The below evaluation is an example of the types of information you may find when using our Model to assess specific apps. This sample evaluation is not intended to enable you to make a decision about choosing these specific apps for actual use, as such a decision is a personal one that you will make based on your own unique preferences, needs, and evaluation. We strongly encourage you to download these apps for yourself and use our Model to conduct your own assessment.
This evaluation was completed May 2020, and is based on publicly available information found by our Panel at that time. In July 2020, APA's contacted the app developers and offered to them an opportunity to provide feedback on these assessments. Comments from developers who responded are included here. These comments do not necessarily reflect publicy available information at the time of the original assessment or presently.
Access & Background
On which platforms/operating systems does the app work? Does it also work on desktop?
Works on iPhone, iPad, Android, Sony Bravia, and Google Chromebook.
Has the app been updated in the last 180 days?
No. Last updated 8.15.2018 per app store.
Does the app identify ownership?
Jasmin Pierre.
Does the app identify funding sources and conflicts of interest?
None that these reviewers were able to find.
Does the app come from a trusted source?
Created by a Peer Support Specialist: Jasmin Pierre. Public information is available on her web site.
Does the app claim to be medical?
No. The app stores designate it as Health and Fitness.
Are there additional or hidden costs?
No. But does link to advertisements from app author.
Does the app work offline?
Yes.
Does the app work with accessibility features of the iPhone/Android? Is it accessible for those with impaired vision or other disabilities?
Does not appear change app functionality when accesibility features are adjusted.
Privacy & Safety
Is there a transparent privacy policy that is clear and accessible before use?
Link to privacy policy in google play store leads to certificate error and indicates potental risk to security. No privacy policy present on Apple Store Link. Within the app itself there is a broad Terms of Use Document.
Does the app collect, use, and/or transmit sensitive data? If yes, does it claim to do so securely?
Permissions on the Google Play store indicate all versions of the app have outlined permissions noted below.
Does the app declare data use and purpose?
"By using the service you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personally identifiable information and aggregate data set as forth in our Privacy Policy"
Does the app describe use of PHI?
None that these reviewers could find.
Can you opt out of data collection or delete data?
It does not appear so based on the information these reviewers could find.
Is data maintained in the device or on the web?
Unclear.
Does the app explain security systems used?
Not that these reviewrs could find. There is a broad statement indicating that "we cannot guarantee that unauthorized third parties will never be able to defeat our security measures."
What third parties does the app share data with?
The Terms of Use Agreement within the app itself indicates that "The Service" may contain links to other websites, advertisements, special offers, ect. that are not owned or controlled by the developer of the app.
If appropriate, is the app equipped to respond to potential harms or safety concerns?
No, information found by these reviewers that describe safety parameters.
Clinical Foundation
Does the app appear to do what it claims to do?
The "Safe Place" is a Minority Mental Health App that teaches the black community more about mental health from a minority standpoint, the app appears to do this.
Does the app have a clinical/recovery foundation relevant to your intended use?
The free resource provides clinical definitions of mental illness diagnosis and allows users to take self-assessments. It also offers self-care tips on how to cope with police brutality, as well as black mental health statistics and open forum discussions. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestheculture/2020/07/07/these-mental-health-apps-are-geared-toward-people-of-color/?sh=1e232a5722e4.
Is the app content correct, well-written, and relevant?
Written from and content provided by Peer Support Specialist for peer support services. The content appears to support this.
What are the relevant sources or references supporting the app use cases?
None that these reviewers were able to find.
Was there an attempt to validate app usability and feasibility?
Usability
Does the app seem easy to use?
Appears easy to use, but reviewers had some concerns about downloading app onto phone for trial run. There is limited functionality for customization. Phone numbers within the app are not hyperlinked to activate phone calls on phone. Surveys are not scored or summed.
What are the main engagement styles of the app?
App includes reference materials, videos, self-assessment questions, inspirational, supportive quotes.
Do the app and its features align with your needs and priorities?
Per the app: features Include * Black Mental Health Statistics *Inspirational Black Quotes *Self Care Tips On 1. How to Cope After Police Brutality 2. Mental Health In The Black Church 3. How to talk to black family members who may not want to understand mental illness 4. Breathing Techniques 5. Meditation 6. Exercise *Mental Health Videos And Podcast *Mental Health Articles *Open Fourm Discussions And More!
Is it customizable?
It does not appear to be.
Does the app clearly define its functional scope?
Yes, it appear so. From the app: "the Safe Place is an app for people of color to be more educated on their mental health and to ultimately know they're not alone."
Therapeutic Goal
Can data be easily shared and interpreted in a way that's consistent with the stated purpose of the app?
Unknown, reviewers were unable to determine.
Do you own your data?
Users can complete self-assessments but it is unclear to these reviewers where this data goes because there is a privacy policy that appears generic in terms of use in some locations, but information on data ownership is otherwise not accessible.
Can the app share data with EMR and other data tools (Apple HealthKit, FitBit)?
Unknown, reviewers were unable to determine.
Is the app for individual use or to be used in collaboration with a provider? If intended to be used with a provider, does the app have the ability to export or transfer data?
App appears intended for individual use, does not appear to be used in conjunction with medical provider.
Does the app lead to any positive behavior change or skill acquisition?
Possibly, per the app: features Include * Black Mental Health Statistics *Inspirational Black Quotes *Self Care Tips On 1. How to Cope After Police Brutality 2. Mental Health In The Black Church 3. How to talk to black family members who may not want to understand mental illness 4. Breathing Techniques 5. Meditation 6. Exercise *Mental Health Videos And Podcast *Mental Health Articles *Open Fourm Discussions And More!
Does the app improve therapeutic alliance between patient and provider?
Per the app designer: "The app can also be used as a tool by mental health professionals of all colors to understand their black patients better."