Building an App like Rejoyn for MDD –  Cost And Features

Mental health has become a critical focus in recent years, with millions of people affected by conditions like Major Depressive Disorder or MDD. As awareness grows, so does the demand for accessible tools that can offer support and relief. Apps like Rejoyn are leading the way by providing users with personalized strategies to manage their mental health, track their mood, and find resources when they need them most.

Building an app like Rejoyn to support those with MDD isn’t just about offering basic mental health tools; it’s about creating an experience that feels both supportive and empowering. It’s about developing features that not only track symptoms but also help users build positive habits and improve their emotional well-being over time.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key features and costs involved in creating an app like Rejoyn. From understanding user needs to implementing effective mental health strategies, we’ll break down the process of building an app that can truly make a difference in the lives of those living with MDD.

Overview of the Rejoyn App

Rejoyn is a prescription-based smartphone app designed to support adults aged 22 and older who have major depressive disorder but continue to experience symptoms despite taking antidepressant medication. It is the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic app specifically intended for this purpose, offering a new, accessible way to help manage depression alongside traditional treatments.

Here’s how the app works,

Treatment Approach

Rejoyn provides a 6-week structured program that combines:

• CBT-based lessons: These lessons teach users how to manage thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
• Emotional Faces Memory Task: This brain-training exercise helps users strengthen emotional processing by identifying and comparing emotions on faces.
• Personalized reminders and motivational messages: The app sends daily messages to encourage users to stay engaged with the program.

---

Mechanism of Action

The app leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity to help improve emotional processing by targeting neural networks affected by depression. By completing regular exercises, users may enhance brain connectivity, which could lead to reduced depressive symptoms over time.

---

Program Details

• Duration: 6 weeks, with daily tasks that include 18 lessons and 18 brain exercises.
• Session Length: Each exercise lasts about 20-30 minutes.
• Access: Users can access the content for an additional four weeks after the 6-week program. The app is not available beyond 10 weeks.
• Support: Users can opt for support calls from a nurse during the program to help with any questions or guidance needed.

---

Prescription and Use 

Rejoyn requires a prescription from a healthcare professional. After receiving a prescription, users can download and activate the app on their smartphones, available for both iOS and Android. It is intended to be used alongside, not as a replacement for, standard antidepressant medications and clinician-managed care.

---

Safety and Suitability

Rejoyn has no known side effects and does not interfere with medications. It is not approved for individuals under 22 years of age.

Key Market Takeaways of Therapeutic Apps for MDD

According to DelveInsight, in 2023, the market for MDD treatments in the US reached USD 5.6 billion, the largest among the seven major markets. With a projected CAGR of 4.8% through 2034, this growth is driven by the high prevalence of MDD and an expanding range of treatment options. 

Source: DelveInsight

The rise of therapeutic apps has been a key factor, offering convenient, accessible solutions for managing depression and anxiety, especially as awareness and acceptance of mental health care increase.

Therapeutic apps like Rejoyn are setting new standards in the industry. As the first FDA-approved prescription app for treating MDD, Rejoyn uses CBT and personalized reminders to support users in managing their depression. 

Another significant app, Moodivate, has shown that its approach can double the rate of depression improvement compared to traditional care, with ongoing efforts to expand its reach through healthcare collaborations.

Beyond these, apps such as SuperBetter, MoodHacker, and SPARX are gaining recognition for their effectiveness in clinical studies. Major platforms like Calm and Moodfit are partnering with employers and health systems to integrate digital therapy into broader mental health initiatives. 

As more people turn to digital tools for mental health support, these apps are playing an increasingly important role in managing MDD.

A Perfect Time to Invest in Developing a Therapeutic App 

The need for mental health support has never been greater, and therapeutic apps are increasingly seen as essential tools in addressing this demand. With many people searching for accessible, affordable ways to manage their mental well-being, apps that offer proven interventions like CBT are becoming key resources. An app like Rejoyn, designed to support those dealing with conditions such as MDD, is perfectly positioned to make a significant impact at this moment in time.

Apps like Headspace and Calm have already demonstrated the financial success and growing popularity of mental wellness solutions. 

In 2023, Headspace generated around $195 million, while Calm brought in $150 million in 2022, both through their subscription models. These figures showcase not only the increasing demand for mental health resources but also the scalability of a subscription-based approach to app development.

By developing a therapeutic app like Rejoyn, you can enter a rapidly growing market while providing real, tangible value to users. 

With features like mood tracking, personalized content, and potential integration with healthcare systems, apps like Rejoyn foster long-term engagement and user retention, creating an opportunity to both make a difference in people’s lives and generate sustainable revenue.

Business Model of the Rejoyn App

Rejoyn works alongside traditional treatments, not as a standalone solution, and is FDA-cleared as an adjunctive treatment for MDD. This model integrates Rejoyn within the healthcare system, providing additional support for patients who need it.

Prescription-Based Model

Rejoyn is available only through a prescription, which positions it as a regulated medical device. This ensures it is prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan managed by healthcare professionals, adding to its legitimacy in the healthcare space.

---

Pricing Structure

The six-week program is offered at a discounted price of $50 for patients. For healthcare payors, the standard treatment price is $200 per course. This pricing structure makes it accessible to patients while ensuring sustainable revenue for the business.

---

Virtual Consultations

Rejoyn offers access through virtual consultations with Wheel Health, Inc. This makes it easier for patients to obtain prescriptions remotely, removing common barriers to care like geographical limitations and time constraints.

---

Pharmacy Partnership

Rejoyn partners with BlinkRx, an online pharmacy, to streamline the prescription-to-access process. This partnership allows for the seamless digital dispensing of access codes to patients, simplifying the entire experience from prescription to app use.

---

Market Access and Adoption

• Integration with Healthcare Ecosystem: Rejoyn is working to integrate its platform with electronic health records and reimbursement models, which will help it gain wider adoption among clinicians and healthcare providers. Training programs for providers will also support smoother integration into existing care plans.
• Insurance Reimbursement: For Rejoyn to succeed commercially, securing insurance coverage is critical. Thanks to Otsuka’s established presence in the mental health market, Rejoyn has an advantage in negotiating payer contracts, which will help it gain broader acceptance from insurers and providers.

---

Financial Performance and Funding

Rejoyn is commercialized by Otsuka Precision Health, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings, in partnership with Click Therapeutics. Otsuka Holdings is a global pharmaceutical company with a strong financial foundation, which provides the resources and stability necessary for Rejoyn’s growth and scalability. For FY2023, Otsuka reported revenue of $9.2 billion USD and business profits of $1.87 billion USD.

Funding Rounds

Rejoyn has not gone through separate venture funding rounds, as it is funded through Otsuka’s internal capital and previous funding from Click Therapeutics. Otsuka allocates a significant portion of its profits, approximately $4.1 billion USD, to research and development, which supports projects like Rejoyn.

Key Features for a Therapeutic App like Rejoyn for MDD

Here are the key features of a therapeutic app like Rejoyn,

1. Evidence-Based Therapeutic Content

The app should offer clinically proven tools, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specialized exercises like the Emotional Faces Memory Task. These approaches have been shown to improve emotional processing and reduce depressive symptoms, providing users with reliable, research-backed support to manage their mental health.

---

2. Personalized Reminders and Motivational Messaging

To keep users engaged, the app should send personalized reminders and motivational messages. These features help encourage users to stick with their treatment plan, making it easier to stay consistent and follow through. By reinforcing positive behaviors, these messages support long-term engagement and better outcomes.

---

3. Structured, Time-Limited Program

A clear, time-bound program like a 6-week course gives users a sense of structure and direction. With regular activities and progress tracking, users can see tangible progress, making the journey feel more manageable. After the main program ends, continued access to the materials helps maintain motivation and offers ongoing support.

---

4. Integration with Clinical Care

The app should work in tandem with a user’s healthcare provider, complementing their ongoing treatment. Features like prescription-only access, integration with electronic health records, and options for virtual consultations enable seamless communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for real-time monitoring and personalized care.

---

5. Mood Tracking and Progress Visualization

Tracking emotions, symptoms, and triggers over time is crucial. The app should offer a way for users to regularly log their mood, providing visual feedback such as graphs or summaries. This helps both the user and their clinician monitor progress, identify patterns, and adjust the approach as needed to ensure continued improvement.

Development Steps for an App like Rejoyn for MDD

Here are the steps to develop a therapeutic app like Rejoyn,

1. Clinical Research and Expertise Integration

Developing an app like Rejoyn requires a foundation built on clinical expertise. Partnering with mental health professionals ensures the therapeutic methods used in the app, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and brain-training exercises, are evidence-based. This collaboration ensures the app’s approach is effective and suitable for treating MDD.

---

2. FDA Approval and Regulatory Compliance

A mindful app for MDD must meet stringent regulatory standards. To be classified as a prescription digital therapeutic the app needs FDA approval, which involves clinical trials and rigorous testing. Additionally, the app must comply with data privacy laws like HIPAA to ensure that user information is secure and protected.

---

3. Define the Therapeutic Features (CBT, Brain-Training)

The core therapeutic features of the app should focus on CBT and brain-training exercises. These techniques help address the emotional and cognitive aspects of depression. The app should include tasks that enhance neural connections, such as the Emotional Faces Memory Task, to target emotional processing and support recovery from MDD.

---

4. User-Centered Design and Interface 

A simple, intuitive design is crucial for a mindful app. Users dealing with depression need an app that doesn’t overwhelm them. Focus on creating a calming, easy-to-navigate interface with features like progress tracking and reminders to encourage regular use. A thoughtful design will help users stay engaged and committed to their therapeutic journey.

---

5. Building the Therapeutic Content

The therapeutic content should be focused, actionable, and scientifically supported. Each lesson or exercise must be brief but impactful, allowing users to engage without feeling burdened. Incorporate CBT exercises and brain-training tasks that are easy to follow but designed to have a meaningful impact on mental health over time.

---

6. Backend Infrastructure and Data Privacy

Given the sensitive nature of the data, the backend infrastructure needs to be secure. Implement encryption and other security measures to protect user data, including personal health information. Compliance with HIPAA and other data privacy standards is essential to build trust and ensure the app remains safe for users to engage with.

---

7. Clinical Trials and Testing

Clinical trials are vital to validate the app’s effectiveness in real-world settings. Testing the app with real users provides insights into how well it reduces depression symptoms and how the therapeutic features impact users over time. Feedback from these trials will be critical for refining the app’s functionality and ensuring its therapeutic claims are met.

---

8. Prescription Integration and Health Provider Collaboration

For the app to be used appropriately, it should be prescribed by healthcare providers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Working closely with clinicians to track patient progress and offer ongoing support ensures the app remains a useful tool in managing MDD. This collaboration also helps improve the app’s credibility and effectiveness.

---

9. Post-Launch Monitoring and Updates

After the app is launched, continuous monitoring is necessary to track user engagement and therapeutic outcomes. Collecting feedback from users allows the app to be refined, ensuring it remains effective and user-friendly. Regular updates based on this data will help the app evolve, improving the experience and continuing to meet the needs of its users.

Cost of Developing an App like Rejoyn for MDD

Building an app like Rejoyn for Major Depressive Disorder involves careful planning and cost-effective development to stay within budget.

Phase	Task	Estimated Cost Range
Research and Planning	Market Research	$100 – $500
	Clinical Consultation	$500 – $2,000
	Regulatory Review (HIPAA/GDPR)	$400 – $2,500
	Feature Specification	$0 – $500
	Wireframing and Basic User Flows	$500 – $1,500
	Subtotal	$1,000 – $5,000
Design (UI/UX)	UI Design (Visual Style and Screen Design)	$1,500 – $5,000
	UX Design (User Flows and Mockups)	$500 – $3,000
	Subtotal	$2,000 – $8,000
Frontend Development (One Platform)	Mood Tracking	$1,000 – $3,000
	Guided Exercises	$1,500 – $4,000
	Personalized Content	$1,000 – $3,500
	Goal Setting	$800 – $2,500
	Educational Resources	$500 – $1,500
	Progress Tracking	$700 – $2,000
	Crisis Support (Linking to Resources)	$300 – $800
	User Authentication	$500 – $1,500
	Subtotal	$5,000 – $15,000
Backend Development	Basic Backend Setup (Cloud Hosting, Database)	$1,000 – $3,000
	API Development for Core Features	$2,000 – $7,000
	Subtotal	$3,000 – $10,000
Testing and Quality Assurance	Manual Testing	$800 – $3,000
	Basic Automated Testing	$200 – $2,000
	User Acceptance Testing	$0 – $500
	Subtotal	$1,000 – $5,000
Deployment and Launch	Developer Accounts (Apple: $99/yr, Google: $25 one-time)	$124 (fixed fees)
	App Store Listing Prep (copy, screenshots, setup)	$400 – $1,900
	Subtotal	$500 – $2,000
Total Estimated Budget	—	$10,000 – $50,000

This is a rough cost estimate to guide early planning. Actual expenses may vary based on your team, features, and timeline. Use it as a starting point, not a fixed quote.

Factors Affecting the Development Cost of an App like Rejoyn

Several factors influence the overall cost of developing a mobile app. For an app focused on MDD, these costs can be even higher due to specific considerations.

Clinical Validation and Expertise

Engaging mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, is essential. Their input ensures that the app’s therapeutic content is both effective and safe. This expertise adds an extra layer of cost, which is not typically required for general-purpose apps.

Content Development for Mental Wellness

Creating specialized content, like mindfulness exercises and psychoeducational materials, requires mental health expertise. Whether you’re hiring content creators or licensing evidence-based resources, these specialized materials incur additional costs to ensure they are clinically appropriate.

Data Privacy and Security (HIPAA Compliance)

If the app handles mental health data, it must comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA in the U.S. This means implementing strong security measures and possibly seeking legal consultation to ensure compliance. The need for robust data protection significantly impacts backend development costs.

Ethical Considerations and Safety Features

MDD-focused apps need to prioritize user safety. This includes providing crisis support resources, clear disclaimers, and responsible data handling. Developing these safety features requires careful planning, adding to the complexity and cost of the app.

Conclusion

Creating an app like Rejoyn for MDD offers businesses a chance to provide valuable mental health support. By offering users personalized tools to track their moods and manage symptoms, businesses can meet a critical need. A similar app opens up revenue opportunities through subscriptions and collaborations with healthcare providers. For businesses, it’s not just about profits, it’s an opportunity to make a real impact in the mental health space while building a strong reputation in the wellness tech industry.

Looking to Develop an App like Rejoyn for MDD?

At Idea Usher, we specialize in building personalized mental health solutions that empower users to manage their depression and improve their well-being. With over 500,000 hours of coding experience, our team of ex-MAANG/FAANG developers is equipped to create a powerful, user-friendly app tailored to your specific needs. 

Check out our latest projects to see the high-quality work we deliver and discover how we can help you bring your vision to life.

FAQs