New digital technology is being touted as a quick, cost-effective way to deliver therapy. But it mustn’t become the only option
‘Digital interventions are a useful tool, but are not sufficient on their own – they’re simply one weapon in what should be an arsenal of options for young people.’ Photograph: Christopher Thomond
Effective treatment for children with mental illnesses is a pressing issue – so much so, in fact, that a huge chunk of the recent NHS long-term plan was dedicated to it. It’s long overdue: child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are suffering from both lack of funding and under resourcing, with young people subsequently forced to wait months or even years for treatment.
The plan has numerous suggestions: more money pumped into services, for one, an overhaul of crisis care, early intervention. But, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), there could be another way to combat the issue: apps. They’re recommending that the NHS administer cognitive behavioural therapy via phones and computers – therapy specifically designed to help five- to eight-year-olds.
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