May 16, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – A mobile app developed by Mobio Interactive to deliver digital mental health support is showing promise in supporting youth mental health. A study conducted by the CHEO Research Institute and funded in part by OBIO® through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) program, found that the app assists patients who are waiting for care and provides early intervention-related support, leading to an overall improvement in psychological well-being.
Mobio Interactive’s platform is designed to provide and objectively measure clinically validated psychotherapy, including mindfulness training and music therapy. The impact of this scalable therapy on mental well-being is quantified using the participant’s mobile device camera and artificial intelligence, leading to personalization of therapy sessions and personal insights not previously possible.
The early-stage study demonstrated overall satisfaction with the platform, suggesting that it could provide support for youth waiting for mental health care. Patients reported trends toward improved mindfulness and emotional regulation, decreased depression and stress symptoms, and improved well-being, after engaging with Mobio’s platform.
Dr. Bechara Saab, CEO & Chief Scientist at Mobio Interactive, emphasized the global accessibility, stating, “Our technology means patients can use the platform to access important support while waiting for care – setting the stage for more successful outcomes.”
Dr. Gary Goldfield, Senior Scientist and clinical psychologist at the CHEO Research Institute, recognizes the potential impact of digital apps in providing mental health support: “While our sample size was small, our study suggests the potential digital support tools can have to offer early mental health intervention services for youth in need in a format they are accustomed to.”
Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®, commented on the significance of Mobio’s technology in revolutionising the patient journey, stating, “The promising outcomes from this evaluation underscore the app’s impact in supporting adolescents navigating extended wait times for mental health services. The success of the partnership between Mobio Interactive and CHEO is a testament to the ongoing support provided by the EAHN™ program, offering young Canadians a valuable resource in supporting their mental health needs when they need it most.”
About OBIO®
Founded in 2009, OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace.
For more information, please visit OBIO.ca and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
About Mobio Interactive
Mobio Interactive is a digital health company that is meeting the exploding demand for efficacious mental healthcare with artificial intelligence-powered digital theragnostics.
For more information, please visit mobiointeractive.com.
About the CHEO Research Institute
The CHEO Research Institute is a global centre of excellence in pediatric research that connects talent and technology in pursuit of life-changing research for every child, youth and family in the CHEO community and beyond. The CHEO Research Institute coordinates the research activities of CHEO and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. At the CHEO Research Institute, discoveries inspire the best life for every child and youth. For more information, visit cheoresearch.ca.
Media Contacts:
Michelle Tija
Chief of Staff
Mobio Interactive
michelle@mobiointeractive.com
Jennifer Ruff
Director of Communications
CHEO Research Institute
jruff@cheo.on.ca
Doriane Rey
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
OBIO®
dorianerey@obio.ca