Summary: <p>Using Technology Based Tools in Behavioral Health<br> Best Practices for Improving Access<br> Instructor: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC<br> Executive Director: AllCEUs.com Counselor education<br> Podcast Host: Counselor Toolbox, Happiness Isn’t Brain Surgery</p> <p>Counseling CEUs are available for this podcast at<a href="https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/search?q=etherapy"> https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/search?q=etherapy</a></p> <p>Objectives<br> ~ Explore the benefits and drawbacks to technology assisted counseling<br> ~ Learn about some of the different technology tools available<br> ~ Identify ways technology can be used in your practice to enhance client success and be culturally responsive<br> Why Use It<br> ~ Mobile devices are becoming universal in our culture.<br> ~ The use of electronic media and information technologies in behavioral health treatment is rapidly gaining acceptance.<br> ~ Technology allows alternative models of care to be offered to clients with specific needs that limit their ability or interest in participating in more conventional settings<br> ~ Privacy<br> ~ ADD/ADHD<br> ~ Pain<br> ~ Time<br> ~ Technology-assisted care (TAC) can reach many people otherwise unable to access services<br> Why Use It<br> ~ Useful in a wide variety of settings, including<br> ~ The home<br> ~ Community organizations<br> ~ Schools<br> ~ Emergency rooms<br> ~ Healthcare providers' offices<br> ~ Via mobile devices and online social networks.</p> <p>Why Use It<br> ~ TAC is often accessible on demand at the user's convenience, thus reducing barriers to access.<br> ~ Travel/transportation<br> ~ Time<br> ~ Childcare<br> ~ Some reduced cost can be passed on to the client<br> ~ Facilitates coordination of services and care management between providers<br> ~ Millennials grew up communicating through chat and are most comfortable with those modalities</p> <p>Why Use It–Adolescents<br> ~ Several studies underscore the acceptability and appeal to youths of computer-delivered interventions<br> ~ Significant barriers to adolescents' participation in addiction treatment may be addressed by internet-based addiction services<br> ~ Many youths report interactive computer learning environments preferable to traditional learning environments, in that computer-based learning allows them to solve problems actively and independently and receive individualized feedback<br> Why Use It – Elderly/Aging<br> ~ A growing body of research has highlighted the utility of technology for health promotion among aging populations<br> ~ Computerized tools designed to enhance cognitive skills through exercises that target problem solving, attention, memory, and abstract reasoning have been shown to have promise in populations with SMI as well as among individuals with substance use disorders<br> Why Use It<br> ~ Meet the needs of the adult learner<br> ~ Provide more comprehensive services (“Clinician Extenders”)<br> ~ Individual patients can participate in online, moderated forums/groups<br> ~ All patients can access web or app based exercises, activities and videos outside of “session”<br> ~ May encourage clients to reach out more often (i.e. watch a video or review a forum in the middle of the night)<br> ~ Many online support forums are free and maintained by someone else. (Similar to support group meetings facilitated by churches, crisis centers etc.)</p> <p>Downside<br> ~ Lack of nonverbals, even in video chat<br> ~ Lack of immediate feedback when done asynchronously (forums, online activities)<br> ~ Asynchronous interaction needs to be addressed in patient responsibilities and regularly reviewed for appropriateness.<br> ~ Clients who do not type well may fine text-based interventions frustrating.<br></p>
