Deploying a texting intervention for psychosis; from research to real-world practice

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):
Co-Investigator(s):

The vast majority of young adults with early psychosis own mobile phones, identify texting as their preferred communication modality, and report an interest in messaging-based treatments. We developed a texting intervention for people with psychosis called the Mobile Interventionist. Treatment is conducted via daily recovery-oriented text conversations between patients and a trained messaging practitioner. This novel form of engagement produces an asynchronous but continuous form of treatment and combines the advantages of digital health (i.e., accessibility, reach beyond the brick-and-mortar clinic, low intensity), with the flexibility, personal tone and sensitivity of a clinician. Several studies have demonstrated that our texting intervention approach is feasible, acceptable, engaging and effective. This initiative will help translate this promising research into real-world clinical practice by implementing the Mobile Interventionist texting model at the University of Washington’s Specialized Treatment Program for Early Psychosis (STEP).

Clinically, the intervention may improve the illness management of young adults with early psychosis participating in the pilot, improving their long-term trajectories. Programmatically, the pilot bridges the research/practice gap by providing training and guided clinical experience to a real-world clinical team.

Project Period:
September 1, 2021 — August 31, 2022

Funding Type(s):
Philanthropy

Funder(s):
Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions

Research Program(s):

Geographic Area(s):
Washington

Practice Type(s):
Online/remote/apps/social media

Patient Population(s):
Adults

Targeted Condition(s):
Psychosis