Digital mental health technologies, such as mental health apps and wearables, are expected to provide much-needed improvements in diagnosis, access and treatment for mental health care. However, issues of privacy and equity need to be actively engaged in the development of digital mental health so that these tools do not amplify and exacerbate existing inequities in mental health care. Minoritized subpopulations are under-represented in the research and development process for digital mental health development, which leads to tools that do not serve the needs of diverse communities and populations. Drawing from qualitative interviews conducted with digital mental health technology developers, clinicians, and users, I will examine challenges for developing tools that support privacy, access and equity in digital mental health.

Bio: Dr. Nicole Martinez-Martin is an assistant professor at Stanford's Center for Biomedical Ethics. She has a law degree and a doctorate in social sciences. Her research interests include the ethics of AI in healthcare, digital health technologies, and the ethics of mental health care.

This event is hosted by the Sara Fine Institute at the School of Computing and Information, the Center for Bioethics and Health Law, and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative.