(PS8-79) Meta-Analysis on Mobile Technology to Boost the Effectiveness of Psychotherapy: A 10-Year Update

Abstract Text: Mental health disorders impose a significant global burden, with a persistent gap between treatment needs and available services (Pfefferbaum & North, 2020). Despite advances in evidence-based treatments, access remains limited due to a shortage of trained professionals (SAHMSA, 2020). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have emerged as scalable, accessible solutions that leverage smartphone technology to deliver mental health support. These interventions range from standalone apps to hybrid models integrating clinician support. While mHealth interventions offer promise, evidence for their effectiveness remains mixed (Goldberg et al., 2022). Small to moderate effect sizes have been observed, though outcomes vary depending on methodological rigor and comparison group intensity.
The current meta-analysis updates and synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating mobile-based interventions for clinical populations. A systematic search identified eligible studies from 2015 through 2024, updating a prior meta-analysis (Lindhiem et al., 2015), assessing psychological outcomes in participants with psychological conditions. Inclusion criteria required studies to compare mobile interventions with control conditions, use validated measures, and be published in peer-reviewed journals or dissertations. A total of 8,620 articles were identified based on search terms. After review by the research team, 60 studies met inclusion criteria. We coded for symptom or concern targeted by an intervention, along with type of intervention offered (e.g., smartphone app, text-messaging based, app plus treatment as usual), and comparison condition (e.g., no treatment, treatment as usual). Effect sizes were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, employing random-effects models to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots, Egger’s test, and fail-safe N calculations.
Preliminary results indicate a small to medium overall effect size for mobile-based interventions, demonstrating their efficacy in improving mental health outcomes. However, effect sizes decreased as control group intensity increased, with the largest effects observed in comparisons against waitlist controls and the smallest effects when compared to active therapeutic interventions.
While findings suggest that mHealth interventions can moderately improve psychological symptoms, methodological differences across studies highlight the need for standardized reporting and rigorous control group comparisons. This meta-analysis provides updated insights into the effectiveness of mobile mental health interventions, offering implications for clinical practice and future research. Despite variability in effectiveness, findings support the role of mobile technology as a viable supplement to traditional mental health care.