New tools for psychologists to assist Albertans using mental health apps

31 August 2021 – Launching this month, TherAppX is the latest affinity partner program of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA), offering a 20% discount for PAA members.

These days, many Canadians are seeking to improve their mental health, and a range of applications claim to help. Do you refer your clients to apps to support their treatment between visits? Are they using apps to support their psychological health? 32% of Canadians used Digital Health Tools (DHTs) in 2018, a rate expected to continue to increase. Canadians are currently exposed to over 2,800 Digital Health Tools, 99% of which are unregulated in Canada. This can make it overwhelming for the practicing psychologist to vet mental health apps and their evidence base.

TherAppX provides access to Canada’s only library of reliable decision support on Digital Health Tools. Through this partnership, PAA recognizes the need for psychologists to obtain validated tools to assist our members using mobile applications.

TherAppX Core offers reliable information on Digital Health Tools

TherAppX provides a vetted library for psychological health apps that help clinicians identify the best tools for each patient and clinical situation. TherAppX assesses each health software against 118 data points following a rigorous clinician-led process. Tools are reviewed for user-friendliness, safety, clinical evidence, coverage by insurers, therapeutic value, and clinical relevance. Clinicians and patients may use such data for shared decision-making regarding Digital Health products. This independent assessment process provides objective information on each app and is continuously updated for new versions of apps.

Subscribed members also have access to the TherAppX Community, a space that allows psychologists to exchange comments on available solutions in a safe & private community of practice. Psychologists may also send information on available solutions by secure SMS through TherAppX’s platform to support proper use.

Patients benefit from the guidance of their psychologists

“Guidance from their registered psychologist on the use of psychological health apps improves safety regarding often unregulated products. Inappropriate use of health apps can be harmful. Shared decision-making on app use with our patients is associated with better outcomes and evidence-based practices. This also increases access by providing trusted resources to supplement the care provided.”

• Dr. Judi Malone, Registered Psychologist, PAA CEO

“After reviewing this app, TherAppX was identified as an additional tool that can help improve evidence-based use of technology for psychological practice.”

• Dr. Michael Stolte, Chair, Technology in Practice Committee

“Through ongoing research, Canadian healthcare practitioners have consistently expressed their need to be trained appropriately regarding digital health technologies. We value partnerships with associations as they share our desire to contribute to the professional development of their members.”

• Michael Cardinal, Chief Clinical Officer, TherAppX

About the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta is the voice of, and for, psychology in Alberta. We are the voluntary body that advocates for psychology in Alberta, informs the public and the media, and advocates for consumers of psychotherapy, psychological, and mental health services. The mission of the PAA is to advance the science-based profession of psychology and to promote the well-being and potential of all Albertans.

About TherAppX

TherAppX is a Canadian leader in evaluating patient-facing digital health tools (DHTs) and digital therapeutic products. Using a standardized assessment process, data is fed into TherAppX Core, a web-based app library, allowing users to filter the DHT market. Hundreds of clinicians currently use TherAppX Core to answer questions of their digitally-enabled patients. Moreover, clinicians access a recommendation system to select the proper app for each of their patients and prescribing capabilities.

Interested?

Go to TherAppX to learn more. PAA members receive a 20% discount with a promotional code available by emailing support@therappx.com or Simon Mak, PAA Membership Officer. Get started today.