Overall Score: 6/15
Consumer Ratings: 0/2
Proposed Goal: 2/2
Evidence Based Content: 1/1
Software Updates: 1/2
Clinical Input in Development: 1/1
Research on Development Process: 0/1
Efficacy of Other Products: 1/1
Research Independence and Review: 0/2
Research Base: 0/3
Rating Date: August 2020
Learn more about the Credibility Rating
Engagement: 3.65 Functionality: 4.00 Aesthetics: 4.00 Information: 4.20 Subjective quality score: 3.38 Perceived impact score: 4.04 Rating date: September 2020 Rated by: University of Queensland
Learn More about the User Experience Rating
Overall Score: Questionable
Does the app have a privacy policy?: Yes
Does the policy describe the information storage and sharing procedures related to user entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?: Yes
Does the app provide the option of a pin entry or log-in process to view and enter user data?: No/Can’t Tell
Does the privacy policy state that the app/server encrypts the entered data OR state that user information is stored locally?: Yes
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can delete entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?: Yes
Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can edit entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?: Yes
Learn more about the Transparency Rating
STAIR Coach is intended for people participating in STAIR psychotherapy, although any individual may use it independently, while focusing on addressing PTSD and trauma. The home screen has six panels labeled ‘Understand Trauma’, ‘Calm My Mind’, ‘Adjust My Thinking’, ‘Change My Behavior’, ‘Tolerate Distress’, and ‘Manage Relationships’ which each contain tools and readings designed to help those areas. Among the tools are seven different audio tracks within ‘Adjust My Thinking’, ‘Calm My Body’, and ‘Manage Relationships’ ranging from three to nine minutes each. The audio exercises help users practice methods like Self-Compassion, Focused Breathing, Muscle Relaxation, Emotion Surfing and guided Positive Imagery. Other tools range from an exercise for examining a user’s negative thoughts, to an exercise for keeping track of one’s beliefs, to goal setting exercises. The app also allows users to mark specific tools as favorites, set reminders, quickly view support lines and add contacts to quickly call for support.
Available for: Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Developer: US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Type of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Principles, Mindfulness, Symptom Tracking/Self-Monitoring, Psychoeducation & Information
Targeted Conditions: PTSD
Target Audience: Adults, Military Personnel
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? Recommended
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: Apple App Store
There is no direct scientific research on the effectiveness of STAIR Coach
Click the links below to learn more about the treatment types used in this app.
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.
