Orengo-Aguayo Rosaura E, Hanson Rochelle F, Moreland Angela D, Jobe-Shields Lisa, Adams Zachary W
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67th President Street, MSC 861, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond Hall 28 Westhampton Way, Virginia, 23173, USA.
Adm Policy Ment Health. 2018 Jul;45(4):575-586. doi: 10.1007/s10488-017-0846-6.
This mixed-methods study assessed providers' views of the use of technology in the delivery of an empirically supported mental health treatment for adolescents (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; TF-CBT). Thematic qualitative interviews were conducted with nine experienced providers. Emerging themes served as the basis for the creation of a quantitative web-based survey, completed by 56 TF-CBT experts, to assess the perceived helpfulness of the recommendations. Technology was perceived as a useful, appealing, and familiar tool that could greatly enhance the delivery of this treatment modality with adolescents. Main recommendations included the creation of a mobile application targeting all of the treatment components and a website with developmentally appropriate resources for providers, caregivers, and teens. Technology may be a useful tool for enhancing service delivery and promoting engagement among youth receiving trauma-focused mental health treatment.