Do Mobile Mental Health Applications Increase Access to University Mental Health Supports? Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Use of mental health applications (MHAs) is often proposed as way to expand access to mental health resources to address increased mental health needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators partnered with two MHA companies to offer university students complimentary access to either a module-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention or a virtual, peer support network. Findings suggest that offering access to no-cost apps without active encouragement will not meaningfully broaden the reach of mental health resources to student populations.