Table 2.

Criteria of features related to chatbot-based mental health apps used in our study.

Criteria	Types
Purpose	Digital coach—assist users to reach their small goals Digital screener—alert users to potential mental health concerns based on reported symptoms Conversational companion—simulate being someone the user can speak to Virtual therapist—ability to engage in therapeutic conversations
Targeted concerns	Stress, anxiety, depression, self-care, sleep disorder, panic disorder, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and loneliness
Conversation Flow	Guided conversation—only allows the users to communicate with the chatbot with predefined responses from the chatbot. It does not allow any form of open input from the users. Semiguided conversation—mostly allows the users to communicate with the chatbot with predefined responses and sometimes allows open inputs from the users. However, the bot cannot recognize the open user inputs and extract any information from them. Open-ended conversation—allows the users to communicate with the chatbot with predefined responses and open inputs from the users. The bot can recognize the open user inputs and extract information from them.
Media types used	GIFsa, text, audio, video, emoji, images, and acronyms
Crisis support	Availability of crisis information—provides information regarded crisis-related helplines and emergency services Ability to detect potential crises from the chat—detects potential crises through conversation with the users Access to a professional therapist—provides access to a professional therapist is an alternative to avoid possible ramifications of the potential crisis Ability to notify designated personnel—notifies designated personnel if crisis is being detected Access to self-care tools—recommend self-care activities
Evidence-based techniques	CBTb, DBTc, mindfulness, symptoms tracking and monitoring, positive psychology, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychoeducation and information

^aGIF: graphics interchange format.

^bCBT: cognitive behavioral therapy.

^cDBT: dialectical behavior therapy.