Need therapy? There’s an app for that

Lots of people want or need
some kind of mental health therapy or counseling, but
can’t afford it or find the time. Now, the psychiatrist’s
couch could be as close as your smartphone.

A growing number of “therapy
apps” are hitting the market, making psychological
help accessible anywhere, anytime.

“Therapy is expensive. I’m a therapist, I cost a lot of
money, which is horrible I think – to some extent,” said
Kirk Honda, a licensed therapist and
faculty member at Antioch University in Seattle.

In an interview with 97.3 KIRO FM’s Bill Radke,
Honda said while he doesn’t think an app can replace a
therapist in many instances, some types of treatment
offered in computer programs have already been proven
effective.

“Cognitive behavioral therapy is very easily translated
into computerized programs because it has a lot to do with
homework, about logging your thoughts and feelings. It’s
fairly straight-forward. It doesn’t have the relational
aspect with the therapist involved in the treatment,”
Honda said.

Many mental health professionals, including Honda,
believe that while an app might provide help to some, the
vast majority of people want and need interaction and a
relationship with a therapist.

Still, he and many others are encouraged by the
opportunity to get at least some help to people suffering
from some kind of mental distress.

“Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in the
human race around the world and this has the opportunity
of reducing some of their symptoms,” Honda said.

-Josh Kerns/My Northwest.com