Clinical review
Excellent app which provides the user with practical and interactive ways to learn strategies to fight depression, anxiety and stress through a virtual world that subsequently encourages the user to apply newly learnt skills in their real world. SPARX is well-designed virtual game which is appealing to the audience it is intended for (12–19 year olds).
Reviewer: Jasmine Murphy – Registered Psychologist, Private Practice
Date of review: August 2023
Version: 1.0.0, Android
NZ relevance: Yes
Safety concerns: None
Clinical review
SPARX is a gamified CBT/e-therapy programme for treatment of depression in young people. It is aimed at people 12–19 years of age suffering from symptoms of depression. Users learn skills for mood management and recovery from a depressive illness including activity scheduling, problem solving, cognitive skills, breathing and relaxation and social skills. Overall, an enjoyable and engaging app compared to some other online CBT programmes.
Since the last version reviewed in 2018, a few enhancements have been noted - this version allows users to repeat sessions to review content.
Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: March 2022
Version: 1.0.0, Android
NZ relevance: Highly relevant and tailored to NZ audience.
Safety concerns: None, although the safety features have been downgraded significantly since last version and now rely on individual looking in backpack for help (only available during gaming sections of app) and calling for help themselves.
User review
Our 13-year-old son found this game boring and thought he had to read too much, he expressed that if it had better graphics and the characters spoke to him it would be far more engaging.
Reviewer: Member of the public
Date of review: October 2021
Clinical review
SPARX is an online CBT/e-therapy programme for treatment of depression for young people. Uses can learn skills for mood management including activity scheduling, problem solving, cognitive skills, breathing and relaxation and social skills. It offers CBT skills including breathing and relaxation, activity scheduling, problem solving, cognitive skills, and social skills. It also offers a range of good cognitive skills. It has an engaging/fun interface with games alongside educational content and also provides great support through online chat and associated help line.
Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: August 2018
Version: Android
NZ relevance: Highly relevant and tailored to NZ audience.
Safety concerns: None - it has really good contact and options offered regarding safety which is monitored using PHQ9. If suicidal thoughts are noted by user, SPARX emails and texts emergency contacts.
