A new app, My Pocket Therapist, has been launched in the UK to help combat mental health problems, including those caused by the effects of COVID-19.

My Pocket Therapist connects anyone needing help to therapists including psychotherapists, counsellors, hypnotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapists and more.

Sessions are conducted either via audio or video call and are COVID secure. This means that anyone self-isolating or in lockdown can access mental health services without leaving their house.  

The app aims to reduce appointment waiting times and anyone aims to connect anyone who wants to see a therapist to one within an hour of requesting help.

Daniel Solden, founder of My Pocket Therapist, said: “My Pocket Therapist serves as a vital lifeline and has been designed to help people access mental health services when they most need it, as quickly as possible. It is convenient, and anyone can use the service from their own home or phone. During COVID-19 many people are under lockdown, working alone and are not able to physically access any of their normal services. Some people who have not ever had mental health problems now need to see a therapist urgently and can’t due to crippling waiting times and restrictions. The app allows you to view therapists’ video profiles and see someone in an hour!” 

Latest research includes:

• The Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield found that during COVID-19 the proportion of people with significant depression and anxiety problems tripled in the UK.
• The Centre for Mental Health charity said that an estimated 20% of adult he UK population and 1.5 million children, will need support for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health difficulties during the current pandemic. 
• A study from Harvard University found that COVID-19 will trigger a global ‘tsunami’ of mental health problems worse than that of the financial crisis of 2008.
• The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that: “Psychiatrists see alarming rise in patents needing urgent and emergency care and forecast a ‘tsunami’ of mental illness.”