Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions for Mental Health: A 10-Year Update

Abstract

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer scalable ways to deliver mental health support via smartphone technology. This updated meta-analysis builds on Lindhiem et al., synthesizing findings from 79 randomized controlled trials identified through PsycINFO. Eligible studies included clinical samples, randomized designs, and at least one mHealth intervention group. Three comparisons were examined: mHealth + treatment versus control treatment, mHealth versus control treatment, and mHealth versus no treatment. Results showed small to moderate effects, with the strongest outcomes when mHealth interventions supplemented traditional care. Moderator analyses revealed greater effects for studies targeting substance use and for interventions that included clinician guidance or text messaging as a supplement. Effects were stronger in this updated meta-analysis compared to the original. High heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals suggested variability across studies. Despite limitations, findings support mHealth interventions as effective tools to expand mental health care access, particularly when integrated with traditional treatment.