Digital support for mental health: New study shows high-impact results for depression and anxiety 

Digital health solutions, particularly in behavioral health, have tremendous potential to help people access support when and how they need it – and exciting research results demonstrate how it can be done. 

Solving for the impact of behavior on mental health at scale is a huge challenge. Digital solutions can improve behavioral health and reduce costs by making engagement and retention the path of least resistance. Dario provides personalized support for the best possible clinical outcomes. Recent research demonstrates the value of this approach.

How does Dario help people with their behavioral health?

Our behavioral health solution uses an evidence-based triage screener to assess individual mental health needs and recommend the right type of care for each person across available employer-sponsored benefits.

Among the recommended options is Dario’s self-guided digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs designed to teach proven techniques for managing emotional health. Dario members can work with a coach for goal setting and motivation and are able to access digital resources such as coaching and breathing exercises at any time through Dario’s app.

Amazing results: Reduced depression and anxiety in 6 weeks

We’re constantly testing and refining our solutions, as demonstrated by our 45+ published research studies. We want to know the value of the innovations that we introduce – how do they perform out in the world? If a solution is designed to manage anxiety but there’s no adoption or engagement, we aren’t bringing value to our clients and their members.

The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) recently published Dario’s study demonstrating the impact of coaching and breathing exercises as part of our digital behavioral health program for members living with depression or anxiety, two of the most common mental health conditions.

We looked at the data of participants in two cohorts engaged in Dario’s digital self-guided programs who started at a moderate or high level of depression or anxiety. These study participants engaged in Dario’s digital programs alongside the use of a coach or digitally delivered breathing exercises over the course of 16 weeks.

Here’s what we found:

• A significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms during the first six weeks which was maintained throughout the rest of the 16 weeks program.
• 63% of members using Dario to manage depression experienced an overall improvement in symptoms, and the use of coaching significantly moderated symptoms in the first six weeks.
• 63% of members using Dario to manage anxiety also saw an improvement in symptoms, and the use of breathing exercises significantly moderated anxiety symptoms in the first six weeks.

Personalization is key

This study shows the value of personalizing the solution for each member over a one size fits all approach. Integration with Dario’s AI-driven behavior change engine ensures that each participant’s journey is tailored to their unique needs and preferences, adapting as circumstances change to keep people on the path to better health. We optimize engagement at every point for better program adherence, motivation, and sustained behavior change. We’re proud to be able to deliver these kinds of results and help people live happier and healthier lives.