Using Technology-Based Therapeutic Tools in Behavioral Health Services (7 CE)

Course Level: Advanced

Course By: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW

Jennifer Kolb, LCSW; Social Work Consultant, reviewed and determined the course meets requirements for continuing education in the field of social work. This course is appropriate for masters and clinical level social workers. Jennifer graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. She specializes in school-based psychotherapy with children and adolescents, as well as licensing exam coaching and preparation.

Content By: This publication was produced under the Knowledge Application Program (KAP) contract with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Christina Currier and Suzanne Wise served as Contracting Officer’s Representatives, and Candi Byrne served as KAP Project Coordinator.

Course Delivery: Online, Self-Paced

Course Description: This course provides an overview of current technology-based assessments and interventions (including treatment, recovery support, relapse prevention, and prevention-focused interventions) targeting behavioral health, and it summarizes the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of such interventions. It also examines opportunities for technology-assisted care in the behavioral health arena—particularly in improving early access to care, client engagement in and commitment to treatment and recovery, client education, specific treatment interventions, relapse prevention and recovery management, extended recovery, community engagement, mental health promotion, and substance use disorder prevention, among other areas. This course addresses how behavioral health service providers can use Web sites, telephone and televideo resources, smartphones, and other portable devices and electronic media for education, outreach, and direct client services. It emphasizes use of technology-assisted care with clients who might not otherwise receive treatment or whose treatment might be impeded by physical disabilities, rural or remote geographic locations, lack of transportation, employment constraints, or symptoms of mental illness. This course emphasizes the use of technology-assisted care with those who might not seek treatment in conventional settings and/or who have personal preferences that limit access to conventional services.

Learning Objectives:

1. Assess the potential utility of technology-based therapeutic tools for behavioral health services
2. Summarize specific technologies and their potential applications in behavioral health
3. Evaluate emerging technologies and future opportunities
4. Assess the integration of technology in existing behavioral health services
5. Assess legal and ethical issues to consider for technology-assisted care
6. Assess the use of technology-based therapeutic tools on electronic health records
7. Apply the information disseminated in this course to vignette exercises

Course Format:

Course materials can be downloaded or read online. To receive a certificate of completion, you must complete an online multiple-choice post-test with a score of 75% or better and complete an online course evaluation. 

Approvals: