Digital mental health technology

Digital technology is reshaping almost every part of our lives, and mental health is no exception. From apps that help us track our mood, to online communities offering connection and support, technology is opening up new ways for people to understand, manage and talk about their mental health. 

For many, these tools can provide a sense of choice and control, helping them to find the right support in a way that fits around their lives.

But digital solutions aren’t a replacement for human connection or the specialist care many people need. Not everyone has the same access to technology, or feels comfortable using it. That’s why it’s important to approach this space thoughtfully, recognising both the opportunities and the challenges.

At its best, technology can break down barriers: making information easier to find, reducing feelings of isolation, and creating new paths to support.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe in embracing these possibilities while keeping people’s real needs at the heart of every conversation.

Mental health and AI chatbots

Digital technology is changing the way we think about mental health support, from AI tools and online therapy to remote peer groups that bring people together wherever they are. While these innovations can offer new opportunities, they also come with real risks.

Recent reports have shown how AI chatbots, when used as a substitute for proper mental health care, have sometimes worsened people’s symptoms. That’s why our policy is clear: digital tools should never replace safe, human support, and must always be developed and used with people’s wellbeing at the centre.