When you hear DTx, digital therapeutics are evidence-based software programs prescribed to treat medical conditions. Also known as digital therapeutics, they’re not apps you download for fun — they’re FDA-cleared tools your doctor actually writes a prescription for. Think of them like medicine, but instead of a pill, you get a mobile app or web-based program that guides you through behavior changes, cognitive training, or real-time monitoring. These aren’t just wellness trackers — they’re clinically validated interventions used to manage diabetes, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, and even substance use disorders.
DTx works by combining data, behavioral science, and clinical guidelines. For example, a patient with type 2 diabetes might use a DTx app that tracks food intake, reminds them to take medication, adjusts insulin dosing based on glucose readings, and connects them to a coach. The app doesn’t guess — it uses algorithms trained on real patient outcomes. That’s why the FDA reviews them like drugs: they need proof they work. Companies like Pear Therapeutics and Noom have cleared this bar, and their programs are now covered by some insurance plans. This isn’t science fiction — it’s happening right now in clinics across the U.S.
What makes DTx different from regular health apps? It’s the prescription requirement, a legal and clinical gate that separates medical-grade tools from consumer wellness products. You can’t just buy a DTx product online — your provider must authorize it. And unlike a Fitbit, DTx tools are designed to change clinical outcomes, not just count steps. They’re used in combination with traditional treatments, not as replacements. For someone with anxiety, a DTx program might deliver CBT sessions daily, track mood patterns, and alert their therapist if symptoms spike. That’s real-time, personalized care built into software.
Behind every successful DTx is remote patient monitoring, the ability to collect real-world data from patients without them stepping into a clinic. This is why DTx is growing fast — it reduces visits, catches problems early, and keeps people engaged. A study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research showed patients using a DTx for hypertension lowered their blood pressure as much as those on medication alone. And because these tools log every interaction, doctors get clearer data than they ever could from a 10-minute checkup.
There’s still a lot of confusion. Some people think DTx is just telehealth or chatbots. It’s not. Telehealth is video calls. DTx is software that actively treats. Others assume it’s only for mental health. But DTx is also used for asthma, sleep apnea, opioid addiction, and even Parkinson’s. The range is wide — and growing. What ties them all together? Proof. Every DTx program must show it improves health outcomes through clinical trials.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how DTx fits into everyday care — from how to get prescribed one, to what happens when it doesn’t work, to why some doctors still hesitate to recommend them. These aren’t marketing pieces. They’re deep dives into the tools, rules, and risks behind digital treatments that are quietly changing medicine.
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.