Consumer Report has reviewed 7 mental health related apps and made a number of recommendations for providers of app-based mental health counseling. Although the recommendations are focused on app providers and developers, the issues are important for clients and psychologists to consider when clients use them.
The full report is available at https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CR_mentalhealth_full-report_VF.pdf
The recommendations:
- Clearly explain procedures used for de-identification of data used for research. Identifiable data should not be shared except at the consumer’s direction.
- Provide clear and contextually-appropriate explanations of how user-provided data will be used, so users are aware of potential consequences before they share.
- Adhere to platform guidelines that are in place to protect people’s privacy.
- Transparently disclose the service providers that receive data when people use your apps