Center for Digital Mental Health

Scaling Technology Solutions

to prevent, assess, and treat mental illness and promote mental health

Scaling Technology Solutions

to prevent, assess, and treat mental illness and promote mental health

About the Center

The Center for Digital Mental Health is a hub for digital health innovation, and for the sharing of ideas and resources, within the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry.

Directed by Dr. Sabine Wilhelm, the Center began as a think tank in 2019 and has grown to over 90 members who are energized by the joint goal of applying technology to address mental health needs. In particular, we share a vision that technology-based solutions are critical for addressing the severe imbalance between the demand for mental health care and the scarcity of existing resources.

Our Mission

The Center’s mission is to scale evidence-based technology solutions to prevent, assess, and treat mental illness and promote mental health in all individuals across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, or socio-economic backgrounds.

To achieve this goal, we will:

  • DEVELOP AND TEST
    technologies that are tailored to the needs of individuals of all backgrounds to prevent, assess and treat mental illness.
  • COLLABORATE
    with those with lived experience and multidisciplinary stakeholders to ensure that our solutions are informed by diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • PERSONALIZE
    mental health care to the needs of individuals and organizations.  
  • IMPLEMENT
    evidence-based scalable health solutions that expand access to affirming mental health care for all.

Additionally, we are committed to engaging in ongoing self-evaluation in order to meaningfully align our actions with our mission.  

Giving

Our work is supported by investigator-initiated industry sponsorships, federal (NIH) and foundation grants, and philanthropy.

Philanthropic support is critical to maintaining the Center’s infrastructure, fueling our work, and achieving our mission and goals

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING OUR CENTER

Publications

Impact of sleep disruption on BDD symptoms and treatment response

Paper published as the first examination of sleep disturbance in Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), using data from a randomized controlled trial of guided smartphone app-based CBT for BDD.

Presentations

Dr. Bernstein panelist on "Innovative Approaches to Supporting TMH Clinicians in their Practice"

Dr. Emily Bernstein was a panelist in the round table for the Network for Excellence in Health Innovation (NEHI) entitled "Current State of and Emerging Trends in Clinical Training for Telemental Health." (starts at the 35:11 mark).

In the News

Shirley B. Wang, A.M. named in Forbes 30 under 30 list in the healthcare category

Highlights

Dr. Bernstein - CDMH's new Director of Scientific Strategy and Partnerships

Dr. Emily Bernstein was named the Director of Scientific Strategy and Partnerships at the Center for Digital Mental Health.

In the News

The Current State of and Emerging Trends in Clinical Training for Telemental Health

Report and webinar about: "The Current State of and Emerging Trends in Clinical Training for Telemental Health"

Awards

Sabine Wilhelm, PhD, chief, Department of Psychiatry, was named the inaugural incumbent of the Donovan-Chien Family Professorship in the Field of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. The endowed professorship, a tribute to Joe Donovan and Luther Chien, was made possible by The 72 Fund.

Publications

Lessons and Untapped Potential of Smartphone-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Mental Health

Paper written by Dr. Emily Bernstein, Emma Wolfe, Dr. Brynn Huguenel, and Dr. Sabine Wilhelm which summarizes early efforts to adapt and test smartphone-based or smartphone-supported physical activity interventions for mental health.

Publications

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Smartphone App–Led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression Under Therapist Supervision: Open Trial

Published paper on our center's work, supported by and in collaboration with Koa Health, in developing and testing Mindset for Depression, a smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app.

Highlights

Dr. Sabine Wilhelm, Director, talks about How Smartphone Apps Can Improve Your Mental Health
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