What is the purpose of myStrength.com?
The mission of myStrength™ is to provide effective, affordable, and personalized online resources to people who want to improve their overall wellness, and particularly their mental health.
Millions suffer each year from mental health disorders, and most never receive care or support. But now, with wide use of the Internet and mobile applications, we can offer proven, clinically based resources to people who need them.
myStrength is not designed to serve as the single or primary resource for anyone suffering from poor mental health, but to complement other forms of support and primary care such as psychotherapy and medication. For further information regarding the scope of myStrength’s services, please refer to our User Agreement.”
Who benefits from the myStrength resources?
Anyone who is experiencing mild to moderate depression or anxiety, wants to improve or maintain their mental health, and has an affinity for online tools can benefit from the resources.
Who developed myStrength?
The innovative myStrength online wellness portal was created by the leadership team, clinical advisory board, and partners, who together bring significant expertise in psychology, online learning, software engineering, Internet usability, and self-help publishing.
Where do the myStrength resources come from?
myStrength selects its materials from a number of high-quality sources including New Harbinger Publications, HarperOne (HarperCollins), and Staywell Custom Communications.
What are the system requirements for myStrength.com?
myStrength is designed to operate on the most commonly used personal computers and operating systems. Specific browser requirements include the following:
- Internet Explorer 11+
- Firefox
- Chrome
- Safari
Additionally, users need to have Javascript enabled to have the best experience with the myStrength service.
Is myStrength.com secure and confidential?
Yes. For your security, we protect your account from unauthorized access by requiring passwords, ensuring safe sessions, and providing a secure hosting environment. We also don’t resell the personal information you provide or disclose it to anyone without your consent, unless required by law—so you can rest assured your information is confidential. View complete privacy policy.
Is myStrength online therapy?
No. myStrength is a self-help wellness resource to nurture mental wellbeing. We draw from clinically proven, evidence-based sources to offer practical tools and information to help you manage your moods and maintain good mental health. We do not provide any form of diagnosis or treatment on this site. We encourage anyone looking for a direct relationship with a trained mental health professional to:
- Contact your insurance company for a list of mental health providers.
- Contact your county mental health center.
- Check out the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) online.
- Visit the Mental Health America website.
Is myStrength Subject to HIPAA?
No. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) rules and regulations apply only to certain kinds of health care providers that engage in certain electronic kinds of billing practices. Because myStrength does not electronically bill for the types of transactions that are covered by HIPAA, it is not subject to federal regulation under HIPAA.
Although myStrength is not federally regulated, we are committed to ensuring that all of your information is treated and maintained in a confidential and secure manner. If you have any questions regarding myStrength’s privacy practices, please see our privacy policy.
If I am considering suicide, should I join myStrength?
No. myStrength isn’t designed to be the primary source of support for anyone suffering from acute symptoms of poor mental health. Instead, you should contact one of the following immediately:
- If you are currently thinking about or planning to harm yourself or someone else, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit them online.
Should I join myStrength if I am seeing a therapist?
The myStrength online resource is designed to work in harmony with other forms of support such as a direct relationship with a therapist. Our site includes self-paced, highly interactive, depression and anxiety eLearning programs based in cognitive behavior therapy and behavioral activation therapy, which are widely practiced by clinicians and therapists.
While our Privacy Policy dictates that only you have access to your information, you could choose to share your online applications, exercises, and tools with an outside medical or clinical professional.
I see that spiritual resources are part myStrength; is this website faith-based?
No. This is not a faith-based or faith-specific site. myStrength provides tools, resources, and information relevant to each individual member. For many, spirituality or religion is an important piece of their overall mental wellness, so we offer both spiritual and faith-specific resources to these people. Similarly, for those to whom spirituality and religion are not important, these types of resources are not delivered.