While it is true that digital technology has had an undeniable impact on the rising number of mental health issues, it is essential not to overlook the potential for technology, in the form of behavioral health software, to act as an effective supplement in providing relief for those suffering from the issues in question. Digital technologies have the ability to enhance interactions between patients and doctors and boost the efficiency of behavioral health integration.
In recent years, the use of software to provide additional support in mental health treatment has seen a sharp increase in popularity. Several studies have shown that behavioral health software can effectively enhance patient mental health care and well-being. For example, an evaluation of the efficacy of online and in-person treatment for depression and several forms of anxiety, including social anxiety, was published in 2018. The study focused on a specific form of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which clients learn to alter their negative emotions by transforming how they perceive issues, anxieties, and experiences. The researchers collated the results of 20 investigations, including more than 1,400 treatment participants. They discovered that online CBT for treating anxiety and depression was just as effective as CBT delivered in person.
Navix Health is committed to transforming the behavioral healthcare industry and its practices, offering digital software solutions designed to meet the needs of clinicians and their patients. Our mission is to revolutionize mental healthcare so you and your patients can easily benefit from high-quality care.
However, achieving success in mental health treatment requires an intimate knowledge of how a software system tailored to deliver mental health services can improve outcomes. Such a system has the potential to bring a host of benefits, including the following:
Reducing feelings of loneliness.
Software systems can come embedded with mental health chatbot features to provide patients who feel lonely with a companion to talk to. For many mental health patients, the idea of discussing an issue with another person is a barrier in and of itself. Chatbots can offer a sympathetic ear, a place to voice problems and intrusive thoughts or participate in "therapeutic" chit-conversation. Healthcare chatbots complement patient care since they may be available round-the-clock, day and night. By asking users questions, they gather vital information that is kept for the future use of healthcare practitioners when needed.
Virtual support group meetings.
Addiction to substances or self-harm is a common bad habit that goes hand in hand with mental illness. Online group meetings can function as confidential gatherings. It promotes growth, ideas, and consequences that an individual is experiencing while preserving identity. Providers can use online group sessions using video conferencing technologies, websites that provide anonymity, and other methods. The entire group of your patients may participate electronically and communicate about their healing journeys and opinions. A medical expert can run the meetings and offer active counseling and support.
Providing treatments over the phone.
Instead of requiring constant monitoring, the patient can gain access to numerous cognitive and behavioral therapies online. During your care, you can post daily advice and manuals onto the patient’s phone for them to access and use. And instead of a physical session, you can email the patient videos, links, and other materials. This way, patients can also learn to manage their symptoms and conditions themselves.
Tackling stigma with mental health.
The advancement of technology has given rise to innovative measures to tackle mental health issues and promote the well-being of individuals. Digital innovation has the potential to enhance accessibility and reduce stigma among mental health patients by providing them with a safe space for communication without the fear of judgment. They don't have to wait in waiting lines, hoping nobody they know spots them there, which could further exacerbate their anxiety. Online therapy options have become increasingly popular, making it easier for patients to find help at their own convenience. Services such as remote teletherapy and self-care mobile applications can provide individuals with tools to develop resilience and manage their conditions from the comfort of their homes.
Increasing effectiveness.
To assist patients with mental health issues, there are several courses of action to take, depending upon each patient's need and stage of mental health. For some, online education and self-care programs may be adequate to help manage symptoms without requiring medical aid, while for others, there may be a need for more extensive treatments. Telepsychiatry offers a more flexible way to communicate with a mental health specialist in a face-to-face manner, which may enable faster recognition of issues that require emergency care, thus giving doctors more time to devote to those in dire need of their help.
Increasing access to care for all.
Technological solutions have proved to be invaluable in helping decrease mental health disparities, particularly among minority groups. By providing access to remote therapy, telemedicine allows people who may not otherwise have access to critical mental health resources to get the help they require and deserve. Additionally, the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning allow healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatments quickly and accurately. With the reduced time and cost associated with these services, more minority individuals can now access mental health support.
Moreover, the software can provide those belonging to minority groups the opportunity to connect with healthcare providers from their own backgrounds online. This can make them feel less judged and more open to speaking their minds, which is extremely important for mental health treatment success.
Tracking the progress of the patient online.
Utilizing digital paths and tools, you can easily get a full grasp of a patient's development and health condition. You can launch surveys on your mobile application, and the patient can respond to them. This could be an excellent way to assess the efficacy of your interventions and alter your practices accordingly. Furthermore, you can use various methods to monitor your client's progress which can also help you track patient progress and identify early warning signs of deterioration.
