Table 2.

Hierarchical representation of the categories and dimensions according to the results.

Third order: aggregate dimensions and second order: themes		First order: categories
Use patterns of the app
	Common use patterns	Several times a week Once a week (one day before therapy session)
Benefits of the app
	Self-efficacy	More intensive examination of the therapy content at home Preparing therapy sessions with the help of the app
	Transfer into daily life	Work on mental health whenever and wherever the patient wants Patient takes personal time for their mental health beyond sessions Patient takes more initiative and control in their therapy
	Psychoeducation	More knowledge about emotions and the underlying mental health disorder More self-reflection owing to increased knowledge and awareness on personal problems and their origins Accepting and respecting mental disorder as a disease
Facilitators of the use of the app
	Usability and structure	Good overview (good structure of courses, therapy progress, and onboarding, and good intuitive handling) Comprehensibility of the tasks Praising after task completion Reminder notifications
	Content and design	Appropriate and professionally created modules and videos Nice and modest design
	Support	App as a caring companion throughout the week App provides structure for the students’ lives
Barriers to the use of the app
	Overwhelming emotions	Being left alone with difficult feelings that could arise during reflections and tasks Compulsory tasks may create pressure
	Time requirement	Increased time spent on psychotherapy can be a burden Increased involvement with the smartphone
	Data security concerns	Concerns about data safety and anonymity