Relational AI, Synthetic Companionship & the New Responsibility of Digital Mental Health Founders

Abstract Demand is growing for safe, effective AI systems and digital mental health tools as users increasingly turn to them for support. In this News and Perspectives article, JMIR Correspondent Simon Spichak reports on a new initiative by the American Psychological Association, speaking with Managing Director Tanya Carlson about how the Digital Badge Program is helping developers improve their tools. Key Takeaways: The American Psychological Association (APA) developed the APA Labs Digital Badge Program to help developers improve their mental health apps. When the program presents companies with gaps related to security, usability, or other factors, they work to shore up their product to earn a bronze, silver, or gold badge. The APA is hoping the program will set a de facto standard for developers. Simon Spichak is the cofounder of Resolvve, a low-cost virtual therapy clinic. He has no financial or commercial relationship with APA Labs. Many around the world are turning to AI-powered chatbots for mental health support. These tools aren’t necessarily designed to be safe and effective clinicians and may leak sensitive information to third parties . The American Psychological Association (APA) is hoping to pave the way for safe, evidence-based mental health tech with the rollout of the APA Labs Digital Badge Program and the Digital Badge Solutions Library of apps that have gone through the program. While some libraries, like MindApps.org , provide prospective users with safety and privacy information, and MindBench.ai provides an independent audit of AI systems, the Digital Badge Program also allows companies to earn certification and shore up the quality of their apps. Based on the evaluation, which assesses criteria such as regulation and safety, data protection and privacy, and usability and accessibility, APA Labs provides a bronze, silver, or gold badge. JMIR Publications spoke with Tanya Carlson, MBA—managing director of APA Labs—about the program, how it works, and whether it’s improving the quality of digital mental health apps. The interview was edited for concision and clarity. How would you describe the Digital Badge Program and the Digital Badge Solutions Library? ... Continue reading the full article on JMIR Publications

Few challenges in healthcare are discussed more often than access. Across the U.S., demand for mental health support continues to outpace the available workforce, leaving many individuals waiting weeks for appointments or unable to access care altogether. As organizations, clinicians, and communities search for new ways to close this gap, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly being explored as tools to expand access, improve efficiency, and support clinicians in meeting growing demand. This was a topic explored by Dr. Vaile Wright, Senior Director of the Office of Health Care Innovation at the American Psychological Association, during her CES conversation, Unlocking the Power of AI to Transform Mental Health Care. The discussion examined how AI and digital technologies may help expand access to support while highlighting the importance of psychological science in ensuring these solutions are ethical, evidence-based, and effective. As AI becomes a larger part of the behavioral health landscape, another conversation is gaining momentum: how organizations evaluate whether these technologies are supported by the evidence needed to responsibly integrate them into care. Watch the full Q&A located under the CES session to learn more about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of mental health innovation. Expanding Access Responsibly The future of digital mental and behavioral health won’t be defined by access alone. It will be shaped by whether technologies can demonstrate that they are effective, trustworthy, and appropriate for the populations they are designed to serve and supported by credible evidence. For founders, that means thinking beyond innovation and considering how evidence, evaluation, and trust are built into the product development lifecycle. For clinicians, it means helping shape how emerging technologies are developed, evaluated, and implemented. For health systems and employers, it means understanding what questions should be asked before adoption decisions are made. As expectations around transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation continue to grow, evidence is increasingly becoming a differentiator rather than a nice-to-have. Why Psychological Science Matters Digital mental and behavioral health is different from many other technology categories because products are built specifically to influence emotional experiences, behavioral choices, mental health support, and personal well-being. That means organizations need confidence that these technologies are not only engaging and accessible but also grounded in sound psychological science. Evidence gives clinicians, healthcare systems, payers, employers, and patients greater confidence that a technology has been thoughtfully designed, evaluated, and informed by established psychological principles. It also helps organizations understand where technology performs well, where limitations exist, and how it should be implemented responsibly. As innovation continues to accelerate, psychologists and researchers emphasize the importance of rigorous evaluation, stronger evidence standards, and thoughtful oversight to help ensure these technologies are ready for broader adoption. Innovation Without Evidence Creates Risk As innovation accelerates, the conversation is shifting to how organizations should evaluate the technologies entering healthcare settings. The digital mental health market is growing rapidly with new platforms, chatbots, coaching tools, and AI-powered experiences entering the market every year. These questions reflect a broader shift across the industry on evidence, transparency, and responsible implementation: What evidence supports this technology? How has it been evaluated? Is it appropriate for the people it serves? What safeguards are in place? How should results be interpreted? What role should human oversight play? Separating Promise from Proof  As organizations evaluate digital mental health technologies, the conversation is increasingly shifting to how organizations can identify technologies that deserve trust. The APA Labs Digital Badge Program was created to help support those conversations by providing an independent evaluation process designed to help organizations better understand the evidence, safeguards, and considerations reflected within digital mental health technologies. For organizations exploring the future of digital mental health, the challenge is no longer simply identifying innovative technologies. It is understanding which technologies have taken meaningful steps to demonstrate trustworthiness, transparency, and a commitment to responsible innovation.