My Possible Self’s mental health app has joined the NHS Apps Library after successfully demonstrating that it meets NHS technical, clinical and safety standards.

My Possible Self uses content developed by the world-renowned Black Dog Institute that is proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in eight weeks. It helps users learn how to improve thoughts, feelings and behaviour using simple activities, case studies, tracking tools and a diary feature.

Its learning modules cover topics such as managing fear and anxiety, communicating clearly, taking charge of your worry, managing stress and overload and improving happiness and wellbeing.

The tracking feature lets users monitor up to three symptoms to better understand their feelings and recognise behavioural patterns, which can be recorded in a secure online diary. 

My Possible Self is available via iTunes, Google Play, the My Possible Self website and in the week that the NHS celebrates its 70th anniversary, the NHS Apps Library.

The NHS Apps Library, which is currently in public beta version, helps patients navigate the many digital healthcare tools available, providing trusted digital tools for helping people manage and improve their health and wellbeing.

Joanne Wilkinson, founder and chief executive of My Possible Self, said: “We have a great team, great content and great technology and we are delighted to have successfully demonstrated that we meet NHS technical, clinical and safety standards.

“We passionately believe My Possible Self has the power to help users manage fear, anxiety and stress.”

Mental health issues cost the UK an estimated £70bn in lost productivity, benefit payments and healthcare expenditure, according to the OECD.

David Smith, chief executive of Mind Humber and East Yorkshire, said: “Among the abundance of low quality and at times questionable apps, My Possible Self stands out as a product that not only offers standalone support but a useful complement to conventional face-to-face therapy.”

My Possible Self is developing a number of new modules, including Sleeping Well, Breathing and Relaxation and Setting Smart Goals, which will be launched in the coming months.