Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Nov 7, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 13, 2026
Helping older Veterans use mental health apps: Qualitative interviews and development of a new program
ABSTRACT
Background:
Mobile mental health applications (apps) may provide an accessible, scalable, and private avenue for older Veterans who may not otherwise seek or receive care to address their mental health concerns. However, older Veterans may experience barriers to using these apps.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess older Veterans’ interest in and barriers to using mental health apps to address problems such as social disconnection and to develop and pilot a coaching program to support Veterans in using mobile devices and apps.
Methods:
Rapid qualitative analysis of interviews with 12 older Veterans identified themes regarding interest, barriers, and preferences for support for using mobile apps. These themes informed development of a coaching program, which was piloted with 13 older Veterans to assess acceptability and resultant changes in mobile device proficiency.
Results:
Most Veterans expressed interest in using mental health apps. One of the most common barriers was familiarity and proficiency with mobile device and app technology. Veterans reported interest in receiving coaching support and identified both benefits and drawbacks to all potential coaching modalities (group vs. one-on-one, in-person vs. remote). Mobile Device and App Learning (MoDAL) – a two-session, interactive, remote educational group – was developed. Many Veterans who participated found MoDAL helpful, and their mobile device proficiency significantly improved pre- to post-MoDAL.
Conclusions:
MoDAL may improve older Veterans’ comfort and proficiency with mobile devices and apps, which could facilitate engaging older Veterans in mental health apps and other virtual care modalities. Clinical Trial: N/A
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