JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

There is incredible public health potential for developing digital mental health tools that can be easily integrated into people’s lives. Such tools have the potential to extend reach and maximize impact. Prior to implementing digital tools into new settings, it is critical to understand what is important to the organizations and individuals who will implement and use these tools. Given that young people are highly familiar with technology and many mental health concerns emerge in childhood and adolescence, it is especially crucial to understand how digital tools can be integrated into settings that serve young people.

Objective:

The aims of the current study were to interview community behavioral health care providers working with children and adolescents to learn about their considerations and perspectives on incorporating digital tools into their practices.

Methods:

We worked with a large community service organization in the United States that provides care to more than 27,000 people annually. Focus groups were conducted with clinical staff members and supervisors from that organization who work with young people. The transcripts were coded using a thematic analysis approach.

Results:

Clinicians first provided insight into the digital tools they were currently using in their treatment sessions with young people, such as online videos and mood tracking apps. They explained that their main goals in utilizing these tools were to help young people build skills, as well as to facilitate learning and monitor symptoms. Benefits, such as engagement of adolescents in treatment, were expressed, along with potential challenges (e.g., accessibility; limited content) and developmental considerations (e.g., digital devices getting taken away as punishment). Clinicians discussed their desire for a centralized digital platform securely connecting the clinician, young person, and caregiver(s). Lastly, they offered several considerations for integration of digital tools into mental health care, such as setting up expectations with clients and also the importance of human support.

Conclusions:

Consideration of the organization, and individuals within that organization, who will directly implement digital mental health tools is critical in designing tools that can be sustainably incorporated into treatment organizations.