The digitization of health care is changing how we take control our our well-being. Think of how quickly you fly to Google to root out the cause of some emerging symptoms. Mental health apps, therapy apps, wellness apps, whatever you call them, are a case study that perfectly encapsulates the promise and perils of integrating tech into our lives.

The need for mental heath care is a growing concern in America. 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Accessing therapy can be costly; a therapist can be expected charge anywhere from $65 to upwards of $250 an hour (Goodtherapy.org). This is where mental health apps come in. Apps on the market offer to alleviate the symptoms of a range of mental disorders–all conveniently packaged and easy to access.

But just because they’re apps, little things anyone with a mobile device can get download, doesn’t mean they should escape scrutiny. In 2010, consumers downloaded 9 billion health care apps (International Data Corporation.) But how much stock should we put into them? Can they really help manage symptoms of mental disorders? We should stay critical consumers even when we download.