Most behavioral health digital solutions are clinically effective, but for some, costs may outweigh their benefits, according to a report from the Peterson Health Technology Institute.
The report, published May 20, evaluated 15 digital behavioral health products across three categories — self-guided solutions, prescription digital therapeutics and blended solutions that offer self-guided content alongside therapy.
Here are five things to know:
- Self-guided solutions, which include products like AbleTo, Dario and Headspace, are generally effective for individuals with depression and anxiety not already receiving psychotherapy.
- Prescription digital therapeutics, such as DaylightRx and Rejoyn, are FDA-approved to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder, respectively. These solutions reduced depression and anxiety symptoms when used as part of comprehensive treatment.
- Blended solutions, which provide users with self-guided content and virtual therapy and medication management, include Brightside, Spring Health, Teladoc and Talkspace. These solutions show larger clinical improvements for anxiety and depression, but the certainty of this evidence is lower than for self-guided and prescription products.
- Self-guided and prescription solutions are likely to reduce overall healthcare spending for commercial payers.
- The cost of blended solutions outweighs the benefits currently, according to Peterson. Because under employer plans, commercial insurers often pay access fees for all members and not just those who use the services, these sites are expected to cost commercial insurers $25.2 million per million members annually.
Read the full report here.
