New MHRA guidance helps the public navigate mental health apps
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published new guidance aimed at helping people choose and use mental health apps and other digital tools more safely. Released in collaboration with NHS England, the guidance is part of free online resources designed to improve access to trustworthy digital health support and to empower individuals to take informed steps when using mental health apps.
Why this guidance matters
As more people turn to smartphones and tablets for mental health support, questions about safety, effectiveness, and data privacy grow. The MHRA guidance focuses on helping users distinguish between apps that provide basic self-help tools and those that claim to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions. It emphasizes that mental health apps should complement professional care, not replace it, and encourages users to discuss app use with their healthcare providers where appropriate.
Key areas covered by the guidance
The guidance highlights several practical considerations for everyday use of mental health apps:
- Evidence and safety: Look for apps with clear information about their evidence base and safety considerations. Be cautious of apps making sweeping medical claims without supporting data.
- Privacy and data security: Understand what data is collected, how it is used, and who has access. Check for transparent privacy policies and data handling practices.
- Clinical boundaries: Recognize the limits of an app. Many apps provide self-help resources, mood tracking, or crisis support lines, but they may not diagnose or treat mental illness.
- Professional involvement: When possible, choose apps recommended or endorsed by healthcare professionals or established health systems, including NHS England resources.
- Accessibility and inclusion: The guidance encourages selecting tools that are inclusive, easy to use, and adaptable to different needs and backgrounds.
Practical tips for choosing an app
Users are advised to verify the app’s origin, read independent reviews, and consider whether it integrates with existing care. Checking for patient safety notices, regular updates, and clear emergency information can also help ensure a more reliable experience. In cases of severe distress or crisis, the guidance reiterates the importance of contacting local emergency services or a mental health crisis line rather than relying solely on an app.
How NHS England resources support safe use
As part of the initiative, NHS England has contributed online resources that complement the MHRA guidance. These materials offer checklists, user-friendly explanations of risks and benefits, and guidance on how to talk with clinicians about digital tools. The collaboration aims to reduce misinformation and help individuals find credible sources of mental health support amid a crowded digital landscape.
What this means for patients, carers, and professionals
For patients and carers, the new guidance provides a clear framework for evaluating mental health apps before relying on them for ongoing support. For professionals, it offers a reference point to discuss digital tools with patients, support safer app usage, and integrate digital resources into care plans where appropriate. Regulators emphasize ongoing monitoring of digital health products to ensure that safety and quality standards keep pace with innovation.
Taking the next steps
If you are considering an app as part of your mental health plan, start by identifying your goals, whether they are mood tracking, coping strategies, or access to information. Use the MHRA and NHS England resources to assess the app’s credibility, privacy protections, and alignment with your care. Remember that digital tools are enhancements, not substitutes for professional medical advice and treatment.
