Mobile apps, AI, and teletherapy: a comprehensive review of digital mental health tools for nurses

Abstract

Chronic understaffing, workplace violence, moral distress, rotating shifts, and administrative burdens have created a global mental health crisis for nurses. Around half to two-thirds of nurses report symptoms of burnout, and large surveys have found high levels of depression and anxiety among nursing staff. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, increasing absenteeism, turnover, and error rates. Barriers to care—such as stigma, cost, and limited access in rural areas—mean that many nurses remain untreated. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer scalable, flexible, and often anonymous support tailored to nurses’ schedules and risks. These include teletherapy platforms, AI-driven chatbots and support systems, mobile mental health apps, and hybrid digital-human models. Recent studies (2020–2025) suggest DMHIs can reduce anxiety, depression, and burnout while improving resilience, job satisfaction, and retention. However, obstacles such as unequal access, variable digital literacy, privacy concerns, and limited long-term evidence slow adoption. This review synthesizes current research on DMHI types and efficacy, and examines factors affecting their accessibility and integration into nursing practice. We also discuss cultural and ethical considerations and strategies for involving nurses in designing these tools. Our analysis identifies gaps and opportunities for developing nurse-centered digital mental health solutions that strengthen the workforce and improve patient care.