Scott Alexander criticizes the emergence of expensive, prescription-only therapy apps, using Somryst (a CBT-i app) as an example, and warns about the normalization of this trend.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses the emergence of prescription-only apps, focusing on Somryst, a CBT-i app for insomnia. He criticizes the high cost ($899) and prescription requirement, arguing that it defeats the purpose of making therapy more accessible. The post explains how the US healthcare system incentivizes this model, comparing it to prescription fish oil. Scott expresses disappointment in the lack of affordable alternatives and warns that this trend might become normalized, urging readers to act while they still feel outraged by it.
Shorter summary