Overall Score: 4/15
Consumer Ratings: 1/2
Proposed Goal: 1/2
Evidence Based Content: 1/1
Software Updates: 0/2
Clinical Input in Development: 1/1
Research on Development Process: 0/1
Efficacy of Other Products: 0/1
Research Independence and Review: 0/2
Research Base: 0/3
Rating Date: August 2020
Learn more about the Credibility Rating
Engagement: 3.20 Functionality: 3.75 Aesthetics: 3.17 Information: 3.90 Subjective quality score: 2.75 Perceived impact score: 3.33 Rating date: August 2016 Rated by: Queensland University
Learn More about the User Experience Rating
Overall Score: Questionable
Does the app have a privacy policy?:Yes
Does the privacy policy describe the information storage and sharing procedures related to user entered information, OR state that user information is stored locally?:No/Can’t Tell
Does the privacy policy state that the app/server encrypts/de-identifies the entered data OR state that user information is stored locally?:No/Can’t Tell
Does the app provide the option of a pin entry or log-in process to view and enter user data?:Yes
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can use the app WITHOUT entering identifiable information, OR state that user information is stored locally?:No/Can’t Tell
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can delete entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?:No/Can’t Tell
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can edit entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?:No/Can’t Tell
Learn more about the Transparency Rating
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide aims to help users screen for depression. The home page of the app displays a new motivational quote each time a user opens the app. The app includes sections for “Articles”, a “Cognitive Diary”, “Tests” and an “Audio” section. The “Articles” section features informative articles on the symptoms and treatments for Major Depression. The “Cognitive Diary” section invites users to write a journal entry for the day, and provides an option to review the full history of user entries. The “Test” section provides users with a widely used depression screening questionnaire (the PHQ-9) and offers users the option to review their results upon completing the assessment, and over time. The “Audio” section provides four categories of five- to ten-minute streaming audio tracks: “Assistance” tracks used for coping with difficult symptoms, “Relaxation” tracks used to reduce stress and anxiety, “Emotion Training” tracks that walk users through skills to manage difficult and/or shifting emotions, and “Mindfulness Training” tracks used to practice specific mindfulness skills.
Available For: Android 2.3.3 and up. Web
Developer: Excel At Life
Type of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Principles, Symptom Tracking/Self-Monitoring
Targeted Conditions: Mood Disorders
Target Audience: Not Specified
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional?: No
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: Google Play, Web
There is no direct scientific research on the effectiveness of Depression CBT Self-Help Guide
Click the links below to learn more about the treatment types used in this app.
How Symptom Trackers Work
How Psychoeducation Works
How Cognitive Behavioral Principles Work
We review apps against rating criteria developed by experts in the field. Some of those criteria are:
We look at the research supporting the technology and the credibility of the development process.
We review privacy policies to see if key pieces of information about what happens with entered data are addressed.
We explore how fun, functional, easy-to-use, engaging, and interesting the technology is.
A professional in a relevant field downloads and uses the technology and writes a narrative review, highlighting pros & cons and some recommendations for use.
