Objective Given the increasing number of publicly available mental health apps, we need independent advice to guide adoption. This paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of current mental health app rating systems and describes the refinement process of one prominent system, the One Mind PsyberGuide Credibility Rating Scale (PGCRS). Methods PGCRS Version 1 was developed in 2013 and deployed for 7 years, during which time a number of limitations were identified. Version 2 was created through multiple stages, including a review of evaluation guidelines and consumer research, input from scientific experts, testing, and evaluation of face validity. We then re-reviewed 161 mental health apps using the updated rating scale, investigated the reliability and discrepancy of initial scores, and updated ratings on the One Mind PsyberGuide public app guide. Results Reliabilities across the scale's 9 items ranged from −0.10 to 1.00, demonstrating that some characteristics of apps are more difficult to rate consistently. The average overall score of the 161 reviewed mental health apps was 2.51/5.00 (range 0.33–5.00). Ratings were not strongly correlated with app store star ratings, suggesting that credibility scores provide different information to what is contained in star ratings. Conclusion PGCRS summarizes and weights available information in 4 domains: intervention specificity, consumer ratings, research, and development. Final scores are created through an iterative process of initial rating and consensus review. The process of updating this rating scale and integrating it into a procedure for evaluating apps demonstrates one method for determining app quality.

Background Mental health concerns are a significant issue among the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) community, but community members can face several unique challenges to accessing appropriate resources. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the mental health needs of the D/HH community and how mental health apps may be able to support these needs. Methods A total of 10 members of the D/HH community participated in a focus group and survey to provide their perspectives and experiences. Participants were members of the Center on Deafness Inland Empire team, which comprises people with lived experience as members of and advocates for the D/HH community. Results Findings identified a spectrum of needs for mental health apps, including offering American Sign Language and English support, increased education of mental health to reduce stigma around mental health, direct communication with a Deaf worker, and apps that are accessible to a range of community members in terms of culture, resources required, and location. Conclusions These findings can inform the development of digital mental health resources and outreach strategies that are appropriate for the D/HH community.

BACKGROUND Mental health concerns are a significant issue among the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, but community members can face several unique challenges to accessing appropriate resources. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the mental health needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, and how mental health digital therapeutics, such as apps, may be able to support these needs. METHODS Ten members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community participated in a focus group and survey to provide their views. Participants were members of the Center on Deafness Inland Empire team, which comprises people with lived experience as members of and advocates for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. RESULTS Findings identified a spectrum of needs for digital therapeutics including offering American Sign Language and English support, increased education of mental health to reduce stigma around mental health, direct communication with a Deaf worker, and apps that are accessible to a range of community members in terms of culture, resources required and location. CONCLUSIONS These findings can inform the development of digital mental health interventions and outreach strategies that are appropriate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.