JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Adolescents are facing unprecedented mental health challenges and technology has the opportunity to facilitate access and support to a digitally connected generation. The combination of digital tools and live human connection may hold particular promise for resonating with and flexibly supporting teen mental health.

Objective:

This study aims to describe the BeMe app-based platform to support teen mental health and wellbeing and to examine app engagement, usability, and satisfaction with teens.

Methods:

Adolescents in the United States, aged 13 to 20 years, were recruited online and enrolled between September 1 and October 31, 2022. App engagement, feature use, clinical functioning, and satisfaction with BeMe were examined for 30 days. BeMe provides content based on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and positive psychology; interactive activities; live text-based coaching; links to clinical services; and crisis support tools (digital and live).

Results:

The sample (N=13,421) averaged 15.04 years of age (SD 1.7); 57% (7612/13,421) identified with she/her pronouns. For the subsample of teens that completed in-app assessments, mean scores indicate concern for depression (PHQ-8 mean=15.68/20, SD 5.9; n=239); anxiety (GAD-7 mean=13.37/17, SD 5.0; n=791), and poor wellbeing (WHO-5 mean=30.15/100, SD 16.1; n=1923). Overall, the teens engaged with BeMe on average 2.38 days (SD 2.7) in 7.94 sessions (SD 24.1), and completed 11.26 activities (SD 19.8). Most teens engaged with BeMe’s content (91% [12,270/13,421]), mood ratings (98% [13,094/13,421]), and interactive skills (75% 10,098/13,421]), and nearly a fifth engaged with coaching (19% [2,539/13,421]), clinical resources (18% [2,411/13,421]), and crisis support resources (19% [2,499/13,421]). Overall app engagement (total activities) was highest among females and gender-neutral teens compared to males (all p<.001) and among younger teens (age 13-14) compared to all other ages (all p<.001). Satisfaction ratings were generally high for content (eg, 90% [158/176] rated as helpful, 92% [1044/1139] improved coping self-efficacy), activities (63% [5362/8468] helpful, 73% [4,408/6,072] useful in coping with big feelings), and coaching (84% [747/894] helpful, 84% [747/894] improved coping self-efficacy). Engagement (total activities completed) predicted likelihood of app satisfaction (p<.001).

Conclusions:

Many teens downloaded the BeMe app and completed multiple sessions and activities. Engagement with BeMe was greater among girls and younger teens. Ratings of BeMe’s content, activities, and coaching were very positive for cognitive precursors aimed at reducing depression and anxiety and improving wellbeing. Findings will inform future app development to promote more sustained engagement, and future evaluations will assess BeMe’s effects on changes in mental health outcomes. Clinical Trial: Not applicable