The researchers have called for clear regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical standards, content quality, and user privacy in mental health apps. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
A comprehensive evaluation by researchers at NIMHANS has found that while mental health smartphone applications available for Indian users show promise in accessibility and design, several fall short on privacy safeguards, professional oversight and content quality.
The study, published recently in the JMIR mHealth and uHealth, is among the earliest systematic assessments of mental health apps accessible in India. Conducted under the Centre for Advanced Research in Digital Interventions for Mental Healthcare at NIMHANS, with funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the study screened over 5,800 apps using 15 mental health-related search terms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Of these, 350 apps – including fully free apps, those offering free trials, and free sections of paid apps – were shortlisted for detailed evaluation using an internationally recognised rating tool and other pre-defined parameters.
The apps offered a range of functions, including symptom assessment, educational content, progress tracking, and therapeutic strategies. Multifunctional apps – those combining two or more features – formed the largest group, indicating a growing preference for holistic support tools. Cognitive behavioural therapy was the most common therapeutic approach, featured in about 43% of the apps.
Data privacy concerns
“While most apps scored well on design and ease of use, the quality of information varied significantly,” said Seema Mehrotra, professor of clinical psychology at NIMHANS and lead author of the study.
Only about one-sixth of the reviewed apps were developed in Asia, and just 10% originated from academic institutions, government bodies or non-profit organisations. Although 86% of apps had a privacy policy, several raised concerns: 15% did not mention how user data might be shared with third parties; 40% failed to specify data retention duration, and nearly half lacked an option for users to delete their data. Given the sensitive nature of mental health information, such omissions are troubling, Dr. Mehrotra noted.
Content gaps
The study also found notable content gaps. Fewer than one in three apps attempted to address mental health myths or included basic crisis support. While 65% of the apps did not specify whether mental health professionals were involved in their development, 40% included disclaimers clarifying that they were not substitutes for professional help. Only 23% actively encouraged users to seek professional support when required. This becomes a critical issue in contexts where mental health literacy and help seeking rates may be low, the doctor said.
“These gaps are especially risky in unguided self-help apps, where users may not recognise when professional intervention is necessary,” Dr. Mehrotra said, adding out that an extension of the review is currently underway.
Need for regulatory framework
The researchers have called for clear regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical standards, content quality, and user privacy in mental health apps. They also emphasised the need for greater involvement of mental health professionals in developing socio-culturally grounded, evidence-based digital tools and for fostering public–private partnerships to ensure their effective deployment and sustainability.
While investment in research to establish the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions in India remains crucial, enhancing digital mental health literacy is equally important, the study noted.
“Empowering users to make informed choices can help them understand the scope and limitations of these tools and use them safely and appropriately, rather than viewing them as substitutes for professional help,” Dr. Mehrotra added.
Published – October 31, 2025 09:23 pm IST
