SPARX

SPARX is a self-help game that provides the user with practical and interactive ways to learn strategies to fight depression, anxiety and stress – the game provides the user with practical tools/CBT strategies to overcome unhelpful thoughts through behaviour strategies and problem-solving skills.

SPARX is a computer program that helps young people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress. It is based on a type of ‘talking therapy’ called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

• At the start of SPARX you meet the Guide, who explains what SPARX is and how it could help you.
• You then customise your avatar and journey to the 7 provinces to complete quests that restore the world's balance and defeat the pesky negative thoughts, called Gnats.
• Along the way, you will meet different characters, solve puzzles and complete mini games.
• As you complete each quest, the Guide will explain how you can use your new skills to feel better, solve problems and enjoy life in the real world. Each level takes about half an hour.
• Young people are asked to only complete 1–2 levels at a time (with a break of 1–2 weeks) to allow time to practice the newly learned skills in the “real” world between sessions.

For the complete app description, go to the course website(external link), Google Play(external link), iTunes(external link), and for a detailed review, see reviews below.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Jasmine Murphy, Registered Psychologist, Private Practice
Date of review: August 2023
Platform: Android
Version: 1.0.0
Comments: 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).
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Yes

Clinical review

Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: March 2022
Platform: Android
Version: 1.0.0
Comments: 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.
New Zealand relevance: Highly relevant and tailored to NZ audience.
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

Reviewer: Member of the public
Date of review: October 2021
Comments: 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.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: August 2018
Platform: Android
Comments: 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.
New Zealand relevance: Highly relevant and tailored to NZ audience.
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.