CTBH and IBM Host Conference on Digital Solutions for Mental Health
Hanover, Saturday, 19 July 2025.
CTBH and IBM’s conference focused on leveraging digital therapeutics to enhance treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, bringing together experts to discuss practical implementation in clinical settings.
Integration of Digital Health Technologies
At the recent international conference in Helsinki held from July 8-10, 2025, organized by the Center for Technology and Behavioral Health (CTBH) and IBM Digital Health, experts discussed the promising integration of digital health technologies to address mental health and substance use disorders[1]. The event brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers aiming to enhance the implementation of digital tools in clinical settings. Notably, Dr. Lisa Marsch led discussions on the transformative potential of highly personalized mental health care through artificial intelligence and digital therapeutics[2].
The Role of Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics (DTx), which have gained traction as a novel intervention technique, were highlighted as effective in managing disorders, particularly for addiction treatment. FDA-approved applications like RESET® and RESET-O® demonstrated significant efficacy, offering cognitive behavioral therapy modules that achieved a 73% abstinence rate at 12 weeks compared to 31% for traditional therapy[3]. The conference emphasized the role of these technologies in providing privacy, engagement, and scalability, thereby overcoming geographical barriers to healthcare[3].
Advancements in AI and Wearable Technology
The conference also underscored how advancements in AI and wearable technologies are reshaping mental healthcare by providing real-time data and enabling personalized treatment plans[4]. Next-generation wearable sensors are now able to collect biological, psychological, and environmental data, enhancing the delivery of biopsychosocial care[5]. Such technologies promise to improve the accuracy and timing of interventions, offering new insights into the clinical progression of mental health disorders[4].
Challenges and Future Directions
While digital therapeutics hold great promise, challenges such as user engagement decline, digital literacy, and integration into existing clinical frameworks were discussed[3]. The need for regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and efficacy of these technologies remains essential. Participants called for interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize the impact of digital health solutions[5]. The conference indicated a future rich with possibilities for harnessing technology to bridge gaps in mental health care, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional services[4].