NIMHANS Launches Mental Health App Repository to Help Users Navigate Digital Choices

The platform offers a structured, searchable catalogue of mental health applications available to Indian users, aiming to simplify decision-making in an increasingly crowded space.

As mental health app usage rises in India, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has launched a pilot Mental Health App Repository to help users identify suitable and quality-assessed digital tools.

The platform offers a structured, searchable catalogue of mental health applications available to Indian users, aiming to simplify decision-making in an increasingly crowded space.

The repository allows users to explore apps based on platform (Android or iOS), target audience, mental health concerns, therapeutic approach, primary focus, strategies, and cost. It is designed as an informational resource to support informed choices rather than recommend or rank applications.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the NIMHANS-ICMR Centre for Advanced Research in Digital Interventions for Mental Healthcare, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It builds on a large-scale study that screened over 5,800 mental health apps using keywords such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive behavioral therapy. From these, 350 apps were shortlisted for detailed evaluation using standardized tools.

Researchers found that while several apps offered features like mood tracking, self-assessment, psychoeducation, and therapeutic exercises, concerns remained around inconsistent content quality, lack of transparency in data handling, limited involvement of mental health professionals, and insufficient scientific validation.

Abhishek Karishiddimath, scientist at the NIMHANS-ICMR Centre, said that only apps meeting a minimum quality threshold based on the internationally recognized Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) have been included. “The repository is not a recommendation list or a list claiming effectiveness. It is designed as an informational resource, supporting users to make informed choices,” he said.

The repository presents app features and limitations in a user-friendly format to improve transparency and usability. Researchers also note that such digital tools are not a substitute for professional mental healthcare.

Dr. Seema Mehrotra, Professor of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, said the platform will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the rapidly evolving digital mental health ecosystem, where new applications are frequently introduced and existing ones undergo updates.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News