Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mobile Mental Health Applications for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Review and Recommendations

  • Published:
Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities experience high rates of several mental health (MH) difficulties (e.g., trauma, substance use, suicide) and encounter significant barriers to accessing MH care. Several barriers relate to rural residence (e.g., geographical distance to healthcare facilities, provider shortages) and cultural factors (e.g., racial discrimination, cultural misunderstandings, mistrust). Remotely delivered care via telehealth has demonstrated promise in increasing AI/AN communities’ access to MH care, but provider shortages limit scalability. Mobile MH applications (“apps”) may represent a scalable option for increasing AI/AN communities’ access to MH interventions but need to be culturally tailored to address cultural barriers to MH care. Although additional research is needed, several MH apps have demonstrated promise in addressing MH concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety). Few MH apps have been developed or evaluated for AI/AN communities, and greater attention to the development of MH apps for them is needed. Several models exist for evaluating MH apps, but they have not been applied to apps for AI/AN communities. This article provides guidance on factors to consider when developing apps for AI/AN communities, based on a review of the literature and existing apps for AI/AN communities. Some recommendations include using a bidirectional approach rooted in humility and cultural safety principles to promote mutual learning and patient-centered care. Partnering with AI/AN communities in developing MH apps is vital. These recommendations also may be valuable for those serving additional populations experiencing healthcare inequities and cultural barriers to MH care.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2017, Dec 19). Mental health disparities: American Indians and Alaska Natives [Pdf]. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural-competency/education/indigenous-patients

  • Andrilla, C. H. A., Patterson, D. G., Garberson, L. A., Coulthard, C., & Larson, E. H. (2018). Geographic variation in the supply of selected behavioral health providers. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), S199–S207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.01.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aryana, B., Brewster, L., & Nocera, J. A. (2019). Design for mobile mental health: An exploratory review. Health and Technology, 9(4), 401–424. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-018-0271-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beals, J., Novins, D. K., Whitesell, N. R., Spicer, P., Mitchell, C. M., & Manson, S. M. (2005). Prevalence of mental disorders and utilization of mental health services in two American Indian reservation populations: Mental health disparities in a national context. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(9), 1723–1732. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.9.1723

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bernal, G., Jiménez-Chafey, M. I., & Domenech Rodríguez, M. M. (2009). Cultural adaptation of treatments: A resource for considering culture in evidence-based practice. Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, 40(4), 361–368. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brascoupé, S., & Waters, C. (2009). Cultural safety: Exploring the applicability of the concept of cultural safety to Aboriginal health and community wellness. Journal Aboriginal Health, 5, 6–41.

  • Brooke, J. (1986). System usability scale (SUS): A quick-and-dirty method of system evaluation user information. Reading, UK: Digital Equipment Co Ltd, 43, 1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, E., Novins, D. K., Noe, T., Bair, B., Dailey, N., Lowe, J., Richardson, W. J. Jr., Hawthorne, K., & Shore, J. H. (2013). Reaching rural communities with culturally appropriate care: A model for adapting remote monitoring to American Indian veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 19(4), 272–277. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2012.0117

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Call, K. T., McAlpine, D. D., Johnson, P. J., Beebe, T. J., McRae, J. A., & Song, Y. (2006). Barriers to care among American Indians in public health care programs. Medical Care, 44(6), 595–600. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mlr.0000215901.37144.94

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, M., & Horton, M. B. (2013). Telehealth and Indian healthcare: Moving to scale and sustainability. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 19(5), 377–379. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2012.0296

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Castro, F. G., Barrera, M. Jr., & Holleran Steiker, L. K. (2010). Issues and challenges in the design of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 213–239. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-033109-132032

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (2021). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). [Accessed 21 Apr 2021]. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html

  • Chelberg, G. R., Butten, K., & Mahoney, R. (2022). Culturally safe eHealth interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Protocol for a best practice framework. JMIR Research Protocols, 11(6), e34904–e34904. https://doi.org/10.2196/34904

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, L. M., Murphy, S. A., & Strecher, V. (2007). The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) and the sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART): New methods for more potent eHealth interventions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 32(5 Suppl), S112–S118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2007.01.022

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cromer, K. J., Wofford, L., & Wyant, D. K. (2019). Barriers to healthcare access facing American Indian and Alaska Natives in rural America. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 36(4), 165–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370016.2019.1665320

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Curtis, E., Jones, R., Tipene-Leach, D., Walker, C., Loring, B., Paine, S.-J., & Reid, P. (2019). Why cultural safety rather than cultural competency is required to achieve health equity: A literature review and recommended definition. International Journal for Equity in Health, 18(1), 174–174. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Day, S. C., Caloudas, A., Frosio, K., Lindsay, J., & Shore, J. H. (2023). Culturally centered implementation of video telehealth for Rural Native Veterans. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2022.0506.Advanceonlinepublication.10.1089/tmj.2022.0506

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eyles, H., Jull, A., Dobson, R., Firestone, R., Whittaker, R., Te Morenga, L., Goodwin, D., & Mhurchu, C. N. (2016). Co-design of mHealth delivered interventions: A systematic review to assess key methods and processes. Current Nutrition Reports, 5(3), 160–167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-016-0165-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Firth, J., Torous, J., Nicholas, J., Carney, R., Pratap, A., Rosenbaum, S., & Sarris, J. (2017a). The efficacy of smartphone-based mental health interventions for depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 16(3), 287–298. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20472

  • Firth, J., Torous, J., Nicholas, J., Carney, R., Rosenbaum, S., & Sarris, J. (2017b)b. Can smartphone mental health interventions reduce symptoms of anxiety? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 218, 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.04.046

  • Gone, J. P., & Alcántara, C. (2007). Identifying effective mental health interventions for American Indians and Alaska Natives: A review of the literature. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 13(4), 356–363. https://doi.org/10.1037/1099-9809.13.4.356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gone, J. P., & Trimble, J. E. (2012). American Indian and Alaska Native mental health: Diverse perspectives on enduring disparities. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 8, 131–160. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032511-143127

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grayshield, L., Rutherford, J. J., Salazar, S. B., Mihecoby, A. L., & Luna, L. L. (2015). Understanding and healing historical trauma: The perspectives of Native American elders. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 37(4), 295–307. https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.37.4.02

  • Griner, D., & Smith, T. B. (2006). Culturally adapted mental health intervention: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.), 43(4), 531–548. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.43.4.531

  • Heffernan, K. J., Chang, S., Maclean, S. T., Callegari, E. T., Garland, S. M., Reavley, N. J., Varigos, G. A., & Wark, J. D. (2016). Guidelines and recommendations for developing interactive eHealth apps for complex messaging in health promotion. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 4(1), e14. https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.4423

  • Hensher, M., Cooper, P., Dona, S. W. A., Angeles, M. R., Nguyen, D., Heynsbergh, N., Chatterton, M. L., & Peeters, A. (2021). Scoping review: Development and assessment of evaluation frameworks of mobile health apps for recommendations to consumers. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association: JAMIA, 28(6), 1318–1329. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocab041

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Henson, P., David, G., Albright, K., & Torous, J. (2019). Deriving a practical framework for the evaluation of health apps. The Lancet. Digital Health, 1(2), e52–e54. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(19)30013-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hiratsuka, V. Y., Moore, L., Avey, J. P., Dirks, L. G., Beach, B. D., Dillard, D. A., & Novins, D. K. (2019). An internet-based therapeutic tool for American Indian/Alaska native adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: user testing and developmental feasibility study. JMIR Formative Research, 3(4), e13682. https://doi.org/10.2196/13682

  • Hobson, G. R., Caffery, L. J., Neuhaus, M., & Langbecker, D. H. (2019). Mobile health for first nations populations: Systematic review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 7(10), e14877–e14877. https://doi.org/10.2196/14877

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Holeman, I., & Kane, D. (2020). Human-centered design for global health equity. Information Technology for Development, 26(3), 477–505.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huey, S. J. Jr, & Polo, A. J. (2008). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for ethnic minority youth. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology 53, 37(1), 262–301. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374410701820174

  • Jones, L., Jacklin, K., & O’Connell, M. E. (2017). Development and use of health-related technologies in indigenous communities: Critical review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(7), e256–e256. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7520

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kathawalla, U., Nguyen-Feng, V., Archibald, E., Owen, J., & Street, A. (2021, July). Framework for developing and evaluating mobile mental health apps: Proposing cultural sensitivity components [Poster Abstract]. 2021 American Psychological Association Annual Conference (Virtual).

  • King, W. R., & He, J. (2006). A meta-analysis of the technology acceptance model. Information & Management, 43(6), 740–755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2006.05.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kruse, C. S., Bouffard, S., Dougherty, M., & Parro, J. S. (2016). Telemedicine use in rural Native American communities in the era of the ACA: A systematic literature review. Journal of Medical Systems, 40(6), 145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-016-0503-8

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lagan, S., Aquino, P., Emerson, M. R., Fortuna, K., Walker, R., & Torous, J. (2020). Actionable health app evaluation: Translating expert frameworks into objective metrics. NPJ Digital Medicine, 3(1), 100–100. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-00312-4

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lagan, S., D’Mello, R., Vaidyam, A., Bilden, R., & Torous, J. (2021b). Assessing mental health apps marketplaces with objective metrics from 29,190 data points from 278 apps. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 144(2), 201–210. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13306

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lagan, S., Sandler, L., & Torous, J. (2021a). Evaluating evaluation frameworks: A scoping review of frameworks for assessing health apps. British Medical Journal Open, 11(3), e047001–e047001. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, J. R. (2018). The System Usability Scale: Past, present, and future. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 34(7), 577–590. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2018.1455307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lustria, M. L., Noar, S. M., Cortese, J., Van Stee, S. K., Glueckauf, R. L., & Lee, J. (2013). A meta-analysis of web-delivered tailored health behavior change interventions. Journal of Health Communication, 18(9), 1039–1069. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2013.768727

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maar, M. A., Beaudin, V., Yeates, K., Boesch, L., Liu, P., Madjedi, K., Perkins, N., Hua-Stewart, D., Beaudin, F., Wabano, M. J., & Tobe, S. W. (2019). Wise practices for cultural safety in electronic health research and clinical trials with indigenous people: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(11), e14203. https://doi.org/10.2196/14203

  • Mohr, D. C., Schueller, S. M., Montague, E., Burns, M. N., & Rashidi, P. (2014). The behavioral intervention technology model: An integrated conceptual and technological framework for eHealth and mHealth interventions. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16(6), e146. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3077

  • National Center for Health Statistics. (2018). National Health Interview Survey, 2018 [Table A-7a. Age-adjusted percentages (with standard errors) of feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and that everything is an effort among adults aged 18 and over, by selected characteristics: United States, 2018]. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2018_SHS_Table_A-7.pdf

  • Ng, M. M., Firth, J., Minen, M., & Torous, J. (2019). User engagement in mental health apps: A review of measurement, reporting, and validity. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 70(7), 538–544. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800519

  • Noorbergen, T. J., Adam, M. T., Teubner, T., & Collins, C. E. (2021). Using co-design in mobile health system development: A qualitative study with experts in co-design and mobile health system development. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 9(11), e27896.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Novins, D. K., Beals, J., Moore, L. A., Spicer, P., Manson, S. M., & AI-SUPERPFP Team. (2004). Use of biomedical services and traditional healing options among American Indians: Sociodemographic correlates, spirituality, and ethnic identity. Medical Care, 42(7), 670–679. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mlr.0000129902.29132.a6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nwosu, A., Boardman, S., Husain, M. M., & Doraiswamy, P. M. (2022). Digital therapeutics for mental health: Is attrition the Achilles heel? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 900615. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.900615

  • Office of Minority Health Resource Center. (2019, Sept 25). Mental and behavioral health - American Indians/Alaska Natives. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=39

  • Okamoto, S. K., Kulis, S., Marsiglia, F. F., Steiker, L. K., & Dustman, P. (2014). A continuum of approaches toward developing culturally focused prevention interventions: From adaptation to grounding. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 35(2), 103–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0334-z

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Perera, C., Salamanca-Sanabria, A., Caballero-Bernal, J., Feldman, L., Hansen, M., Bird, M., Hansen, P., Dinesen, C., Wiedemann, N., & Vallières, F. (2020). No implementation without cultural adaptation: A process for culturally adapting low-intensity psychological interventions in humanitarian settings. Conflict and Health, 14, 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-020-00290-0

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ramos, G., Ponting, C., Labao, J. P., & Sobowale, K. (2021). Considerations of diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health apps: A scoping review of evaluation frameworks. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 147, 103990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103990

  • Reilly, R., Stephens, J., Micklem, J., Tufanaru, C., Harfield, S., Fisher, I., Pearson, O., & Ward, J. (2020). Use and uptake of web-based therapeutic interventions amongst Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and Canada: A scoping review. Systematic Reviews, 9(1), 1–123. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01374-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roddy, M. K., Chen, P. V., Fletcher, T. L., Wassef, M., Lindsay, J. A., Cloitre, M., & Hogan, J. B. (2023). Coaching with Internet-based mental health program: Patient and coach experiences. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2023.0116.Advanceonlinepublication.10.1089/tmj.2023.0116

  • Sanders, E.B.-N., & Stappers, P. J. (2008). Co-creation and the new landscapes of design. CoDesign, 4(1), 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15710880701875068

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shore, J. H. (2019). Intended and unintended consequence in the digital age of psychiatry: The interface of culture and technology in psychiatric treatments. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 42(4), 659–668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2019.08.008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shore, J., Kaufmann, L. J., Brooks, E., Bair, B., Dailey, N., Richardson, W. J. Jr., Floyd, J., Lowe, J., Nagamoto, H., Phares, R., & Manson, S. (2012). Review of American Indian veteran telemental health. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 18(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2011.0057

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shore, J. H., Brooks, E., Savin, D., Orton, H., Grigsby, J., & Manson, S. M. (2008). Acceptability of telepsychiatry in American Indians. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 14(5), 461–466. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2007.0077

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Smye, V., & Browne, A. J. (2002). ‘Cultural safety’ and the analysis of health policy affecting aboriginal people. Nurse Researcher, 9(3), 42–56. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2002.04.9.3.42.c6188

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spanhel, K., Balci, S., Feldhahn, F., Bengel, J., Baumeister, H., & Sander, L. B. (2021). Cultural adaptation of internet- and mobile-based interventions for mental disorders: A systematic review. NPJ Digital Medicine, 4(1), 128. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00498-1

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Stenberg, P. L. (2018). The purchase of Internet subscriptions in Native American households. Telecommunications Policy, 42(1), 51–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2017.08.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sucala, M., Ezeanochie, N. P., Cole-Lewis, H., & Turgiss, J. (2020). An iterative, interdisciplinary, collaborative framework for developing and evaluating digital behavior change interventions. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 10(6), 1538–1548. https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibz109

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Toombs, E., Kowatch, K. R., Dalicandro, L., McConkey, S., Hopkins, C., & Mushquash, C. J. (2021). A systematic review of electronic mental health interventions for Indigenous youth: Results and recommendations. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27(9), 539–552. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X19899231

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Torous, J., Nicholas, J., Larsen, M. E., Firth, J., & Christensen, H. (2018). Clinical review of user engagement with mental health smartphone apps: Evidence, theory and improvements. Evidence-Based Mental Health, 21(3), 116–119. https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2018-102891

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Trinidad, S. B., Shane, A. L., Guinn, T. R., Apok, C. R., Collier, A. F., Avey, J. P., & Donovan, D. M. (2023). The cultural adaption of a sobriety support app for Alaska Native and American Indian people: Qualitative feasibility and acceptability study. JMIR Formative Research, 7, e38894–e38894. https://doi.org/10.2196/38894

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. (2021, Jan 29). Indian entities recognized by and eligible to receive services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from Federal Register: Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs

  • United States Census Bureau. (2021). 2021 American community survey. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from B02010: AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA ... - Census Bureau Table  

  • United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (updated 2023 February 24) Profile: American Indian/Alaska Native. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=62 

  • Vaghefi, I., & Tulu, B. (2019). The continued use of mobile health apps: Insights from a longitudinal study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 7(8), e12983. https://doi.org/10.2196/12983

  • Valdez, R. S. (2010). Designing culturally-informed consumer health IT: An exploration and proposed integration of contrasting methodological perspectives [Review of Designing culturally-informed consumer health IT: An exploration and proposed integration of contrasting methodological perspectives]. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 54(9), 718–722. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/154193121005400908

  • Vigil-Hayes, M., Collier, A. F., Hagemann, S., Castillo, G., Mikkelson, K., Dingman, J., Muñoz, A., Luther, J., & McLaughlin, A. (2021). Integrating cultural relevance into a behavioral mHealth intervention for native american youth. Proceedings of the ACM on Human Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW1), 165. https://doi.org/10.1145/3449239

  • Vigil-Hayes, M., Futterman Collier, A., Castillo, G., Blackhorse, D., Awbery, N., & Abrahim, J. P. (2019). Designing a Mobile Game That Develops Emotional Resiliency in Indian Country. Extended abstracts on Human factors in computing systems. CHI Conference, 2019, LBW2122. https://doi.org/10.1145/3290607.3312790

  • Warne, D., & Lajimodiere, D. (2015). American Indian health disparities: psychosocial influences: American Indian health disparities. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 9(10), 567–579. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12198

  • Wei, Y., Zheng, P., Deng, H., Wang, X., Li, X., & Fu, H. (2020). Design features for improving mobile health intervention user engagement: Systematic review and thematic analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(12), e21687. https://doi.org/10.2196/21687

  • Westermeyer, J., Canive, J., Thuras, P., Chesness, D., & Thompson, J. (2002). Perceived barriers to VA mental health care among Upper Midwest American Indian Veterans: Description and associations. Medical Care, 40(1), I62–I71. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005650-200201001-00008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zephier Olson, M. D., & Dombrowski, K. (2020). A systematic review of Indian boarding schools and attachment in the context of substance use studies of Native Americans. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 7(1), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-019-00634-4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, E. S., Ritterband, L. M., Bethea, T. N., Robles, Y. P., Heeren, T. C., & Rosenberg, L. (2022). Effect of culturally tailored, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in Black women: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 79(6), 538–549. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0653

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This work is supported by grants from the VA Office of Rural Health and Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Salt Lake City. This work is also partially supported by the Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (CIN13-413) and the VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Alexandra B. Caloudas, Kristen E. Frosio & Jan A. Lindsay

  2. Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Alexandra B. Caloudas, Kristen E. Frosio & Jan A. Lindsay

  3. VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, A Virtual Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Alexandra B. Caloudas, Kristen E. Frosio & Jan A. Lindsay

  4. Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    John Torous

  5. VHA Office of Rural Health Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Cynthia W. Goss & Jay H. Shore

  6. Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA

    Cynthia W. Goss, Douglas K. Novins & Jay H. Shore

  7. Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA

    Jan A. Lindsay

Authors
  1. Alexandra B. Caloudas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kristen E. Frosio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. John Torous
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Cynthia W. Goss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Douglas K. Novins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jan A. Lindsay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Jay H. Shore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alexandra B. Caloudas.

Ethics declarations

Informed Consent

Not applicable. No human subjects were involved in this project. 

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the US government, Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, or the University of Colorado.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Caloudas, A.B., Frosio, K., Torous, J. et al. Mobile Mental Health Applications for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Review and Recommendations. J. technol. behav. sci. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-023-00348-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-023-00348-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation