MHRA guidance on using apps and other digital tools to support mental health (January 2026)

Summary

As an increasing number of people turn to mental health apps and technologies for support, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published guidance on how to use the tools safely.

Not all digital mental health technologies are regulated as medical devices – some are instead classed as wellbeing or lifestyle products, which means they may not have been through the same checks.

MHRA and NHS England have developed free online resources for the public, parents, carers and professionals which use short animations and real-world examples to show what safe, well-evidenced digital mental health technologies look like, and explain how to report concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Content

Two tip sheets for members of the general public in selecting digital mental health technologies:

1. Regulation and evaluation of digital mental health technologies
2. Safety of digital mental health technologies

Two tip sheets for healthcare professionals in selecting digital mental health technologies:

1. Regulation and evaluation of digital mental health technologies
2. Safety of digital mental health technologies