Tech for Mental Health: The fast-paced digital world today comes with its own set of challenges like stress, anxiety and depression. Mental health technology coupled with data collection has been touted as the harbinger of new age solutions for mental disorders today. With rising mental health concerns worldwide, digital mental health solutions seem to offer accessible, effective and innovative ways to manage emotional well-being. How successful are mental health technologies in treating mental health issues? This article explores tech for mental health, the latest digital wellness tools, and the challenges and ethical concerns that come with these advancements.
Tech For Mental Health Highlights
- By 2030, mental diseases will contribute to the majority among all diseases seen in the world according to the WHO. (Source: Alcimed)
- According to Market Search Future and Appinventiv, the global digital mental health market is projected to touch USD 72.3 billion by the year 2032.
- 15% adults in India face mental health issues as per a PIB press release dated 13th October 2025. (Source: PIB)
- Since its launch, Limbix VR has raised a massive USD 30 million funding in its Series A round. (Source: Big Health)
- An estimated 1 lakh people die in India due to suicide alone. (Source: PIB)
- With billions of dollars at stake, how effective is tech for mental health in treating patients?
What is a Mental Disorder?
According to the books of medicine, a mental disorder is that which affects a person’s behaviour, feelings and thoughts. It can also upset an individual’s psychological functions and response. Traditionally, severe mental conditions have been treated with prescription drugs, often leading to several side effects.
Some examples of common mental health issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Insomnia
- Panic disorder
- Psychotic disorder
The dawn of mental health technologies has given a new ray of hope to experts who believe that combining these technologies with drug-based treatment can lead to better treatment of chronic cases of mental health and facilitate better control over the over-reliance on prescription drugs for long-term treatments.
Tech for Mental Health: From AI mental health apps and teletherapy services to wearable mental health tech and virtual reality therapy, technology is supposed to be bridging the gap between individuals and mental health support.
The Global Mental Health Crisis
This global crisis can be understood by some facts:
- According to a March 2023 factsheet on depression by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimate of more than 280 million people suffer from depression.
- The same report states that millions more are experiencing anxiety and stress-related disorders worldwide.
- Despite growing awareness, many individuals still struggle to access professional mental health support namely due to cost, social stigma or geographical challenges.
This is where experts suggest mental health technology should step in.
Mental Health Apps
The most indispensable form of technology in our lives today is a mobile phone. Any individual with a smartphone, cell phone, Ipad, tablet or even a computer can access various mobile mental health support systems that could be just a phone call or a text message away.
Currently, Android and iOS systems are flooded with innumerable mental health apps ranging from simple to complex-built apps with extensive data tracking.
AI in Tech for Mental Health: The integration of AI in therapy and counselling, mental health apps, and teletherapy platforms for anxiety and depression has also made mental health support more accessible.
How efficient are these mental health apps? Lets explores their pros and cons:
Pros of Mental Health Apps
- Greater Accessibility: The convenience of having these apps on a smartphone makes treatment or support more accessible, especially in vulnerable situations, and for those who are unable to seek help at a clinic.
- Less Cost: Mental Health Apps are definitely cheaper than treatments at specialised clinics.
- Anonymity: The identity of the patient is not exposed in a public place like a hospital. Instead, the patient has the option to seek help from mental health apps in the comfort of their home.
- 24/7 service: Easier access to a round-the-clock support.
- Remote locations: Mental health apps could be a potential support system for those patients staying in remote villages that lack medical facilities.
Cons of Mental Health Apps
- Privacy Concerns: Though these apps assure anonymity of the patient, there is no written guarantee that the data collected will not be shared ahead. This responsibility lies with the app makers. Recent cases of data breaches point towards this big disadvantage of employing technology in the mental health space and ensuring protection of sensitive personal data of patients.
- Low Success Rates: The effectiveness of mental health technologies versus in-person treatments continues to be a highly debated topic. Lack of scientific data proving an app’s effectiveness is a big drawback.
- No Regulatory Body: Another important concern with mental health technologies is who regulates them? As of today there is no governing authority that controls the modus operandi of such apps or monitors the data collected by them.
- Lacks Customised Solutions: As the outputs and suggestions of mental health apps are more generalised than customised, it is imperative to gauge if it works efficiently for all individuals.
Now that we have understood the advantages and disadvantages of tech for mental health, let’s explore more about the various technologies used in reality today.
Digital Mental Health Solutions: AI-Powered Therapy Chatbots
One of the most notable innovations in digital mental health interventions is the rise of AI therapy chatbots.
Apps like Tessa, Woebot, Wysa and Replika provide 24/7 digital support and are typically based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help users navigate their emotions.
For example, Woebot uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to engage in text-based conversations with users, offering a structured guidance for anxiety and depression.
Though AI chatbots vs human therapists is a debated topic, these digital tools are being increasingly pitched as effective first-line interventions.
Contradictions and Challenges
Recent incidents highlight their inefficiency to respond in a way they have been engineered to. Tessa is an app designed to help those with eating disorders. It was found that in response to a user query, Tessa was giving advice to lose weight which can do more harm to an individual already suffering from an eating disorder.
■ Also Read: Maintaining Good Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide
In another instance, Woebot responded, ‘It’s so wonderful that you are taking care of your mental and physical health’, in response to an alarming input by a user stating he wanted to go jump off a cliff in the eldorado canyon.
Lack of accountability on the part of mental health apps establishes itself as a huge concern.
Other Mental Health Apps
The popularity of mental health apps like Headspace, Calm and Moodfit has skyrocketed.
These apps help users manage stress through:
- Practicing Mindfulness
- Sleep improvement techniques
- Breathing exercises and stress management
Many people searching for the best mental health apps in 2025 will find that newer platforms now incorporate mood tracking and journaling features, providing customised insights into emotional well-being as well.
Tech for Mental Health: Apps like Daylio allow users to log daily emotions, which helps in identifying patterns and potential mental health triggers.
This huge pool of data collected by these apps remains a concern as there is no clarity to how it is being used and stored.
Wearable Mental Health Tech: Tracking Stress and Anxiety in Real-Time
The integration of wearable mental health tech into daily life has been another major breakthrough.
Devices such as Fitbit, Apple Watch and Oura Ring now feature mental health tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor:
- Sleep patterns and their impact on mood
- Physical activity levels in relation to emotional well-being
For example, Fitbit’s stress management score evaluates biometric data to determine how well an individual is coping with stress.
These tools are designed to provide real-time insights into the mental health of the user so that preventative action can be taken before stress escalates into more serious conditions.
Ironically, isn’t technology itself a factor that contributes to today’s faced paced life and stress?
Tech for Mental Health: Teletherapy
With the rise of teletherapy platforms for anxiety and depression, professional mental health support has become more accessible than ever. Services like Tele MANAS, BetterHelp, Talkspace and 7 Cups allow individuals to connect with licensed therapists remotely via video calls, text, or chat sessions.
Why are teletherapy services gaining popularity?
Some notable advantages:
- Eliminates geographical barriers for people in remote areas
- Offers flexible scheduling for busy professionals
- Reduces the stigma associated with visiting a therapist’s office
Tech for Mental Health: Many people searching for how technology helps mental health are discovering that teletherapy services provide a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional counselling.
About Tele MANAS:
As per PIB press release, dated 7th February 2025, some more measures have been taken by the Government of India in commitment to its ‘National Tele Mental Health Programme’:
- The Government of India has also launched an app for Tele MANAS in October 2024.
- There are currently 53 Tele MANAS cells offering support in 20 languages.
- Additionally, a Tele MANAS cell has also been established at the AFMC, Pune, aimed at offering mental health support to all the armed forces personnel and their families.
Image Title & Source: Tele MANAS Calling Mechanism, PIB press release, 13th October 2025
Contradictions and Challenges
Yet again, even teletherapy services are not without its own set of challenges. Overworked healthcare staff is an aspect that needs to be addressed seriously. The predecessor of Tele MANAS was another initiative by the GOI known as KIRAN.
Tech for Mental Health: Though it was meant to provide round-the-clock crisis support, the helpline failed to live upto it’s intentions due to shortage of staff and lack of funding. A recent test run saw only 3 calls being answered out of 40. (Source: IMHO)
It is important to note here, that despite our consistent well-intended innovations, they are unable to provide neither 100% support nor solutions to mental health issues.
Virtual Reality Therapy in Mental Health Solutions
The use of virtual reality therapy in mental health care is expanding rapidly, particularly in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and phobias.
- VR for anxiety treatment has proven effective in exposure therapy.
- In Exposure therapy, patients are gradually introduced to triggering environments in a safe and controlled setting.
- One leading example is Limbix, a VR platform that helps individuals confront their fears, such as public speaking or social anxiety.
Image Title & Source: Limbix VR Kit, Myla Fay
Tech for Mental Health: Limbix is currently being used for treating adolescent mental health issues. It was acquired by Big Health, a mental health and non-drug treatment provider, in 2023. Big Health released a statement in July 2023, revealing that they would ‘focus on delivering first-line digital therapeutics’ for various mental health issues.
Gamification: A New Technology Trend to Mental Well-being
Gamification is being used to offer mental health support by incorporating game-like elements such as reward systems, progress tracking and interactive challenges. These mental health apps and platforms are aimed to make self-care more engaging and effective.
Apps like SuperBetter and Happify use gamification to help users build resilience, manage stress and improve emotional well-being. These platforms encourage users to complete small, manageable tasks, such as practicing gratitude or exercising. These are rewarded with points, badges or progress milestones.
By turning mental health management into an interactive experience, gamification aims to help individuals stay motivated and committed to their well-being journey.
Contradictions and Challenges
Despite its benefits, gamification in mental health has inherent risks and limitations.
- The very nature of game-like rewards can sometimes lead to external motivation rather than genuine self-improvement.
- Users may engage with these platforms only to earn badges or streaks, rather than working on their true emotional resilience.
- Additionally, failure to meet in-app goals can sometimes trigger frustration or feelings of inadequacy, especially for individuals already struggling with anxiety or depression.
- There is also the risk of over-reliance on gamified apps, where users may substitute structured gameplay for deeper emotional healing, neglecting professional therapy or real-life coping mechanisms.
Online Support Communities: Finding Strength in Connection
Online support communities are built in order to help individuals struggling with mental health challenges. These platforms provide a safe, judgment-free space where people can share their experiences, seek advice and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
Communities such as Reddit’s r/mentalhealth, 7 Cups and TalkLife offer peer-to-peer support, connecting individuals with others who understand their struggles. Many mental health platforms also integrate moderated forums and AI-driven chatbots.
Contradictions and Challenges
Tech for Mental Health: While online support communities provide comfort and solidarity, they also come with significant risks.
- The quality of advice varies, as many platforms lack professional oversight, leading to the spread of misinformation or harmful coping strategies.
- Moreover, unmoderated discussions can expose vulnerable individuals to negative interactions, cyberbullying, or triggering content, which may worsen their mental state rather than improve it.
- The anonymity of online spaces can sometimes foster toxic environments, where individuals seeking help may be met with dismissive or judgmental responses.
- Lastly, there is a risk of over-dependence on virtual connections, where individuals rely solely on online communities for emotional support, neglecting real-world relationships and professional intervention.
While these spaces offer a sense of belonging, they should complement and not replace the traditional mental health support systems.
Overall Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Tech for Mental Health
Despite the benefits of tech-based stress management, several challenges must be addressed:
- Data Privacy and Security: Many mental health apps collect sensitive personal data. Ensuring robust encryption and user consent is critical.
- Reliability of AI in Mental Health Apps: AI-driven therapy chatbots must be clinically validated to prevent misinformation or harmful advice.
- Digital Divide: While teletherapy services are expanding, not everyone has access to digital devices or the internet. Bridging this gap is essential.
- Over-Reliance on Technology: While tech for mental health is valuable, it should complement, not replace, human interaction and professional therapy.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media in Mental Health
Although technology for mental health aims to support it, it is crucial to understand where mental illness arises from? Stress is a leading factor resulting in mental health issues.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter can contribute to:
- Anxiety and low self-esteem due to comparison culture
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Dopamine-driven addiction to scrolling and notifications
Many therapists and mental health advocates also use these platforms positively to educate users, share coping strategies and reduce stigma. AI algorithms are also being developed to detect signs of mental distress in users’ posts. For example, Instagram and Facebook now allow users to report concerning content, prompting automated mental health resource suggestions.
Despite the notable intent, technology offers more challenges than solutions. The dizzying speed of innovation, often sugar-coated with impressive jargon, blinds us from a grave reality – we are seeking relief from the very source of the problem.
In moments of extreme vulnerability, an individual struggling with mental health may find themselves at a crossroads. One fleeting moment of despair can decide everything – whether they reach out for help through an app or succumb to the darkness entirely and commit suicide. A careful inference makes us realise that it is not logic but impulse that dictates the action of an individual at the spur of the moment.
Tech for Mental Health: To understand this impulse, let’s analyse the phrase ‘spur of the moment’. The word ‘spur’ refers to the sharp device used by a rider to drive a horse forward. The action is sudden, forceful, and without forethought – just as a horse obeys the rider’s command, so too can the human mind be driven by unseen forces in times of distress.
The real question we should ask is: Who holds the reins of our vulnerability? What invisible force digs the spur into our minds, driving us toward despair? If technology contributes to mental health struggles, then are we truly in control – or merely the horse, obeying an unseen rider?
This deceptive web is far too complex for our fragile minds to ever gauge. Only a Tatvdarshi Sant (the truly Enlightened Saint) can eradicate our shortsightedness and enable us to see the devil’s den, we have ourselves walked into.
The Hidden Cause of Mental Struggles
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the sole Complete Saint in this world, provides a bird’s eye view of the deceptive web we have landed ourselves into.
Each human body is endowed with two contradictory forces – a soul and a mind. Our soul belongs to Supreme God Kabir, the Ultimate Creator of all the universes and Father of all souls, whereas our mind is an agent of Kaal Brahm, the ruler of the 21-universe dominion.
This is not the script of a fantasy epic like the ‘Lord of the Rings’. This is the absolute pitiful reality of our existence on Earth. This is also the very reason the decisions made from our soul are always correct, pure and righteous. We often refer to them as our ‘instinct’ – those deep, unshakable feelings that guide us toward kindness, compassion and love. These instincts are not mere coincidences. They are the whispers of our soul, eternally connected to the Ultimate God.
On the other hand, decisions made from our mind are calculative and manipulative. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj highlights that such decisions are those that make us fall into trouble and incur bad karmas. These are driven by Kaal Brahm, also known as Satan.
In contrast, the mind operates through calculation and deception. As Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains, decisions stemming from the mind often lead us into suffering and the accumulation of negative karma. This is because the mind is governed by Kaal Brahm – the Satan himself, who thrives on chaos and illusion.
The battle between soul and mind is the silent war within every human being. Recognising who truly governs our choices is just one to break free from this cycle of suffering and realigning with our divine purpose.
This explains why despite our desperate attempts to secure happiness from various facets of life, sorrow and suffering never really leave us. No science can explain mental disorders because the key to completely understand our true misery is an in-depth study of the complete creation of nature.
Explore the shocking truth of human life as Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj divulges the most profound mysteries of the entire cosmos beyond the purview of technology, in the following video:
Tech For Mental Health FAQs
Question 1: What technology is used in mental health?
Answer: There are several technologies used, ranging from AI-driven apps and chatbots to advanced VR technology.
Question 2: How does tech affect mental health?
Answer: Technology, especially social media, has also been seen as a significant trigger to mental health issues, especially low self-esteem.
Question 3: Does tech cause stress?
Answer: Yes, it can.
