Learning Objectives:
-Discuss how digital mental health tools may widen disparities for low-income, minority, or digitally excluded groups.
-Recognize how digital psychiatry tools can inadvertently perpetuate stigma, bias, or structural harm, especially among individuals with substance use disorders.
-Evaluate the impact of digital exclusion including lack of literacy, access, or accommodation for serious mental illness or disability, on psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, and social support.
-Develop patient-centered communication strategies to explain the risks and benefits of digital mental health tools, especially for patients with limited digital access or health literacy.
-Utilize the APA’s Mental Health Evaluation Model to evaluate digital mental health apps for use with patients.
-Identify opportunities for mental health professionals to contribute to policy, standards development, and public education around digital psychiatry.