Research on the Effectiveness of Web-Based Self-Help Tools for Teen Depression

A study published in BMC Psychiatry examined whether online self-help programs (such as guided apps, web modules, and interactive tools) can help reduce depression in teens and young adults.

After reviewing 23 high-quality randomized controlled trials, the researchers found consistent evidence that these internet-based self-help programs can really help lower depression symptoms.

This is especially encouraging because many teens and young adults prefer digital tools that are familiar, easier to access, and feel more private.

These benefits were the same whether or not the teen was also taking medication or seeing a therapist. This may suggest that online self-help is a helpful stand-alone tool or can work alongside regular treatment.

However, the study also noted that the benefits beyond the short term were less clear.

Understanding the Research

The goal of this study was to understand whether internet-based self-help programs can effectively reduce depression symptoms in teenagers and young adults.

Because many young people spend a lot of time online, the researchers wanted to learn if these digital tools could be a reliable option. They also wanted to understand what factors (such as where participants were recruited, whether they were taking medication, or how long they used the program) may impact how well these interventions work.

The researchers reviewed high-quality studies on online self-help for 13–25-year-olds with depression. They noted changes in depression symptoms before and after by using tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), or Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).

Once the studies were selected, the researchers carefully reviewed them for quality and compared their results. Here’s what they found:

• Teens and young adults who used online self-help interventions showed significant decreases in depression scores compared to before the intervention.
• Programs worked best for those who were recruited from schools, primary healthcare centers, clinics, and local communities.
• Improvements were seen whether or not participants were taking medication or received support from a therapist.
• Online self-help was most effective when tools were used for 30–60 minutes or 60–180 minutes per week.
• Most improvements were observed in the short term (less than 24 weeks). Medium- and long-term effects were less clear.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

With these findings in mind, how can you use this information to better support your child or teen at home? Here are some helpful tips to strengthen their mental health:

Seek professional help and know your options

If your teen is struggling, reaching out to a mental health professional is always the safest and most effective next step. However, if accessing care is difficult due to cost, location, or other barriers, there are still helpful alternatives.

School counselors, community mental health centers, and supportive local organizations can offer support, too, while you work toward more formal care.

Help them choose appropriate online resources

Not all mental health tools are created equal, so guide your child or teen toward safe and age-appropriate options. The good news is that there are many resources designed specifically for them, such as short videos or CBT/DBT-based handouts and worksheets.

You can also suggest apps recommended by therapists. Some of these apps provide meditation and stress relief exercises.

Show them how you cope in healthy ways

Kids and teens can learn a lot simply by watching us. Let them see you handle stress in positive ways, such as taking deep breaths when you get frustrated, going for a walk or exercising, or talking through problems calmly.

When you do this, not only are you encouraging them to practice handling stress, but you’re also showing them that it’s okay to have different emotions. They’ll learn that mental health care is something everyone practices, not just something for “troubled” kids.

Online Self-Help Tools for Teens

If you’re looking for online programs that were part of the study and have research evidence supporting their use for teen depression, here are two you can consider:

• SPARX – This is an interactive, game-based program that helps teens ages 12–19 learn coping skills for depression and anxiety using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. SPARX was included in several of the studies reviewed in the research. Note for US families: SPARX is fully free for youth in New Zealand, but US teens can access a demo version and online resources. Some features may be limited, and full access may require inquiry via the website.
• MoodGYM – A free, web-based CBT program designed to teach teens how to manage depressive thoughts and mood. MoodGYM is well-studied and demonstrated effectiveness for teens in multiple trials reviewed in the research.

Both programs are research-backed and designed to be private and teen-friendly. These programs can be helpful tools at home, but should be used to complement, not replace, professional mental health care.

The researchers are also suggesting that we need more high-quality, long-term studies to confirm whether online self-help programs continue to work over time.

Help your child or teen understand their emotions, practice coping skills, and care for themselves by checking out our Depression Worksheets. These research-informed resources will help them feel supported at home.