The escalating demand for behavioral health services coupled with workforce demands and challenges creates a compelling reason to take a closer look at innovative solutions. According to KFF, nearly 47% of the U.S. population is living in a mental health workforce shortage area.1 CBHL has hosted two recent discussions addressing the potentially transformative power of behavioral health apps and technology involving experts from industry and academia. The conversations delved into these tools as potential solutions to increase access, improve outcomes, and address the pressing workforce crisis. (View the recording of the November 2023 webinar here.)
In February 2024, CBHL continued the conversation in a member roundtable as part of an initiative to launch ongoing member leadership communities focused on addressing key topics in behavioral health leadership, beginning with a series on behavioral health technology. The conversation explored the potential of behavioral health apps as a transformative technology supporting both mental and physical wellbeing.
In this roundtable, behavioral health leaders joined together with subject matter experts to discuss how to successfully integrate behavioral health apps and technology into existing practices. We explored challenges faced by organizations grappling with how to select the “right” technology and considerations for how to implement as a complement to existing services.
Noting that there is currently no single entity or process to evaluate behavioral health apps2, the presenters shared resources like an an issue brief titled “Potential Usefulness of Apps and Other Digital Technologies for Improving Access to Behavioral Health in Primary Care” from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
The dialogue explored the following topics:
- Access to funding, particularly funding opportunities at the state level;
- How to promote uptake of apps and technology as a complement to existing services;
- An exploration of apps already working effectively within systems like the VA, Live Whole Health App;
- System implementation, including overcoming challenges with implementation;
- Training and support for new technologies;
- Equitable access to technology;
- Implementation support;
- Attitudes and beliefs surrounding the implementation of behavioral health apps;
- The potential for evaluation support from organizations like the Organization for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA).
If you are grappling with how to address unmet or undermet needs among specific population groups in your community or organization; have considered the possibility of integrating behavioral health apps or new technologies into services; and/or feel stuck by how to choose the right technology or how to implement successfully, we invite you to join our quarterly CBHL Leadership Community, kicking off in June 2024: Supporting the Uptake of Behavioral Health Apps and Technology.
To become a CBHL member and join this leadership community and other CBHL member events, check out our website or contact Aly Feye at afeye@leaders4health.org.
Additional References and Resources
- November 2023 Webinar | Revolutionizing Behavioral Health: The Role of Behavioral Health Apps in Addressing the Workforce Crisis
- AHRQ Issue Brief
- The App Evaluation Model (American Psychiatric Association)
- Organization for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA)
2https://integrationacademy.ahrq.gov/products/topic-briefs/behavioral-health-apps
