Digital mental health needs a purpose-driven approach

Digital mental health (DMH) encompasses telepsychiatry, mobile apps, games and artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented interventions. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the development and deployment of DMH solutions, particularly those incorporating AI-based mental health support. In this Perspective, we consider both the technological and clinical design spaces and advocate for purpose-driven, patient-centred solutions rather than a technology-first approach. The purpose of DMH should be to address societal gaps in mental healthcare, following established frameworks for chronic illness management to meet the specific needs of each patient. We examine the ethical dimensions of DMH, underscoring the importance of procedural justice, harm prevention and data privacy. Additionally, we highlight the unique challenges faced by marginalized and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the role of DMH in promoting equal availability of mental healthcare. Aligning DMH with user perspectives, ethical considerations and clinician involvement can result in more effective and empathetic digital interventions, thereby transforming mental healthcare delivery.