Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Make Your Smart Phone Smarter: Apt Apps for Better Mental Health

Technology-based interventions for better mental health are literally "at hand".

The past few years have seen a huge increase in the number and availability of mobile phone applications for tracking, measuring, and understanding our emotions and behaviors.

These apps include:
--self-assessment tests
--mood tracking charts
--relaxation exercises
--sleep programs
--educational tools to help explain the causes of  emotional/behavioral conditions
--motivational tools to guide behaviors that can reduce symptoms
--recommendations for finding evidence-based treatments


University-based or professional association-based websites may offer a more "expert" opinion
on this wide array of mobile assistance.
(A random sampling is listed below)
It can also help to read the individual reviews listed for each app on Google Play, ITunes or Amazon's Appstore


Of course, an app---just like any self-help manual--will never be a substitute for assessment and treatment by licensed mental health professional.

But, one could be a fine companion for your work with a trained clinician


https://www.headstrong.ie/jigsaw/mental-health-issues/general-mental-health/tools-resources/

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/20/top-10-free-mental-health-apps/

http://www.youngandwellcrc.org.au/dr-michael-carr-greggs-new-top-ten/

http://www.otago.ac.nz/studenthealth/healthtips/otago068697.html

http://www2.humboldt.edu/counseling/Self%20Help%20Apps.html

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/PTSD/public/materials/apps/index.asp

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/03/26/294374936/therapists-apps-aim-to-help-with-mental-health-issues

http://www.stthomas.edu/counseling/selfhelp/