Digital infrastructure and e-medicine are key priorities nationally: this year alone, the New Zealand government earmarked over $600 million to invest in data and digital infrastructure in the health system.

Some supporters claim that technology can help reduce isolation and anxiety, improve access and quality care, and speed up the process of receiving treatment. While some people may benefit from innovations in mental healthfurther research is required to develop and test new mental health interventions.

The assumption that people are responsible for their health is a major challenge. Individual technological solutions do not address the structural, social, and political causes of poor health.

Access to technology is essential.

Convenience and affordability have been described as the two most obvious advantages that local and international apps such as Aroha Chatbot Men,temia, and Happify have.

While mental health apps may be affordable to a resident of Auckland Ahmedabad, or Apia who is in the middle class, eMental Health solutions are dependent on people having access to technology platforms, such as smart phones, and data plans that drive them.

Digital technologies can increase disparities by excluding people with mental health issues, older people with low incomes, and people with severe mental problems. These high-needs groups were identified as the least likely to use electronic mental health care.

Even when eHealth solutions are made available to users free of charge through government funding and investments in health, research and development costs are high . The funding for mental health is going to graphic design and tech firms instead of the ones who are providing person-to-person support, which we know is essential for good mental wellbeing.

Complex regulatory issues, such as how to ensure apps meet quality standards and can be used beyond national borders, are also challenges for large-scale implementation. Apps may also not be able to keep up with the latest evidence and advancements in mental health, like clinicians. It is not as common, even though there are many apps that have a strong start.

Does the app actually work?

Other questions are also important beyond the issue of accessibility: Do mental health apps actually work? And who is their target audience?

Some people will benefit from having access to immediate help via their computer or phone. Most research on e-mental healthcare only examines whether apps are attractive and easy to use.

Fewer studies examine whether mental health interventions strengthen mental health or improve mental health over the long term. In rigorous evaluations of e-mental interventions, the usage in a test setting is over-reported in comparison to actual usage.

Pixels are not people, and eMental Health Care is not a replacement for genuine human connection, which is essential to mental health recovery. The human connection was deemed essential in the Otautahi Christchurch post-earthquake time period, and worldwide during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Read more: Coronavirus: New technologies can help maintain mental health in times of crisis

Apps are not relational and rarely support building social connections and peer friendships. My own research has shown that, most of all, people with mental distress need support to build relationships, be socially included participate in their communities and have the opportunity to participate in and co-design mental health care.

Mental health is not just about the individual, but also the collective. social and political issues that affect a person’s health must be addressed.

Poor mental health is caused by serious and complex global issues such as obesity and gender inequality, poverty, colonialism and racism, and barriers to social connectivity. Apps are useful for some people, but cannot replace psychosocial care.