A randomized trial of 1,489 university students found the Minder mental health app significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, with provisional support for reducing cannabis use frequency over 30 days.
University counseling centers, digital health developers, and student health administrators
Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and cannabis use frequency
What the researchers found
The Minder app produced significant reductions in anxiety (GAD-7: d=-0.17, p<0.001) and depression (PHQ-9: d=-0.11, p=0.007). Statistically significant reductions were also found for cannabis use frequency and typical alcohol consumption. 77.1% of intervention participants accessed at least one app component. Retention was high: 79% intervention and 83% control completed follow-up.
Why it matters
University students face high rates of mental health and substance use challenges but rarely seek formal treatment. A scalable digital intervention that addresses both simultaneously could be integrated into existing university systems to reach students who would not otherwise get help.
The numbers in context
1,489 students. Anxiety: d=-0.17, p<0.001. Depression: d=-0.11, p=0.007. Significant reductions in cannabis use frequency and typical drinks. 77.1% app engagement. 79% retention. Alcohol AUDIT-C reduction not significant (p=0.23).
How the study worked
Two-arm parallel-assignment single-blinded 30-day RCT. 1,489 university students randomized to Minder app (n=743) or waitlist control (n=746). App delivered evidence-based content via chatbot, connected users with services, and provided peer coaching. ITT analysis with generalized linear mixed-effects models.
What this study cannot tell us
Small effect sizes (d=-0.11 to -0.17). Waitlist control does not control for attention/expectation effects. 30-day follow-up is short. Cannabis and alcohol use were secondary outcomes. Self-reported outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Large well-powered RCT with good retention, though small effect sizes, short follow-up, and waitlist control design are limitations.
When this study was published
2024 study
The bigger picture
Digital mental health interventions are particularly well-suited to university populations who are already digitally native. The finding that a single app can address both mental health symptoms and substance use simultaneously is more efficient than separate interventions.
Questions still open
- Would effects persist beyond 30 days? Would a longer intervention produce larger effects? Can Minder be effective without the peer coaching component? How does it compare to in-person counseling?
Common questions
Can a phone app help with mental health and cannabis use?
How well did students engage with the mental health app?
Read the original research
Effectiveness of the Minder Mobile Mental Health and Substance Use Intervention for University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal of medical Internet research, 26, e54287
Citation
Vereschagin, Melissa; Wang, Angel Y; Richardson, Chris G; Xie, Hui; Munthali, Richard J; Hudec, Kristen L; Leung, Calista; Wojcik, Katharine D; Munro, Lonna; Halli, Priyanka; Kessler, Ronald C; Vigo, Daniel V. (2024). Effectiveness of the Minder Mobile Mental Health and Substance Use Intervention for University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial.. Journal of medical Internet research, 26, e54287. https://doi.org/10.2196/54287
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