When you think of treatment, you probably picture a pill or an injection. But digital therapeutics, software-based medical interventions approved by health regulators to treat, manage, or prevent diseases. Also known as prescription digital therapeutics, they’re not apps that track steps or remind you to drink water—they’re clinically tested programs that doctors can actually prescribe. Think of them as therapy delivered through your phone or tablet, backed by real data, not guesswork.
These tools aren’t just for mental health, though that’s where they started. remote patient monitoring, systems that collect real-time health data from patients at home and send it to clinicians now help manage diabetes, heart failure, and even chronic pain. For example, a patient with type 2 diabetes might use a digital program that adjusts their meal plan based on blood sugar logs, sends alerts when levels are off, and connects them to a coach—all without stepping into a clinic. Meanwhile, behavioral health apps, digital tools designed to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other evidence-based psychological treatments are being used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia with results matching or beating traditional talk therapy in some studies.
What makes these different from regular health apps? They go through the same rigorous testing as drugs. The FDA and other global regulators require clinical trials proving they work before they can be prescribed. That’s why some are covered by insurance—because they’re treated like medicine, not gadgets. And unlike pills, they adapt. They learn from your input, track your progress, and change their recommendations over time. They don’t just give you information—they help you build new habits.
You’ll find posts here that dig into how these tools connect with real-world care. Some show how digital therapeutics reduce hospital visits for people with COPD. Others explain why a depression app might work better than a pill for someone who hates going to the doctor. There are pieces on how these programs interact with traditional meds, how pharmacies are starting to dispense them, and why some patients still struggle to use them—even when their doctor says it’s the best option.
There’s no magic here. No hype. Just tools that are changing how people get care—especially those who can’t see a doctor often, live far from specialists, or feel embarrassed asking for help. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just curious about where medicine is headed, the posts below show you exactly how digital therapeutics are being used today—and what you should know before trying one.
Digital therapeutics are now FDA-cleared medicines that improve medication adherence and outcomes. Learn how they interact with drugs, their real risks, who benefits most, and what to ask your doctor in 2025.