Current State of the Art and Implications for Clinical Practice of Internet- and Mobile-Based Psychological Interventions

Abstract

Abstract: In 2018, the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) published a report summarising the evidence on Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions (IMIs) for the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders. Given the rapid developments in this field, an updated narrative review was conducted to provide a broad overview of the literature addressing multiple perspectives on the use of IMIs. The review outlines the definition, types, purposes, and current evidence of IMIs; examines the emerging role of AI; and discusses practical considerations, including limitations and challenges (e.g., adverse effects, legal and ethical issues), implementation barriers, inequalities and inclusion, and their current use in routine care. Results across these domains paint a nuanced picture, summarising the potential as well as the pitfalls of IMIs. In the discussion, key conclusions emerge: IMIs that include therapist guidance tend to achieve higher adherence and more reliable clinical outcomes, while matching support to users’ needs is crucial for scalability. Tailoring content and sustaining engagement are critical determinants of success. Effective implementation of IMIs requires careful attention to ethical concerns and thoughtful integration of AI. Practical barriers, such as limited access and the digital divide, must also be addressed to ensure these interventions are adopted fairly and equitably. Overcoming these challenges will require continued cooperation among researchers, clinicians, users, policymakers, and IT stakeholders.

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