Digitized thought records: a practitioner-focused review of cognitive restructuring apps

Abstract Mental health (MH) apps can be used as adjunctive tools in traditional face-to-face therapy to help implement components of evidence-based treatments. However, practitioners interested using MH face a variety challenges, including knowing which would appropriate use. Although some resources are available identify apps, granular analyses how faithfully specific clinical skills represented lacking. This study aimed conduct review and analysis containing core component cognitive behaviour (CBT) – restructuring (CR). A keyword search for providing CR functionality on the Apple App Android Google Play stores yielded 246 after removal duplicates, was further reduced 15 following verification application other inclusionary/exclusionary criteria. Apps were coded based their inclusion elements CR, general app features content, interoperability/data sharing, professional involvement, ethics, data safeguards. They also rated user experience assessed by Mobile Rating Scale (MARS). Whereas majority include most elements, they vary considerably with respect more sub-elements (e.g. rating intensity emotions), features, (average MARS = 3.53, range from 2.30 4.58). Specific that fared best fidelity dimensions highlighted, implications findings clinicians, researchers developers discussed. Key learning aims (1) To no-cost mobile adopt facilitate restructuring. (2) well these apps. (3) characterize additional features. (4) provide examples high-quality represent its implementation.