Mental Health Practice in a Digital World

The purpose of the Mental Health Practice in a Digital World: A Clinicians Guide book is to prepare clinicians to understand, critically evaluate, and embrace well-designed and validated technologies that have the potential of transforming the access, affordability, and accountability of mental healthcare. The reader will become aware of the practical applications of technology in mental health as well as research supporting information technology tools, policy debates. Each chapter contains either examples or scenarios that are relevant to the current practice of mental health care. Policy makers, application developers, scientists, and executives that have lead or supported the use of technologies in real world practice are chapter authors. The goal for this book is to be the key resource for current and future mental health clinicians in the U.S. and around the world to become familiar with technology innovations and how they impact and improve clinical practice. We ask you that you adhere to the following format for your chapter. A standard format will allow the reader to have a consistent framework and reference for any technology they decide to adopt or share with others. Background/History, meaning why was the technology needed/desired and what is the background or history of its development and use. Research or policy infrastructure or background that supports the technology or science and experience that shows caution. Description of the technology , hardware, software, network, etc., programming (technical description and how it works) Two practical examples and scenarios with a picture or diagram if necessary Future research and or trends regarding future innovations in your area. Any pearls of wisdom for clinicians While this outline will not exactly fit all chapters, it will provide a standard format that ranges from the background of the development and use technology to very practical use examples.