Digital option for psychotherapy?

Digitalization has revolutionized psychotherapy: Internet-based therapies and prevention apps are widespread and offer new possibilities for supporting mental health. But what is the difference between these offerings, and for whom are they suitable? This text highlights the most important aspects, shows the potential and limitations of digital options, and presents practical examples.

Prevention apps vs.

Internet-based behavioral therapies

Different approaches and target groups

Prevention apps and internet-based behavioral therapies differ fundamentally in their approach, purpose, and scope. While prevention apps aim to proactively promote mental health, internet-based therapies offer evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches for treating specific disorders.

Prevention apps:



• They promote resilience, stress management, and mindfulness.
• Provide support with diaries, mindfulness exercises, and memory functions.
• Target group: Healthy people or people with mild symptoms of stress.

Internet-based behavioral therapy (CBT):

• Focus on proven psychotherapeutic methods.
• Used for mild to moderate mental illnesses.
• They are often accompanied by trained professionals.
  

Prevention apps: advantages and limitations

Prevention apps such as diaries, mood trackers, or stress management programs are easy to use and offer quick support in everyday life. Examples include:MindDocandHappifyThey show how digital services can promote emotional health. However, these apps reach their limits when it comes to serious illnesses.

Key features of prevention apps:

• Easy accessEasily available via app stores.

• flexibilityUsers can use them at any time.

• restrictionsNo treatment for severe symptoms.

Internet-based behavioral therapies: Evidence-based approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in digital format

Internet-based CBT is one of the most successful methods for treating depression. It helps patients recognize destructive thought patterns and develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving. This strengthens their sense of self-efficacy and promotes lasting behavioral changes.

Typical content of internet-based CBT:

• Module: Tasks and exercises on thought patterns and behavior changes.

• Questionnaires: Supporting self-assessment.

• Professional supportExpert feedback available if needed.

Study resultsshow that these approaches are particularly successful in mild to moderate depression and also play an important role in relapse prevention (Pan et al., 2021; Noma et al., 2020).

When are digital interventions appropriate?

Diagnosis before use

A precise diagnosis by qualified professionals is essential before patients resort to digital programs. Symptoms such as depressive moods can also occur with physical illnesses. Digital interventions should therefore only be used as a supplement, especially in cases of serious illness.

Possible uses:

• Bridging waiting timesHelpful when no therapy place is available.

• Accompanying measureSupport during outpatient or inpatient therapy.



• Relapse preventionMaintaining the success of the therapy.

1. MindDoc: Companion for emotional health

MindDoc is an app that helps users reflect on and understand their emotional state. It is particularly suitable for people who recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or mild mood swings and want to take proactive action.

• Target audience: People who keep an emotional diary and want to analyze their mood.

• Price: Basic version free; Premium version from €24.99/quarter with extended features.

• Features:
• Daily questions that assess well-being and reveal patterns.
• Personalized reports and recommendations.
• Opportunity for integration with professional therapy approaches.

• ApplicationsSelf-reflection and early warning system for potential psychological stress.

2. Happify: Playful promotion of resilience

Happify combines scientifically sound exercises with gamified elements to boost mental health. Based on principles of positive psychology, the app aims to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

• Target audience: People who want to increase their resilience and life satisfaction through interactive exercises.

• PriceBasic version free; premium version costs €144.99/year.

• Features:
• A variety of activities, such as reflection exercises, guided meditations and small games.
• Personalized programs for individual needs.
• Progress tracking and reward systems for motivation.

• ApplicationsEveryday support for stressful periods or to strengthen the joy of life.

3. Upmood: Innovative approach to stress measurement

Upmood distinguishes itself through the use of a biometric sensor that provides real-time heart rate data to capture stress levels and mood. This enables an objective assessment of mental state and targeted interventions.

• Target audience: Tech-savvy individuals who want to use physiological data for their stress management.

• PriceApp free; sensor watch from €84.

• Features:
• Linking physical data with emotional states.
• Real-time feedback for stress regulation.
• Integration of breathing and relaxation techniques.

• ApplicationsMonitoring of professional or private stress, support with mindfulness-based exercises.
  

1. moodgym: Scientific self-help for depression

Moodgym is an internationally recognized program that uses elements of cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce depressive symptoms. It is aimed at people who want to work independently on their thought and behavior patterns.

• Target audiencePeople with mild to moderate depression or stress.

• PriceFree access in many healthcare systems; private use from €30 per year.

• Features:
• Five interactive modules on topics such as thought management and problem solving.
• Exercises to change negative thought patterns.
• Quizzes and interactive self-assessment tools.

• Applications: Preventive or supplementary to personal therapy.

2. Deprexis: Individual therapy programs

Deprexis is a highly individualized program that addresses the specific needs of users through personalized content. It is often used in combination with traditional therapy.

• Target audience: People with diagnosed depression or anxiety disorder.

• PriceApproximately €400; some health insurance companies may cover the costs.

• Features:
• Personalized modules that are tailored to individual progress.
• Integration into existing therapies with support from specialists.
• Extensive evidence-based content on a wide range of mental health challenges.

• ApplicationsIntensive support between therapy sessions or as a standalone measure when access to specialists is limited.

3. HelloBetter: Wide range of mental health issues

HelloBetter offers a variety of programs for specific issues such as stress, anxiety, or sleep problems. Each program is evidence-based and includes comprehensive support from professionals.

• Target audiencePeople with various mental health conditions.

• Price: Depends on the program; many offers are covered by health insurance.

• Features:
• Topic-specific modules (e.g., for anxiety, burnout, sleep).
• Support from psychological coaches.
• Flexible use through mobile and desktop-based applications.

• Applications: As an accompaniment to therapy or as a standalone service.

Selecting the right digital intervention



The choice between prevention apps and internet-based therapies depends on the severity of the symptoms, individual goals, and access to professional support. Prevention apps are ideal for generally promoting well-being, while internet-based CBT offers targeted help for mental health conditions. In both cases, digitalization enables low-threshold and flexible support that can be made accessible to people worldwide.