# How should a digital mental health tool respond when a user discloses thoughts of self-harm?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-should-a-digital-mental-health-tool-respond-when-a-user-discloses-thoughts-of-self-harm
For: Digital health teams | Mental health practice | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Agree the pathway with clinicians before launch. The tool should immediately show crisis contacts, such as emergency services and a national helpline, tell the user honestly when a human will respond, and alert an on-call clinician through a monitored channel. Never rely on unmonitored inboxes or out-of-hours silence; if messages are not monitored, say so clearly at sign-up and on every screen. Test the pathway regularly, log each alert and response time, and review incidents to improve the protocol.

Sources: World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549790 - World Health Organization: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/375579 - World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news/item/20-03-2026-towards-responsible-ai-for-mental-health-and-well-being--experts-chart-a-way-forward

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