In a statement, the promoters of "Psicovida" explain that the application allows users to speak directly with "accredited" psychologists through video calls, while also providing various self-help strategies.

The platform was created under a partnership between the company OutSystems, the Psychology Association of the University of Minho (APsi-UMinho) and researchers from the Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), in Porto.

"Psicovida's mission is to support the national community by ensuring equitable and free access to psychological intervention in the current pandemic scenario," the statement stresses.

The application is organised in specialised modules, according to the specific needs of the users: stress and anxiety, loss and grief, the elderly and their relatives, pregnancy, career support, violence, management of dynamics and family care.

The promoters stress that the communication made through the platform "is confidential and safeguards users' rights".

They add that this crisis intervention is brief and focused on immediate psychological stabilisation, and does not replace more in-depth and regular psychological intervention, if this is the most appropriate course of action.

Users can download the application for iOS (iPhone/iPad) or Android.