The Role of Mental Health Apps (MHapps) in Furthering Progress on SDG3: A Case for Multi-stakeholder Collaboration

In this chapter, we consider the potential for Mental Health appsApps (MHapps) to assist in meeting some of the ambitious targets for mental health and wellbeing that are part of the Sustainable Development GoalsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (SDGs). First, we consider the SDGs in relation to the current state of global mental health particularly after the COVID-19 pandemicCOVID-19 pandemic led to a global rise in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (Daniali et al in Heal Psychol 42:124–138, 2023) [1]. Second, we will consider the case for MHapps and strengths and weaknesses of MHapps to provide mental health support. Third, we will review some of features of evidence basedEvidenced base MHapps and identify some of the gaps and consider the extent to which the current chasm between the MHapp industry and the academy is problematic. Fourth, we will explore the promise of greater collaboration specifically between academic institutions and app developers to meet the challenge of ensuring that MHapps are evidence based and the production of low-cost support for mental health at scale. Finally, in conclusion, this chapter will suggest that MHapps, when used in conjunction with other human support, have the potential to address unmet need and may be particularly helpful in places, and with specific groups, where there is a high level of stigma in relation to mental health conditions and promoting wellbeing. To ensure that appsApps are evidence based and meaningfully effect a range of gaps (treatment, service, outcome), considerable collaboration is required between industry, academia, government, and intergovernmental organizations. Such cooperation could both ensure that the risks and scalability of MHapps are studied, and keep pace with a rapidly expanding and developing app sector, increasingly using Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence and Machine LearningMachine learning to support users with their mental health and wellbeing, amongst other goals via Chatbots and personal assistants.