I participated in this panel at the Kennedy Forum National Conference on June 9 in Boston. I gave an overview of PsyberGuide and our efforts to provide unbiased information on the usefulness and quality of digital applications for mental health. I described our most recent summary of the PsyberGuide internal rating system, the availability of expert reviews, and the difficulties we have had in collecting consumer input directly on our site. I received very positive feedback from many in the audience about the usefulness of our data.

Other members of the panel included: Lisa Marsch, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Technology and Behavioral Health at Dartmouth College. This center has received funding from NIDA and other sources to better incorporate digital technologies into clinical practice. Anne Altman is the General Manager of US Federal Government and Industries for IBM Corporation. Anne spoke about the efforts of her company to improve data analytic capabilities for government agencies that provide or evaluate healthcare. Bill Crouse, M.D. is Senior Director, Worldwide Health for Microsoft Corporation. Bill is an internist who is responsible for implementing technologic solutions in the healthcare industry. Stephen Kennedy Smith is Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Pear Therapeutics, a company that is trying to develop and market linked prescriptions of pharmaceuticals with digital applications that may enhance efficacy.

The discussion was lively and thought provoking and I continue to be very impressed with the overall efforts of the Kennedy Forum to improve mental health care in this country.

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