Over the past six years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved dozens of

apps designed to treat health problems, including mental health issues such as post-traumatic

stress disorder, chronic insomnia, and substance use disorders. As our nation struggles

with a shortage of mental health providers, advocates say that these

apps, called digital therapeutics, could provide an important tool to get mental health treatment

to people who might not otherwise be able to access it. But many questions remain about how

these treatments will be regulated, prescribed, paid for, and accessed. Today we're going to explore some of those questions.

What are digital therapeutics? How do they work?

How do they differ from the hundreds of other unregulated mental health and wellness apps in app stores?

What kinds of mental health conditions can they treat?

Who regulates digital therapeutics?

Who prescribes them and who pays for them?

How strong is the evidence that they work?

And what role might they play in expanding access to mental health care?

Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, the flagship podcast of the American Psychological Association

that examines the links between psychological science and everyday life. I'm Kim Mills.

My guest today is Dr. Vale Wright, a clinical psychologist and the Senior Director of Healthcare

Innovation at the American Psychological Association.

In that role, she focuses on developing strategies

to leverage technology and data

to address issues within healthcare,

including improving access to care,

...