Using Digital Health to Connect Young Adults with Early Psychosis to Treatment-Handouts: Slides

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This document is a summary of a webinar titled "Using Digital and Mobile Health to Connect Young Adults with Early Psychosis to Treatment." The webinar was part of an initiative by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).<br /><br />The webinar discussed the promise of early intervention for psychosis and the problem of treatment delays. Early intervention is critical for long-term recovery and can reduce the risk of relapse, symptoms, and improve the likelihood of remission. However, treatment delays can worsen outcomes and have negative impacts on overall functioning.<br /><br />Digital and mobile health tools were highlighted as promising in reducing barriers to care for young adults at risk for psychosis. These tools can provide on-demand coping strategies, information on help-seeking and symptoms, and tracking of wellness. They can also bridge the gap between initial help-seeking and treatment by offering immediate support and resources.<br /><br />The webinar introduced two specific digital tools: NORTH for young adults at risk for psychosis and Bolster for early psychosis caregivers. NORTH is a digital tool designed to facilitate help-seeking and provide self-guided resources for young adults with early psychosis. Bolster is a digital tool that aims to support caregivers in facilitating treatment for young adults with early psychosis. Both tools underwent a user-centered design process and showed promise in usability testing.<br /><br />The webinar also discussed the next steps for these digital tools, including pilot trials and randomized controlled trials to determine their feasibility and efficacy. The potential clinical applications of these tools were also explored, such as extending the reach of clinical services, providing support outside of clinic hours, and assisting providers in using currently available digital mental health tools.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar emphasized the importance of early intervention for psychosis and the potential of digital and mobile health tools in improving access to care and outcomes for young adults with early psychosis.

Asset Subtitle

Using Digital Health to Connect Young Adults with Early Psychosis to Treatment

Keywords

Digital and Mobile Health

Young Adults

Early Psychosis

Treatment

Webinar

American Psychiatric Association

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Early Intervention

Barriers to Care

Digital Tools