Kalmer, a specific based-App intervention for the treatment of Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): a technical and usability study in a non-clinical population - Report - MDSpire

Kalmer, a specific based-App intervention for the treatment of Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): a technical and usability study in a non-clinical population

  • By

  • Mónica Conesa Giménez

  • Irene Jaén

  • Daniel Vega

  • Anna Julià

  • Marina López-Solà

  • Jordi Solé-Casals

  • Ignacio Miralles

  • Azucena Garcia-Palacios

  • June 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Kalmer: A Technology-Based Intervention for NSSI

Overview

Kalmer, a mobile app designed for adolescents and young adults engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), demonstrated high usability and positive user perceptions in a usability study. The app integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies, showing potential as a complementary tool in NSSI treatment.

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant mental health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with prevalence rates reaching up to 58% in clinical samples. NSSI is associated with emotional dysregulation and poses risks for future psychological challenges, including suicidal behavior. Digital interventions like Kalmer may help bridge access gaps in traditional therapies, offering innovative support for affected individuals.

Data Highlights

Usability MeasureMean Score
SUS Score81
Objective Quality3.88/5
Subjective Quality2.99/5
Perceived Usefulness3.66/5

Key Findings

  • Kalmer achieved a System Usability Scale (SUS) mean score of 81, indicating high usability.
  • Users rated the objective quality of the app as good (mean = 3.88/5).
  • Subjective quality was perceived as improvable (mean = 2.99/5).
  • Users found the app useful with a mean score of 3.66/5.
  • Kalmer may enhance self-awareness and help-seeking attitudes among users.
  • Areas for improvement include content personalization and user engagement.

Clinical Implications

Kalmer presents a feasible digital intervention that can complement traditional NSSI treatments, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Clinicians should consider integrating technology-based solutions to enhance engagement and support for individuals at risk of NSSI.

Conclusion

The findings from the usability study of Kalmer suggest its potential as a valuable tool in addressing NSSI among young individuals. Future clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate its effectiveness in public health contexts.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Sleep characteristics and non-suicidal self-injury: unveiling the association in depressed adolescents
  2. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Community-based mental health interventions for reducing youth suicidal thoughts and behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Development and validation of a machine learning–based risk prediction model for non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Associations between peripheral plasma cytokine levels and patterns of non-suicidal self-injury methods among Chinese outpatient adolescents: a latent class analysis
  5. ICD-11 Non-suicidal self-injury Code
  6. Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline on Suicide and NSSI in Children and Adolescents
  7. NICE Self-harm Guideline
  8. WHO Fact Sheet on Suicide
  9. Comparative efficacy and acceptability of psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, and combination treatments for non-suicidal self-injury in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis - PMC
  10. Stratified Stepped-Care for Reducing Suicide Attempts and Self-Harm in Youth: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
  11. A mobile-based, single-session intervention to empower parents of adolescents hospitalised for non-suicidal self-injury: A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial - PMC
  12. A Digital Therapeutic Intervention for Inpatients With Elevated Suicide Risk: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Digital Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
  13. Delivering real-time support for self-injury: A systematic review on ecological momentary interventions - ScienceDirect
  14. Effectiveness of Mobile Applications for Suicide Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | MDPI
  15. A meta-analysis of persuasive design, engagement, and efficacy in 92 RCTs of mental health apps | npj Digital Medicine

Original Source(s)

Kalmer, a specific based-App intervention for the treatment of Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): a technical and usability study in a non-clinical population

  • by Mónica Conesa Giménez, Irene Jaén, Daniel Vega, Anna Julià, Marina López-Solà, Jordi Solé-Casals, Ignacio Miralles, Azucena Garcia-Palacios

  • June 3, 2026

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