Digital mental health technologies – a valuable tool in supporting people with depression and anxiety
pharmafile | January 29, 2026 | Feature | Medical Communications | MHRA, NHS, NICE, Wellcome, digital technologies, medical communications, mental health
The potential benefits of digital mental health technology for managing depression, anxiety and stress, together with other forms of care, is supported by research and initiatives have already been established across the UK.
These technologies are seeing a rapid increase in use by both individuals and the NHS, for example:
- Symptom-tracking apps
- AI-based assessments
- Virtual reality therapy.
However, as digital technologies get more integrated in the mental healthcare sector, it becomes increasingly important that clear standards are upheld and reliable information and evidence is provided. Although some digital mental health technologies are required to meet the same strict safety guidelines as medical devices, recent research from Woodnewton has shown that many people do not know they can report issues with these technologies via the Yellow Card scheme. This demonstrates that clearer user guidance is needed.
Working to improve the safety and effectiveness of digital mental health technologies, Wellcome has given funding of £2m to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The support from Wellcome – a global charitable foundation focused on supporting new innovations in science and healthcare – will continue until 2028 and builds on existing UK digital mental health technology initiatives.
Professor Miranda Wolpert, director of mental health at Wellcome, said: ““Our partnership with the MHRA and NICE over the next few years is a great example of how our research funding and policy work is fostering collaboration to bring more pathways to earlier interventions for anxiety, depression and psychosis.
“They will be creating practical tools that help regulators and developers work together on safe and effective solutions, supporting regulators to build a clearer global picture of frameworks and evidence. This will help get the best digital interventions into the hands of people with mental health problems.”
The next phase of the MHRA and NICE initiative will expand the work that has already been started by the two organisations. This includes:
- Creating a controlled environment that allows companies to complete thorough testing of AI medical devices before NHS roll-out
- Exploring international reliance and mutual recognition for the regulation of these technologies
- Taking into account the challenges in transporting evidence across international settings
- Moving towards increased quality and evidence across the UK market.
For technology developers, this work will provide clear frameworks for future innovation. For clinicians, healthcare professionals and the public, it will mean improved access to high quality digital mental health technologies, backed up by clearer evidence.
Dr Samantha Roberts, chief executive of NICE, said: “Digital mental health technologies are playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives and NHS care, so it’s vital that we have robust frameworks in place to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.
“NICE is working to deliver faster, and fairer access to the best innovations. As part of the 10-year Health Plan, we are committed to giving patients fairer access to the best digital tools, diagnostics and medical devices, and providing a more coordinated path to the NHS for developers ending the postcode lottery in access.
“To achieve this, we’re going faster to recommend the safe introduction of promising HealthTech with evidence generation by allowing early use so that the NHS and patients can benefit from these promising technologies sooner.”
Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA, added: “Digital mental health support is becoming part of daily life for many people. When someone turns to a tool to help with their mental health, they need to know it is safe, effective and built on reliable evidence. This funding helps us continue that work.
“By creating clear, practical guidance for both users and developers, we can give people confidence in the tools they use and help responsible innovation reach the public more quickly.”
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