Version July 2025
| DHI | Description | Comments |
| Guided (facilitated) DHIs | ||
| Good days ahead* | Program designed for use by a CBT therapist to provide additional CBT instruction outside of the session. | Two large RCTs showed this program reduced the need for face-to-face CBT by half, with equivalent clinical outcomes. |
| BounceBack | Free online CBT program with various formats: self-directed version, or with telephone-delivered lay coaching. | No RCT but a large prospective study was positive in MDD; available free in several Canadian provinces, managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association. |
| Deprexis*¶ | Online CBT program with tailored guidance provided by an AI conversational agent; includes BA and mindfulness techniques. | Structured 12-week program designed for 90-day use; available in many countries in several languages; tested in multiple clinical trials, with a positive meta-analysis. Available in Europe and the USA. |
| MoodBeacon | Online guided CBT program; guidance provided by trained therapists. | Although there is no published study, this DHI was reviewed and approved for use by the Province of Ontario in 2021. |
| Pacifica/Sanvello*¶ | Mobile- and web-based apps intended to assist users in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. Free; offers in-app purchases. | Uses blend of CBT, mindfulness, and relaxation tools; suitable for adults and adolescents; guidance is through peer discussion in chat groups; has positive results from an RCT. Available in the USA. |
| Unguided (self-directed) DHIs | ||
| Catch It | Free CBT-based mobile app, primarily uses automatic thought records and reflection exercises to address anxiety and depressive symptoms. | Developed jointly by the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester; includes a mood tracker and diary; and has an observational trial of users showing benefits. |
| Headspace | Popular mobile app with self-guided meditation and mindfulness techniques and some CBT approaches. | Designed for a wide variety of stress, depression and anxiety symptoms; extensively studied with good outcomes in many conditions (of mild severity), but not specifically in MDD. |
| MoodGYM* | Internet-based CBT self-help program, with very structured modules. | Most widely used platform; initially developed by Australian National University; extensively studied with good outcomes in mild depression. |
| MoodKit*¶ | CBT-based toolkit app with detailed instructions on how to use thought records and BA. | Teaches multiple aspects of CBT and is well-integrated with mood monitoring and optional journaling. Available in the USA. |
| Spark Direct*¶ | A mobile app providing core elements of CBT and BA in a 5-week program. | Designed for youth depression; uses interactive tasks and rewards; tested in an RCT with positive findings. Available in the USA. |
AI: artificial intelligence; BA: behavioral activation; CANMAT: Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments; CBT: cognitive behavioral therapy; DHI: digital health intervention; MDD: major depressive disorder; RCT: randomized controlled trial.
* DHI has at least 1 positive RCT in patients with MDD.
¶ Not available in Canada.