Mental Health Technology Glossary

Automated clinical documentation generated using artificial intelligence. AI analyses session audio or transcripts to produce structured notes (e.g. SOAP or DAP format), reducing administrative burden and improving consistency.

An evidence-based psychotherapy approach focused on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

A systematic process of gathering and evaluating information about a patient's psychological, behavioural, and emotional functioning. Includes standardised questionnaires, clinical interviews, and observational data to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.

A structured set of procedures for identifying and responding to mental health emergencies, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, or acute psychological distress. Digital platforms implement automated risk detection and escalation workflows.

A clinical documentation format consisting of Data (objective and subjective information), Assessment (clinical interpretation), and Plan (next steps). DAP notes provide a concise structure for recording therapy sessions.

Under GDPR, the entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. In mental health practice, the therapy clinic or independent practitioner typically acts as the data controller for patient information.

The process of converting data into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms. In mental health platforms, field-level encryption protects sensitive patient data (PII/PHI) both at rest and in transit.

Under GDPR, an entity that processes personal data on behalf of the data controller. A mental health SaaS platform like Mena acts as a data processor when handling patient records for a therapy practice.

A digital version of a patient's medical history maintained by the healthcare provider. In mental health, EHRs store session notes, treatment plans, assessments, prescriptions, and outcome measurements in a structured, searchable format.

European Union regulation establishing harmonised rules on artificial intelligence. Healthcare AI systems are classified as high-risk, requiring transparency, human oversight, and documentation of AI decision-making processes.

An international standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically. FHIR provides a modern, RESTful API-based approach to healthcare data interoperability, enabling different systems to share patient data securely.

The Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, a validated self-report questionnaire used to screen for and measure the severity of generalised anxiety disorder. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety severity.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a US federal law that establishes standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. HIPAA sets requirements for data privacy, security, and breach notification in healthcare.

The process of obtaining a patient's explicit agreement to treatment or data processing through digital means. In telehealth, digital informed consent covers remote therapy sessions, data collection, AI-assisted tools, and recording policies.

A structured questionnaire completed by patients before their first therapy session. Digital intake forms collect demographic information, presenting concerns, medical history, and consent, streamlining the onboarding process.

The ability of different healthcare information systems and software applications to communicate, exchange data, and use shared information effectively. Critical for connecting EHRs, billing systems, and clinical tools across providers.

The systematic measurement and monitoring of patient progress over time using validated instruments and clinical indicators. Digital platforms automate outcome collection, visualise trends, and support evidence-based treatment adjustments.

A secure online platform where patients can access their health information, communicate with their therapist, schedule appointments, complete assessments, and manage their care. Improves patient engagement and treatment adherence.

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a validated self-report instrument used to screen for, diagnose, and measure the severity of depression. Scores range from 0 to 27, with established cut-off points for mild, moderate, and severe depression.

An integrated system for managing the administrative and operational aspects of a therapy practice, including scheduling, billing, invoicing, patient records, and reporting. Reduces manual work and improves practice efficiency.

The financial process of tracking patient care episodes from registration and appointment scheduling through to final payment. In therapy practices, this includes billing, invoicing, insurance claims, and payment collection.

The General Data Protection Regulation (Regulamento Geral sobre a Protecao de Dados), a comprehensive EU data protection law. Establishes strict requirements for processing personal data, including health data, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

A feature allowing patients to book, reschedule, or cancel therapy appointments independently through an online portal. Reduces administrative overhead and improves accessibility by offering 24/7 booking availability.

The conversion of therapy session audio into written text using speech recognition technology. AI-powered transcription enables automated note generation, searchable session records, and quality assurance in clinical documentation.

A widely used clinical documentation format consisting of Subjective (patient's reported experience), Objective (clinician's observations), Assessment (clinical judgement), and Plan (treatment next steps). Standard in healthcare record-keeping.

The delivery of healthcare services, including psychological therapy, through digital communication technologies such as video conferencing. Enables remote consultations, expanding access to mental health care regardless of geographic location.

A structured clinical document outlining therapeutic goals, interventions, timelines, and outcome measures for a patient's care. Digital treatment plans support collaboration between therapist and patient, with progress tracking and regular reviews.