INSIGHT. Mental health is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Nearly one billion people worldwide experience mental health conditions each year, yet fewer than one in ten receive adequate treatment. In Sweden, mental health issues is the leading cause of long-term sick leave and accounts for 42 per cent of all sick pay days.
The socioeconomic consequences are substantial. Global costs already exceed USD 5 trillion annually, primarily due to productivity losses and healthcare expenses, and are expected to reach USD 6 trillion by 2030 as the burden increases.
Increasing access is only part of the solution
Digital services such as Mindler and Kry have made it easier to seek help over the past decade, but improved accessibility alone cannot address the shortage of clinical resources. Traditional therapy relies on individual meetings between psychologist and patient – an approach that is difficult to scale in a world with fewer than one psychologist per 10,000 inhabitants.
At the same time, studies show that only 30–40 per cent of patients experience lasting improvement – a sign that both capacity and treatment methods need to be developed.
Focus shifts towards prevention
A growing area is digital, data-driven tools for screening and follow-up. Regular self-assessments, structured screening tools and health checks can identify risks earlier and enable early intervention.
Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is one of the most established digital alternatives. Research shows that iCBT can deliver treatment outcomes equivalent to traditional therapy, at lower cost and with greater scalability. The combination of digital treatment programmes and targeted psychological support makes it possible to help more people without compromising quality.
Technology that enhances clinical expertise
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in supporting and streamlining care – particularly in assessment, screening and continuous monitoring. Digital platforms and automated workflows can help standardise parts of the process, while psychologists focus on what requires clinical expertise: complex assessments, guidance and support.
Data from self-assessments, wearables and screening tools also enables more personalised prevention and earlier detection of deterioration.
A growing market
The global digital mental health market is growing rapidly and is estimated to reach approximately USD 15.4 billion by 2030, representing an annual growth rate of 19 per cent. In Europe, the market is expected to grow from USD 2.2 billion in 2024 to USD 10.8 billion by 2035. This development reflects a shift towards solutions that combine clinical evidence with technical scalability.
Mental health is a complex and growing challenge – but also an area where innovation has the potential to create real change, both for individuals and for society at large.
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