Blog Post 15- Amy Spear

This course has taught me a great deal about e-Mental health in general but also more about our delivery of care and how it is changing with our advances in technology. Our models of care are transforming from in-person therapies to hybrid models involving technology use to deliver treatment. I have become familiar with many online tools for delivery of these treatments as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these portals when delivering care.

When we normally think of treatment or attending a doctor's’ visit we thinking of the conventional methods of in person therapy. However, with our recent advancements in technology we have developed a new integrated model of care. Utilizing online or web-based technologies in conjunction with in-person therapy has been shown to be effective in treating mental health disorders. Over the course of this course we have discussed many applications that can be used in addition to these conventional therapies. We discussed many applications such as Pacifica, PTSD Coach, Virtual Hope Box these app vary in the disorders they are specialized for such as anxiety and PTSD. Many of these applications have universal advantages and disadvantages. These applications increase access to care and are typically very cost-effective. Many applications are also able to provide these therapies to hard to reach populations as well as eliminating the stigma that follows getting help for mental health disorders. However, we have had many discussions of how these technologies can impact the doctor-patient relationship. With these new models of care there are many boundaries that must be established between the physician and patient. Therefore, with the utilization of these applications we see many benefits for patients and physicians. Overall, I have learned a great deal about not just e-Mental health but many aspects of the mental health field in general. I have also developed a greater understanding for mental health disorders and various treatments. With this knowledge I believe as a future clinician I use these techniques in my practices.