Kenny R, Dooley B, Fitzgerald A. (2015). JMIR Mental Health 2(3):e22
One in five adolescents suffers from a mental health disorder. “Telemental health,” or remotely providing mental health services through mobile technology, is seen as an innovative way to deliver needed mental health care to adolescents. The majority of adolescents (an estimated 69-84%) currently own a smartphone, positioning smartphone applications (apps) as a target venue for mental health services. The “CopeSmart” app was designed to assist in emotional self-monitoring and the promotion of positive coping strategies. Forty-three teens (average age of 16) used the app and provided feedback through self-report questionnaires. Participants were reminded to engage with the app daily and monitor their mood over a one week period. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate positive and negative aspects of the CopeSmart app. On average, participants used the app 4 out of the 7 days of the trial period, 93% agreed the app was easy to use, and 70% would recommend it to a friend. Telemental health apps may be useful in promoting positive mental health among adolescents; but more research on the efficacy of such apps is necessary.