Blog One Meagan

In just one week we discussed a what e Mental Health was and some examples of eMH. I have heard very little about e Mental Health before this course. My prior knowledge before this course included the use of websites for information about mental health issues and how to help yourself or others. I have also heard about a few apps for phones that could be used to help with substance abuse issues. I only knew of these features through my internship at SAMHSA in the summer 2015. My interest in mental health and eMH grew after this internship.

The different types of eMH we discussed in class included telephone and videoconferencing, web-base interventions, interventions using mobile devices, and virtual reality. All of which can be used conveniently by the doctor and the patient. Some of the benefits we discussed in class included increase access to provide support and services, empower patients, reduce costs and an approach for patient centered healthcare to name a few. I was excited to learn about Patient Centered Healthcare (PCMH).

This week we learned that Patient Centered Healthcare or PCMH includes comprehensive care, patient centered, coordinated care, accessible, and quality and safety. We also watched videos that showed some real life examples of eMH that are being used today. I was particularly interested in what Australia as to offer.

I can already tell that this course will be very beneficial to my future career. I plan to focus on behavioral health, specifically depression, anxiety and substance abuse. I want to find ways for those who may not have the money to get treatment and as we learned in this course eMH is a very cost efficient way to give treatment. I see potential in this emerging way of treatment. I also see eMH of a way to raise awareness as well. I am looking forward to learning more in this course.