New MHRA guidance aims to steer safer use of mental health apps
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today published fresh guidance designed to help the public navigate mental health apps and other digital health tools. Created in partnership with NHS England as part of a series of free online resources, the guidance seeks to empower people to choose reliable apps, understand potential risks, and use digital tools in a way that complements traditional care.
The new material is part of the MHRA’s broader effort to regulate consumer health technology in a rapidly expanding market. As more individuals turn to apps for stress management, mood tracking, sleep improvement, and other mental health supports, there is growing concern about the reliability of information, privacy protections, and the evidence behind claims of effectiveness. The MHRA guidance addresses these concerns with practical, user‑oriented advice.
What the guidance covers
Key topics include how to assess whether a mental health app is safe and appropriate for your needs, what questions to ask app developers, and how to balance app use with professional medical support. Users are encouraged to look for transparency about data handling, including how information is stored, shared, and protected. The guidance also highlights the importance of seeking help from healthcare professionals for serious mental health symptoms and cautions against relying solely on apps for diagnosing or treating conditions.
Additionally, the MHRA guidance explains the role of digital tools in care pathways. It emphasises that apps should not replace the care provided by clinicians but can help patients monitor symptoms, manage medication reminders, and improve access to services. Where possible, apps should be designed with clinical oversight or be used in conjunction with NHS services to ensure safety and quality.
Privacy, data security, and informed consent
Data privacy is a core pillar of the guidance. Users are urged to review what data an app collects, how it is used, whether it is shared with third parties, and whether it is encrypted. The document stresses informed consent and suggests users consider turning off data sharing features if they have privacy concerns. It also points to the importance of consent when multiple providers are involved in a person’s care, to avoid fragmented information and miscommunication.
Practical tips for choosing an app
The guidance provides a concise checklist for evaluating mental health apps, including whether the app has clear objectives, uses evidence-based approaches, and offers user-friendly features. It recommends selecting apps that provide practical tools like goal tracking, symptom diaries, and crisis support information, while avoiding apps that claim to treat conditions without clinical backing. The MHRA also reminds users to verify compatibility with their devices and to ensure the app is regularly updated to address security vulnerabilities.
What NHS England brings to the effort
NHS England’s collaboration ensures that the guidance reflects actual patient experiences and aligns with NHS digital health standards. The free online resources aim to make information accessible to a broad audience, including people who may be new to digital tools, carers, and families seeking supportive options for loved ones. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to harnessing technology responsibly while safeguarding patient safety.
What this means for patients, carers, and clinicians
For patients and carers, the new guidance offers a trusted starting point when exploring mental health apps. It helps people make informed choices, reduces the risk of misinformation, and supports more productive conversations with healthcare providers. Clinicians also benefit from a clearer framework for discussing digital tools with patients, which can lead to better coordination of care and improved monitoring of symptoms.
Overall, the MHRA’s guidance signals a maturing digital health landscape. By combining regulatory oversight with practical consumer advice, the agency aims to foster safer use of mental health apps and other digital resources while promoting high standards of care within the NHS ecosystem.
