b'SELF CARE GUIDE|Self-Help Tools During the PandemicEvaluating Mental Health AppsBy Carol Myers, OTRA s coronavirus cases escalate, so doesRaichbach. This could be for any number ofour daily lives has heightened our comfort our difficulty in managing stress andreasons; they may not be physically able toand acceptance in using these self-help tools. anxiety. Maintaining our mentalleave their homes due to severe anxiety or lack health is more important than ever.of mobility, or they may not have the financialTHE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATING APPSPsychologist Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD,means. Before downloading an App, its important to explains that fear manifests itself in everyAnonymity is another Appeal of smart- have criteria for evaluation. The following are aspect of our lives, and with the pandemicphone-based Apps allowing for privacy andconsiderations for making informed decisions creating increased stress, finding any kindconfidentiality. Apps offer a safe space forwhen selecting an App:of resource to help us through this time isindividuals who feel the shame and stigma to beneficial. If seeing a therapist is not feasible,admit their mental health issues in person.GATHER BACKGROUND INFORMATIONor a weekly therapy session is unaffordable,For many mental health professionals, AppsThe cost of App or free, subscriptions, a myriad of Apps offer support by interact- are an effective way to help their patientshidden fees, in-App purchases to unlock ing remotely with a therapist or downloadingremain connected outside of therapy sessionscertain featuresa self-help App. These reasonably priced orfor working on issues addressed during ther- On which platforms does it work (iOS, most often free mental health Apps can offerapy sessions.Android)?an abundance of resources that make thera- Many professionals, however, are criticalUpdates: How many and the reasons for peutic techniques more available, convenient,of their use as a replacement for traditionalthe updates (security, software glitches and cost-effective. treatment. According to Tanisha Ranger,or bugs, improved functionality or added PsyD, I see mental health Apps being veryservices)WILL MENTAL HEALTH APPS REPLACEuseful for people who cannot get to sessionsWho is the developer, and how does it TRADITIONAL THERAPY? as often as they would like, but I do not viewsupport its development if free?According to Sal Raichbach, PsyD, LCSW,them as a substitute for therapy.mental health Apps have the possibility ofIdeally, it is advised that these new digitalRISK AND PRIVACYreaching people who would otherwise nottools act as a supplement to traditional ther- Is there a privacy policy?receive help by removing the barriers andapy. Nevertheless, for those who are unable toWhat data are collectedstigma to treatment. Sadly, only a small per- access the expertise of a mental health practi- Can you opt-out of data collectioncentage of people actively seek professionaltioner, these Apps offer valuable support andCan data be deletedISTOCKhelp for their mental health problems, stateddirection. The proliferation of technology inDoes the App use cookies?8 SELF CARE GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'