In 2020, an estimated 25% of non-Hispanic Black women in the U.S. experienced mental illness in the past year. Anxiety and mood disorders are the most common mental health conditions among Black American women. Barriers such as stigma of mental illness, limited access to treatment, lack of or inadequate health insurance, and lack of time prevent Black women from seeking care which has contributed to their underutilization of mental health services. This is especially concerning as poor management of anxiety and depression symptoms contributes to lower quality of life, loss of productivity, and poor medication adherence which may lead to worse health outcomes. The COVID-19pandemic necessitated the shift to offering telehealth options for mental health care. Results from previous studies showed that use of mobile applications to reduce anxiety or depression symptoms is effective. However, Black women are underrepresented in most studies, which affects the generalizability of the results to this group. To address the gaps in the literature, the goals specific to the project are to use a user-centered design approach to co-design a culturally responsive mobile application to support self-management of anxiety and depression. Building on formative work, we aim to further develop the therapeutic content and features of the app. Our goal is to leverage technology to increase access to culturally relevant mental health services and resources by creating digital health tools with Black women with elevated anxiety or depression to reduce the severity of symptoms.
