The Rise of Digital Mental Health Interventions
In recent years, digital mental health tools have become an increasingly vital part of how we care for psychological well-being. From smartphone apps and online self-help programs to AI-powered therapy chatbots and wearable-integrated platforms, these technologies offer on-demand, flexible, and often stigma-free support. Especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) to reach people at scale—regardless of location, access to in-person services, or socioeconomic status—has gained widespread recognition.
However, many of these tools still take a generic approach, offering the same content to all users. For at-risk populations—such as migrants and refugees, older adults, young people, individuals experiencing long-term unemployment, and those living with mental health conditions—this can lead to lower engagement or unmet needs. That’s where personalization becomes especially important.
Why Personalization Matters
When people feel unseen, they are less likely to seek help or stay engaged in treatment. Personalization—adapting support to reflect a person’s unique symptoms, needs, context, and preferences—can change that. Tailored interventions take into account language, cultural background, digital literacy, motivational state, and even daily routines. This is especially vital for vulnerable populations, where stigma, system barriers, or limited access to care may already be a challenge.
A New Generation of Adaptive Support
The MENTINA app is one example of how digital tools are evolving to meet this challenge. Built on the Monsenso platform, MENTINA offers personalized self-management and mental health support for people at risk of or experiencing depressive symptoms and anxiety. It is currently being evaluated as part of the MENTBEST project, with trials underway in Denmark and planned launches in Germany and Spain during summer 2025. The MENTBEST project is led by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hegerl and the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD); it is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101080651.
Through daily monitoring, tailored psychoeducation, and adaptive behavioural prompts, MENTINA adjusts to each user’s state and goals—offering support that feels both timely and relevant.
Clara’s Story (Fictional): A Glimpse into MENTINA’s Intended Use
The following fictional scenario illustrates how we envision MENTINA might support users like Clara—a 27-year-old graphic designer—once the app is implemented and tested in real-world settings.
Clara had been struggling with constant worrying and low mood for months before she sought help. As her anxiety grew, her sleep worsened, and her motivation began to erode. Social withdrawal and self-doubt followed, making everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
As part of a mental health initiative, Clara was introduced to MENTINA. Initially hesitant, she found the app intuitive and sensible. After a quick self-assessment, the platform identified her primary needs—managing anxiety and improving sleep—and started to provide personalized recommendations with content that suited Clara’s needs.
MENTINA provided her with daily check-ins, background information on the symptoms she experienced, and brief exercises. Clara also decided to use an optional feature of MENTINA and allowed the app to collect data from her phone passively, such as her daily step count and how often she used certain types of apps (e.g., social media apps). A few weeks into her use, MENTINA was now able to check for relationships between those factors and her mood. Clara learned that during phases when she was more active, and her phone recorded more steps, she was usually in a better mood on the following days. This feedback helped her make small changes in her lifestyle to improve her mood.
Three months in, Clara feels steadier. “It’s like having a little buddy at my side that understands my rhythm,” she says. “I feel supported—not overwhelmed.”
Clara’s story is a illustrative user scenario to illustrate what we envision and hope MENTINA could help real users achieve. MENTINA has not yet been tested in real-world settings, and we are eager to learn how individuals will experience and benefit from the app once it is implemented.
If you live in one of the countries where the MENTINA trial is taking place and would like to take part, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to get in touch at:
Denmark: Pck-mentina.region-hovedstadens-psykiatri@regionh.dk
Germany: mentbest@deutsche-depressionshilfe.de
Spain: bhogg@researchmar.net
What’s Next?
Personalized digital interventions like MENTINA are not a replacement for human care, but they can fill critical gaps—especially for those who might otherwise be left behind. They offer scalable, flexible, and empowering tools that meet users where they are, helping them build mental strength at their own pace and in their own way.
In an era of increasing complexity and inequality, tailored mental health support isn’t just innovative—it’s essential.
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Dr. Hanna Reich, Psychologist, Licensed Psychotherapist (CBT)
Research Centre of the German Foundation for Depression and Suicide Prevention