When you think of treatment, you probably picture pills, injections, or surgery. But digital therapeutics, evidence-based software programs designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. Also known as prescription digital therapeutics, these are apps and platforms that doctors can officially prescribe—just like a medication—to help with everything from diabetes to anxiety. Unlike wellness apps you download on your own, digital therapeutics are clinically tested, FDA-cleared, and often covered by insurance. They don’t replace doctors, but they give patients tools to stick with treatment plans, track symptoms in real time, and get personalized feedback without leaving home.
These tools aren’t just for mental health. remote patient monitoring, the use of connected devices to collect health data outside clinical settings. Also known as wearable health tech, it’s a core part of many digital therapy programs. For example, someone with high blood pressure might wear a smartwatch that sends daily readings to their care team. If numbers spike, the system alerts the doctor before a crisis happens. Similarly, patients with type 2 diabetes use apps that log meals, insulin doses, and blood sugar levels—then suggest adjustments based on patterns. These aren’t guesses. They’re built from clinical data and validated in real-world studies.
What makes digital therapeutics different from regular health apps? They’re held to the same standards as drugs. That means they need proof they actually work. The FDA-cleared digital health, products reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for medical use. Also known as prescription digital therapeutics, they’re the only ones you can trust to be safe and effective. Companies like Pear Therapeutics and Big Health have cleared programs for opioid addiction, insomnia, and ADHD. And they’re not just for adults—kids with ADHD are using digital therapeutics to improve focus without stimulants. Even chronic pain is being managed through guided cognitive behavioral therapy delivered via smartphone.
Why does this matter to you? Because if you’re managing a long-term condition—diabetes, depression, asthma, or even sleep disorders—you’re not stuck with just pills and doctor visits anymore. Digital therapeutics give you control, consistency, and data you can actually use. They reduce missed appointments, cut down on trial-and-error dosing, and help you catch problems early. And with more insurers covering them, they’re becoming more affordable than you think.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how these tools fit into your health routine—from checking if a digital therapy is right for you, to understanding how they interact with your current meds, to spotting red flags in apps that claim to be "FDA-approved" but aren’t. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just curious, the posts here give you the facts—not the hype.
Digital therapeutics are FDA-cleared software treatments that improve medication adherence and outcomes. Learn how they interact with drugs, who benefits most, and why doctors and patients need to understand these new digital therapies in 2025.