
21.
*ChanC. S.WongC. Y. F.YuB. Y. M.HuiV. K. Y.HoF. Y. Y.CuijpersP. (2023). Treating depression with a smartphone-delivered self-help cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Psychological Medicine, 53(5), 1799–1813. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291721003421
22.
*ChenJ.QianM.SunC.LinM.TangW. (2019). Clinical effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy on alcohol-dependent patients: An observation with the WeChat platform. General Psychiatry, 32(5), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2019-100087
23.
*Cobos-CamposR.de LarrinoaA. A. F.de Lafuente MoriñigoA. S.DiezN. P.BarandiaranF. A. (2017). Effectiveness of text messaging as an adjuvant, health advice in smoking cessation programs in primary care. A randomized clinical trial. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 19(8), 901–907. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw300
24.
*ConleyC. S.GonzalesC. H.HuguenelB. M.RauchA. A.KahrilasI. J.DuffecyJ.SiltonR. L. (2024). Benefits of a technology-delivered mindfulness intervention for psychological distress and positive wellbeing in depressed college students: Post-intervention and follow-up effects from an RCT. Mindfulness, 15(7), 1739–1758. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02398-3
25.
CooperD.ChampionS. M.StavropoulosL.GrishamJ. R. (2022). How technology can enhance treatment: A scoping review of clinical interventions for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61, 8–30.
26.
*CullenB. A.RodriguezK.EatonW. W.MojtabaiR.Von MachT.YbarraM. L. (2020). Clinical outcomes from the texting for relapse prevention (T4RP) in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder study. Psychiatry Research, 292, 113346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113346
27.
*DahneJ.WahlquistA.KustanowitzJ.NataleN.FaheyM.GraboyesE.DiazV.CarpenterM. (2023). Behavioral activation-based digital smoking cessation intervention for individuals with depressive symptoms: Randomized clinical trial. The Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e49809. https://doi.org/10.2196/49809
28.
DellazizzoL.PotvinS.GiguèreS.LandryC.LéveilléN.DumaisA. (2023). Meta-review on the efficacy of psychological therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. Psychiatry Research, 326, 115318.
29.
DominiakM.GędekA.AntosikA. Z.MierzejewskiP. (2024). Mobile health for mental health support: A survey of attitudes and concerns among mental health professionals in Poland over the period 2020–2023. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, e1303878. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1303878
30.
*DonkerT.CorneliszI.van KlaverenC.van StratenA.CarlbringP.CuijpersP.van GelderJ.-L. (2019). Effectiveness of self-guided app-based virtual reality cognitive behavior therapy for acrophobia: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 76(7), 682–690. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.0219
31.
*DonkerT.FehribachJ. R.van KlaverenC.CorneliszI.ToffoloM. B. J.van StratenA.van GelderJ.-L. (2023). Automated mobile virtual reality cognitive behavior therapy for aviophobia in a natural setting: A randomized controlled trial. Psychological Medicine, 53(13), 6232–6241. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291722003531
32.
DuvalS.TweedieR. (2000). Trim and fill: A simple funnel-plot–based method of testing and adjusting for publication bias in meta-analysis. Biometrics, 56, 455–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0006-341X.2000.00455.x
33.
EggerM.SmithG. D.SchneiderM.MinderC. (1997). Bias in meta-analysis detected by a simple, graphical test. British Medical Journal, 315(7109), 629–634.
34.
*EnockP. M.HofmannS. G.McNallyR. J. (2014). Attention bias modification training via smartphone, reduce social anxiety: A randomized, controlled multi-session experiment. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 38, 200–216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-014-9606-z
35.
Evans-LackoS.Aguilar-GaxiolaS.Al-HamzawiA.AlonsoJ.BenjetC.BruffaertsR.ChiuW. T.FlorescuS.GirolamoG. deGurejeO.HaroJ. M.HeY.HuC.KaramE. G.KawakamiN.LeeS.LundC.Kovess-MasfetyV.LevinsonD., . . . ThornicroftG. (2018). Socio-economic variations in the mental health treatment gap for people with anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders: Results from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys. Psychological Medicine, 48(9), 1560–1571. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717003336
36.
*FarrenC.FarrellA.HagertyA.McHughC. (2022). A 6-month randomized trial of a smartphone application, ucontroldrink, in aiding recovery in alcohol use disorder. European Addiction Research, 28(2), 122–133. https://doi.org/10.1159/000519945
37.
*Faurholt-JepsenM.Lindbjerg TønningM.FrosM.MartinyK.TuxenN.RosenbergN.BuskJ.WintherO.Thaysen-PetersenD.AamundK. A.TolderlundL.BardramJ. E.KessingL. V. (2021). Reducing the rate of psychiatric re-admissions in bipolar disorder using smartphones—The RADMIS trial. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 143(5), 453–465. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13274
38.
FirthJ.TorousJ.NicholasJ.CarneyR.PratapA.RosenbaumS.SarrisJ. (2017). The efficacy of smartphone-based mental health interventions for depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 16(3), 287–298. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20472
39.
Flujas-ContrerasJ. M.García-PalaciosA.GómezI. (2019). Technology-based parenting interventions for children’s physical and psychological health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 49(11), 1787–1798. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719000692
40.
*Forman-HoffmanV. L.SihvonenS.WielgoszJ.KuhnE.NelsonB. W.PeiperN. C.GouldC. E. (2024). Therapist-supported digital mental health intervention for depressive symptoms: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 349, 494–501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.057
41.
*FreeC.KnightR.RobertsonS.WhittakerR.EdwardsP.ZhouW.RodgersA.CairnsJ.KenwardM. G.RobertsI (2011). Smoking cessation support delivered via mobile phone text messaging (txt2stop): A single-blind, randomised trial. The Lancet, 378, 49–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60701-0
42.
*FreemanD.SheavesB.GoodwinG. M.YuL. M.NicklessA.HarrisonP. J.EmsleyR.LuikA. I.FosterR. G.WadekarV.HindsC.GumleyA.JonesR.LightmanS.JonesS.BentallR.KindermanP.RowseG.BrughaT., . . . EspieC. A. (2017). The effects of improving sleep on mental health (OASIS): A randomised controlled trial with mediation analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(10), 749–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30328-0
43.
*GaoM.RoyA.DelutyA.SharkeyK. M.HogeE. A.LiuT.BrewerJ. A. (2022). Targeting anxiety, improve sleep disturbance: A randomized clinical trial of app-based mindfulness training. Psychosomatic Medicine, 84(5), 632–642. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000001083
44.
*GentryT.KrinerR.SimaA.McDonoughJ.WehmanP. (2014). Reducing the need for personal supports among workers with autism using an iPod touch as an assistive technology: Delayed randomized control trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45, 669–684. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2221-8
45.
*GlasnerS.Chokron GarneauH.AngA.RayL.VenegasA.RawsonR.KalichmanS. (2020). Preliminary efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy text messaging intervention targeting alcohol use and antiretroviral therapy adherence: A randomized clinical trial. PLoS One, 15(3), Article e0229557. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229557
46.
GoldbergS. B.LamS. U.SimonssonO.TorousJ.SunS. (2022). Mobile phone-based interventions for mental health: A systematic meta-review of 14 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. PLoS Digital Health, 1(1), e0000002. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000002
47.
*GonzalesR.AngA.MurphyD. A.GlikD. C.AnglinM. D. (2014). Substance use recovery outcomes among a cohort of youth participating in a mobile-based texting aftercare pilot program. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 47, 20–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2014.01.010
48.
*GouldingE. H.DopkeC. A.RossomR.JonathanG.MohrD.KwasnyM. J. (2023). Effects of a smartphone-based self-management intervention for individuals with bipolar disorder on relapse, symptom burden, and quality of life: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 80(2), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.4304
49.
*GrahamA. K.GreeneC. J.KwasnyM. J.KaiserS. M.LieponisP.PowellT.MohrD. C. (2020). Coached mobile app platform for the treatment of depression and anxiety among primary care patients: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(9), 906–914. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.1011
50.
GrahamA. K.LattieE. G.PowellB. J.LyonA. R.SmithJ. D.SchuellerS. M.StadnickN. A.BrownC. H.MohrD. C. (2020). Implementation strategies for digital mental health interventions in health care settings. American Psychologist, 75(8), 1080.
51.
*GustafsonD. H.McTavishF. M.ChihM.AtwoodA. K.JohnsonR. A.BoyleM. G.LevyM. S.DriscollH.ChisholmS. M.DillenburgL.IshamA.ShahD. (2014). A smartphone application, support recovery from alcoholism: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71, 566–572. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.4642
52.
*HamK.ChinS.SuhY. J.RheeM.YuE.-S.LeeH. J.KimJ.-H.KimS. W.KohS.-J.ChungK.-M. (2019). Preliminary results from a randomized controlled study for an app-based cognitive behavioral therapy program for depression and anxiety in cancer patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 1592. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01592
53.
HarrerM.AdamS. H.FleischmannR. J.BaumeisterH.AuerbachR.BruffaertsR.CuijpersP.KesslerR. C.BerkingM.LehrD.EbertD. D. (2018). Effectiveness of an internet- and app-based intervention for college students with elevated stress: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(4), e9293. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.9293
54.
*HasinD. S.AharonovichE.ZingmanB. S.StohlM.WalshC.ElliottJ. C.FinkD. S.KnoxJ.DurantS.MenchacaR.SharmaA. (2022). Healthcall: A randomized trial assessing a smartphone enhancement of brief interventions, reduce heavy drinking in HIV care. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 138, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108733
55.
*HassdenteufelK.MüllerM.AbeleH.BruckerS. Y.GrafJ.ZipfelS.BauerA.JakubowskiP.Pauluschke-FröhlichJ.WallwienerM.WallwienerS. (2023). Using an electronic mindfulness-based intervention (eMBI), improve maternal mental health during pregnancy: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Research, 330, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115599
56.
*HaugS.SchaubM. P.VenzinV.MeyerC.JohnU. (2013). Efficacy of a text message-based smoking cessation intervention for young people: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15, 142–155. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2636
HigginsJ. P.ThompsonS. G.DeeksJ. J.AltmanD. G. (2003). Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. British Medical Journal, 327(7414), 557–560.
59.
HrynyschynR.DockweilerC. (2021). Effectiveness of smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy among patients with major depression: Systematic review of health implications. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 9(2), e24703.
60.
*Jansson-FröjmarkM.SunnhedR. (2024). Smartphone application-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia with telephone support for insomnia disorder compared, a waitlist control: A randomised clinical trial. Journal of Sleep Research, 34(3), e14363. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.14363
61.
*JesusL. M. T.MartinezJ.SantosJ.HallA.JoffeV. (2019). Comparing traditional and tablet-based intervention for children with speech sound disorders: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62(11), 4045–4061. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_JSLHR-S-18-0301
62.
*JonesD. J.ForehandR.CuellarJ.ParentJ.HoneycuttA.KhavjouO.GonzalezM.AntonM.NeweyG. A. (2014). Technology-enhanced program for child disruptive behavior disorders: Development and pilot randomized control trial. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 43, 88–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2013.822308
63.
JosephineK.JosefineL.PhilippD.DavidE.HaraldB. (2017). Internet- and mobile-based depression interventions for people with diagnosed depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 223, 28–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.07.021
64.
*KahlerC. W.SuraceA.LiuT.PantaloneD. W.MastroleoN. R.YanY.WrayT. B.MayerK. H.MontiP. M. (2024). Efficacy of behavioral intervention, text messaging, and extended intervention, address alcohol misuse in sexual minority men with HIV: A factorial randomized clinical trial. AIDS and Behavior. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04493-x
65.
KasturiratnaK. S.HartantoA.LeeA. K.KohC. J.MajeedN. M. (2025). Efficacy of digital mental health interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analytic review of randomised controlled trials. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 19, 100703.
66.
*KemmerenL. L.van SchaikA.DraismaS.KleiboerA.RiperH.SmitJ. H. (2023). Effectiveness of blended cognitive behavioral therapy versus treatment as usual for depression in routine specialized mental healthcare: E-COMPARED trial in the Netherlands. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 47(3), 386–398. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-023-10363-y
67.
KohJ.TngG. Y. Q.HartantoA. (2022). Potential and pitfalls of mobile mental health apps in traditional treatment: An umbrella review. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(9), 1376. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12091376
68.
*KristjánsdóttirÓ. B.ForsE. A.EideE.FinsetA.StensrudT. L.van DulmenS.WigersS. H.EideH. (2013). A smartphone-based intervention with diaries and therapist-feedback, reduce catastrophizing and increase functioning in women with chronic widespread pain: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15, 125–146. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2249
69.
*KuhnE.KanuriN.HoffmanJ. E.GarvertD. W.RuzekJ. I.TaylorC. B. (2017). A randomized controlled trial of a smartphone app for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 85(3), 267–273. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000163
70.
*LaceyC.FramptonC.BeagleholeB. (2023). oVRcome—Self-guided virtual reality for specific phobias: A randomised controlled trial. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 57(5), 736–744. https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674221110779
71.
LattieE. G.Stiles-ShieldsC.GrahamA. K. (2022). An overview of and recommendations for more accessible digital mental health services. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1(2), 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00003-1
72.
LecomteT.PotvinS.CorbièreM.GuayS.SamsonC.CloutierB.FrancoeurA.PennouA.KhazaalY. (2020). Mobile apps for mental health issues: Meta-review of meta-analyses. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(5), e17458.
73.
LehtimakiS.MarticJ.WahlB.FosterK. T.SchwalbeN. (2021). Evidence on digital mental health interventions for adolescents and young people: Systematic overview. JMIR Mental Health, 8(4), e25847. https://doi.org/10.2196/25847
74.
*LinY. H.WuC. Y.GauB. S.LinC. H.HoH. Y.LouM. F. (2025). Effectiveness study of a cultural adaptation of cognitive-behavioural therapy-based application for depressive symptoms in college students: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 32(3), 712–722.
75.
*LinardonJ.AndersonC.McClureZ.LiuC.MesserM.JarmanH. K.Fuller-TyszkiewiczM. (2024). A dialectical behavior therapy skills training smartphone app for recurrent binge eating: A randomized clinical trial. Psychological Medicine, 54(16), 4646–4657.
76.
LinardonJ.CuijpersP.CarlbringP.MesserM.Fuller-TyszkiewiczM. (2019). The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 18(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20673
77.
*LinardonJ.ShatteA.RosatoJ.Fuller-TyszkiewiczM. (2022). Efficacy of a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral intervention for eating disorder psychopathology delivered through a smartphone app: A randomized controlled trial. Psychological Medicine, 52(9), 1679–1690. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720003426
78.
LindhiemO.BennettC. B.RosenD.SilkJ. (2015). Mobile technology boosts the effectiveness of psychotherapy and behavioral interventions: A meta-analysis. Behavior Modification, 39(6), 785–804. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445515595198
79.
LindhiemO.HarrisJ. L. (2018). Apps for mental health. In MorenoM. A.RadovicA. (Eds.), Technology and adolescent mental health (pp. 255–264). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69638-6_18
80.
LindhiemO.TomlinsonC. S.KolkoD. J.SilkJ. S.HafemanD.WallaceM.SetiawanI. M. A.ParmantoB. (2024). A novel smartphone-based application and supportive accountability for the treatment of childhood disruptive behavior problems: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. JMIR Research Protocols. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2196/67051
81.
*LüdtkeT.PultL. K.SchröderJ.MoritzS.BückerL. (2018). A randomized controlled trial on a smartphone self-help application (be good, yourself), reduce depressive symptoms. Psychiatry Research, 269, 753–762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.113
82.
MartinM. (2021). Computer and internet use in the United States: 2018. American Community Survey Reports.
83.
*MenonV.SelvakumarN.KattimaniS.AndradeC. (2018). Therapeutic effects of mobile-based text message reminders for medication adherence in bipolar I disorder: Are they maintained after intervention cessation?Journal of Psychiatric Research, 104, 163–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.07.013
84.
*MinY.ChoiY.-S.KimB.-N. (2024). Filling the mental service gap on campus: An effectiveness trial testing the utility of app-based mindfulness psychological intervention for college students. Current Psychology: A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues, 43(17), 15434–15444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05402-6
85.
MusiatP.JohnsonC.AtkinsonM.WilkschS.WadeT. (2022). Impact of guidance on intervention adherence in computerised interventions for mental health problems: A meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 52(2), 229–240.
86.
MunsonS. A.FriedmanE. C.OsterhageK.AllredR.PullmannM. D.AreánP. A.LyonA. R.ResearchersU. A. C. (2022). Usability issues in evidence-based psychosocial interventions and implementation strategies: Cross-project analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(6), e37585. https://doi.org/10.2196/37585
87.
MüssenerU. (2021). Digital encounters: Human interactions in mHealth behavior change interventions. Digital Health, 7, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076211029776
88.
*MüssenerU.LinderothC.ThomasK.BendtsenM. (2020). mhealth smoking cessation intervention among high school students: 3-month primary outcome findings from a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 15(3), Article e0229411. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229411
89.
*NaughtonF.JamisonJ.BoaseS.SloanM.GilbertH.PrevostA. T.MasonD.SmithS.BrimicombeJ.EvansR.SuttonS. (2014). Randomized controlled trial, assess the short-term effectiveness of tailored web- and text-based facilitation of smoking cessation in primary care (iQuit in practice). Addiction, 109, 1184–1193. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.12556
90.
*NewmanM. G.JacobsonN. C.RackoffG. N.BellM. J.TaylorC. B. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of a smartphone-based application for the treatment of anxiety. Psychotherapy Research, 31(4), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2020.1790688
91.
NgM. M.FirthJ.MinenM.TorousJ. (2019). User engagement in mental health apps: A review of measurement, reporting, and validity. Psychiatric Services, 70(7), 538–544.
92.
*NissenE. R.O’ConnorM.KaldoV.HøjrisI.BorreM.ZachariaeR.MehlsenM. (2020). Internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial. Psycho-Oncology, 29(1), 68–75. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5237
93.
*O’ReillyH.HagertyA.O’DonnellS.FarrellA.HartnettD.MurphyE.KehoeE.AgyapongV.McLoughlinD. M.FarrenC. (2019). Alcohol use disorder and comorbid depression: A randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of supportive text messages in aiding recovery. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 54(5), 551–558. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agz060
*PedersenE. R.KaysenD. L.LindgrenK. P.BlayneyJ.SimpsonT. L. (2014). Impact of daily assessments on distress and PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29, 824–845. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260513505705
PhilippeT. J.SikderN.JacksonA.KoblanskiM. E.LiowE.PilarinosA.VasarhelyiK. (2022). Digital health interventions for delivery of mental health care: Systematic and comprehensive meta-review. JMIR Mental Health, 9(5), e35159. https://doi.org/10.2196/35159
98.
*ProchaskaJ. J.VogelE. A.ChiengA.BaiocchiM.MaglalangD. D.PajaritoS.WeingardtK. R.DarcyA.RobinsonA. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of a therapeutic relational agent for reducing substance misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 227, Article 108986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108986
99.
*RaevuoriA.VahlbergT.KorhonenT.HilgertO.Aittakumpu-HydenR.Forman-HoffmanV. (2021). A therapist-guided smartphone app for major depression in young adults: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 286, 228–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.007
100.
RauschenbergC.SchickA.HirjakD.SeidlerA.PaetzoldI.ApfelbacherC.Riedel-HellerS. G.ReininghausU. (2021). Evidence synthesis of digital interventions, mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health: Rapid meta-review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(3), e23365.
101.
*RennB. N.WalkerT. J.EddsB.RootsM.RaueP. J. (2025). Naturalistic use of a digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 368, 429–438.
102.
*RöhrS.JungF. U.PabstA.GrochtdreisT.DamsJ.NaglM.RennerA.HoffmannR.KönigH.-H.KerstingA.Riedel-HellerS. G. (2021). A self-help app for Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress (Sanadak): Randomized controlled trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 9(1), Article e24807. https://doi.org/10.2196/24807
103.
*SchoutenM.GoudriaanA.DekkerJ.BlankersM. (2024). Digitale interventies voor comorbide depressie en problematisch alcoholgebruik: Een (kosten) effectieve aanpak?Gedragstherapie, 57(4), 416–434.
104.
*SchuffelenJ.MaurerL. F.LorenzN.RötgerA.PietrowskyR.GieselmannA. (2023). The clinical effects of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in a heterogenous study sample: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Sleep: Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research, 46(11), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsad184
105.
SeeganP. L.MillerM. J.HelisteJ. L.FathiL.McGuireJ. F. (2023). Efficacy of stand-alone digital mental health applications for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 164, 171–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.019
106.
*SelaskowskiB.SteffensM.SchulzeM.LingenM.AslanB.RosenH.KannenK.WiebeA.WallbaumT.BollS.LuxS.PhilipsenA.BraunN. (2022). Smartphone-assisted psychoeducation in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Research, 317, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114802
107.
SilkJ. S.PramanaG.SequeiraS. L.LindhiemO.KendallP. C.RosenD.ParmantoB. (2020). Using a smartphone app and clinician portal, enhance brief cognitive behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety disorders. Behavior Therapy, 51(1), 69–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2019.05.002
108.
SixS. G.ByrneK. A.TibbettT. P.Pericot-ValverdeI. (2021). Examining the effectiveness of gamification in mental health apps for depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 8(11), e32199.
109.
*SpiesJ.LangT.Helbig-LangS. (2025). A smart solution? Efficacy of a self-management smartphone app for panic disorder and agoraphobia. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 49(1), 98–111.
110.
*StolzT.SchulzA.KriegerT.VincentA.UrechA.MoserC.WestermannS.BergerT. (2018). A mobile app for social anxiety disorder: A three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing mobile and PC-based guided self-help interventions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(6), 493–504. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000301
111.
*SuffolettoB.KristanJ.ChungT.JeongK.FabioA.MontiP.ClarkD. B. (2015). An interactive text message intervention, reduce binge drinking in young adults: A randomized controlled trial with 9-month outcomes. PLoS One, 10(11), e0142877. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0142877
112.
TaylorC. B.Fitzsimmons-CraftE. E.GrahamA. K. (2020). Digital technology can revolutionize mental health services delivery: The COVID-19 crisis as a catalyst for change. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(7), 1155–1157.
113.
TeachmanB. A.SilvermanA. L.WerntzA. (2022). Digital mental health services: Moving from promise, results. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29(1), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2021.06.014
114.
ThomasP. C.CurtisK.PottsH. W.BarkP.PerowneR.RookesT.RoweS. (2024). Behavior change techniques within digital interventions for the treatment of eating disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 11, e57577.
115.
TngG. Y.KohJ.SohX. C.MajeedN. M.HartantoA. (2024). Efficacy of digital mental health interventions for PTSD symptoms: A systematic review of meta-analyses. Journal of Affective Disorders, 357, 23–36.
116.
*TsengT.-Y.KrebsP.SchoenthalerA.WongS.ShermanS.GonzalezM.UrbinaA.ClelandC. M.ShelleyD. (2017). Combining text messaging and telephone counseling, increase varenicline adherence and smoking abstinence among cigarette smokers living with HIV: A randomized controlled study. AIDS and Behavior, 21(7), 1964–1974. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1538-z
117.
*VälimäkiM.KannistoK. A.VahlbergT.HätönenH.AdamsC. E. (2017). Short text messages, encourage adherence, medication and follow-up for people with psychosis (mobile.Net): Randomized controlled trial in Finland. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(7), 76–91. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7028
118.
*van der MeerC. A. I.BakkerA.van ZuidenM.LokA.OlffM. (2020). Help in hand after traumatic events: A randomized controlled trial in health care professionals on the efficacy, usability, and user satisfaction of a self-help app, reduce trauma-related symptoms. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), Article 1717155. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2020.1717155
119.
*VillantiA. C.Peasley-MiklusC.ChaS.SchulzJ.KlempererE. M.LePineS. E.WestJ. C.MaysD.MermelsteinR.HigginsS. T.GrahamA. L. (2022). Tailored text message and web intervention for smoking cessation in U.S. socioeconomically-disadvantaged young adults: A randomized controlled trial. Preventive Medicine: An International Journal Devoted, Practice and Theory, 165(Part B), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107209
120.
*WattsS.MackenzieA.ThomasC.GriskaitisA.MewtonL.WilliamsA.AndrewsG. (2013). CBT for depression: A pilot RCT comparing mobile phone vs. computer. BMC Psychiatry, 13, 1–49. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-49
121.
WeiselK. K.FuhrmannL. M.BerkingM.BaumeisterH.CuijpersP.EbertD. D. (2019). Standalone smartphone apps for mental health—A systematic review and meta-analysis. NPJ Digital Medicine, 2(1), 118.
122.
Werner-SeidlerA.PerryY.CalearA. L.NewbyJ. M.ChristensenH. (2017). School-based depression and anxiety prevention programs for young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 51, 30–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.10.005
123.
*WhittakerR.DoreyE.BramleyD.BullenC.DennyS.ElleyC. R.MaddisonR.McRobbieH.ParagV.RodgersA.SalmonP. (2011). A theory-based video messaging mobile phone intervention for smoking cessation: Randomized control trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 13, 61–72. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1553
124.
*WilhelmS.WeingardenH.GreenbergJ. L.HoeppnerS. S.SnorrasonI.BernsteinE. E.McCoyT. H.HarrisonO. T. (2022). Efficacy of app-based cognitive behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder with coach support: Initial randomized controlled clinical trial. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 91(4), 277–285. https://doi.org/10.1159/000524628
125.
*WiltJ.PowellM.WronskiS. (2024). Reducing anxiety levels through the dharma life app-based and mentor-based program targeting personality characteristics: A randomized control trial. The Open Psychology Journal, 17, e18743501284859. https://doi.org/10.2174/0118743501284859240502062946
126.
*YbarraM. L.HoltropJ. S.PrescottT. L.RahbarM. H.StrongD. (2013). Pilot RCT results of Stop My Smoking USA: A text messaging–based smoking cessation program for young adults. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 15, 1388–1399. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/nts339
127.
*ZhangX.LiY.WangJ.MaoF.WuL.HuangY.SunJ.CaoF. (2023). Effectiveness of digital guided self-help mindfulness training during pregnancy on maternal psychological distress and infant neuropsychological development: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, Article e41298. https://doi.org/10.2196/41298
128.
*ZhaoC.ZhaoZ.LevinM. E.LaiL.ShiC.HuJ.ChenW.RenZ. (2023). Efficacy and acceptability of mobile application-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in China: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 171, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2023.104440
129.
ZhouX.SnoswellC. L.HardingL. E.BamblingM.EdirippuligeS.BaiX.SmithA. C. (2020). The role of telehealth in reducing the mental health burden from COVID-19. Telemedicine and E-Health, 26(4), 377–379. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2020.0068
Supplementary Material
Please find the following supplemental material available below.
For Open Access articles published under a Creative Commons License, all supplemental material carries the same license as the article it is associated with.
For non-Open Access articles published, all supplemental material carries a non-exclusive license, and permission requests for re-use of supplemental material or any part of supplemental material shall be sent directly to the copyright owner as specified in the copyright notice associated with the article.
