Echo Swiftly Responds to TeleHealth Needs Due to COVID-19

March 20, 2020, 1:32 pm

≪ Previous: COVID-19 Update: A Message to Our Customers

As a result of the recent demand and necessity for virtual and remote appointments due to COVID-19 across all healthcare sectors, including behavioral health, Echo’s TeleHealth and SMS Text Messaging services have been immediately enacted by several agencies to support them in providing services, additional communication methods, and protection of clients and staff during this challenging time.

Echo’s SMS Text Messaging is allowing agencies to communicate timely information immediately to clients with mobile devices. This has proven important for behavioral health agencies during this crisis as information is rapidly changing at local, state, and national levels.

Echo’s TeleHealth is enabling staff and clients to maintain appointments via laptops, smartphones, or tablets no matter where they are in order to limit in-person visits during this time of social distancing. With Echo’s TeleHealth module, clinicians are able to see the client and engage with them. This not only allows the client to continue receiving treatment but also helps them to feel safe and supported as they know that they are still able to communicate with their caregivers. Once several current customers identified the need for TeleHealth services, Echo was able to quickly and seamlessly implement the module for immediate use.

As states begin to instate emergency orders of temporary expansion of access to telehealth services across the country due to COVID-19, the Echo team looks forward to helping behavioral health agencies implement virtual communication methods within this new normal we are all experiencing.

If your agency is interested in Echo’s TeleHealth or SMS Text Messaging services, click here for more information, contact your account manager or call 603-447-8600. If you aren’t a current customer, it is important to note that we are able to get new customers up to speed with SMS Messaging and TeleHealth just as easily as we are able to set up current customers.

Together, we will continue to navigate the challenges that COVID-19 presents and come through this stronger than ever.

Stay safe, look after one another, and we’re here when you need us.

The Echo Team

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COVID-19: Links You Can Trust

March 27, 2020, 1:20 pm

≫ Next: Upcoming 2020 Quarter Two Release Notes: EchoVantage

≪ Previous: Echo Swiftly Responds to TeleHealth Needs Due to COVID-19

Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and all the information that comes with it can be overwhelming and can also seriously affect emotional and mental health. To help make sure you, your staff, your clients, and your families have all the information you might need, here is a list of vetted websites and phone numbers to organizations that are addressing the COVID-19 crisis as it relates to their missions. Please feel free to share this information and keep it handy as we all work through this crisis.

COVID-19 UPDATES

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – h ttps://www.cdc.gov/ – regular updates on all aspects of the infectious disease.

The World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 – experts provide a global perspective of the COVID-19 virus while also sharing individual best practices on topics like how to best protect yourself from the disease.

DOMESTIC ABUSE

National Domestic Violence Hotline – https://www.thehotline.org/ or 1-800-799-7233 / 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) – a national domestic abuse hotline to contact when home is not safe, especially during this crisis.

SOCIAL ISOLATION

American Psychological Association – https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation – learning how to combat loneliness for those who are most at risk.

Child Mind Institute – https://childmind.org/article/supporting-teenagers-and-young-adults-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/ – tips for parenting teenagers during this time.

Cleveland Institute – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-19-understanding-quarantine-isolation-and-social-distancing-in-a-pandemic/ – understanding social isolation and what it means during this time.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration – https://www.samhsa.gov/coronavirus – provides guidance and assistance as Coronavirus relates to those dealing with substance abuse and mental illnesses.

SUICIDE

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call 1-800-273-TALK or text TALK to 741741 – accessible and free mental health crisis services that are especially vital during times of social distancing

MENTAL HEALTH

National Alliance on Mental Illness – https://nami.org/ – provides specific advice on dealing with COVID-19 to those with mental illness.

CHILDREN

Child Mind Institute – https://childmind.org/ – provides coping tips for parents and familial support during this time.

FOOD SECURITY
Food, Research & Action Center – https://frac.org/ – updates on efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the health, well-being and food security of low-income people.

LOCAL
211 – http://www.211.org/services/covid19 – seek out your state’s public health department website or phone number to connect with for the most up-to-date information on your state’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis along with information on local numbers to call for any of the above-mentioned topics.

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Upcoming 2020 Quarter Two Release Notes: EchoVantage

March 31, 2020, 8:18 am

≫ Next: Echo’s SMS Text Messaging Proves To Be a Critical Solution Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

≪ Previous: COVID-19: Links You Can Trust

The Echo development team is constantly working to improve the EchoVantage experience for our customers. Here is a summary of new features, updates, and bug fixes to expect in Quarter Two of 2020:

TeleHealth enhancements for Group Sessions – will allow our agencies to better support the clients they meet within a group setting in a post-COVID-19 world.
A way to share Form DesignerEHR forms and collect signatures from clients in the waiting room – will encourage the use of electronic forms rather than printed out documents.
Improved workflow for working through errors found in service processing – will allow users to work through their error list in a more streamlined way, reducing the time spent getting those claims ready to submit.
Sliding fees and monthly maximums – will allow your organization to automatically reduce client balances based on income and household size.
Improved client search functionality (searching across client DOB, phone number, SSN, alias) – will make it easier to find the correct client even without having perfect information.

This is just a small sampling of the enhancements we have planned for the 2nd quarter. These items are important updates that we know will prove to make big impacts across our customer base. Stay tuned for when these EchoVantage functionalities will be live.

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Echo’s SMS Text Messaging Proves To Be a Critical Solution Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

April 2, 2020, 10:13 am

≫ Next: What’s Next with ShareCare: Version 9.0

≪ Previous: Upcoming 2020 Quarter Two Release Notes: EchoVantage

As behavioral health agencies look to find ways to connect with their clients during this time of social distancing due to COVID-19, Echo has realized a solution found within our suite of client engagement services–SMS Text Messaging.

SMS Text Messaging allows for agencies to improve client engagement through text reminders and one-time messages via a module built into both our Clinician’s Desktop and EchoVantage electronic health record software. As this relates to the COVID-19 crisis, SMS Text Messaging allows agencies to virtually connect with their clients by sending appointment reminders and follow-up information directly to mobile devices. One Time Messages are also easily added for ad hoc messages such as office closures, scheduled staff person out, or at this time, important messages concerning COVID-19.

SMS Text Messaging is easily configured using your browser and accessing a website. Echo will have you sending messages within minutes of set up.

We are committed to helping our customers maintain secure connections with their clients to ensure ongoing treatment as we all work through this crisis. Please do not hesitate to contact your account manager if you’d like to chat about SMS Text Messaging or any of our other Client Engagement tools (Mobile Assessments, FormDesignEHR, Mobile Assessment Builder or TeleHealth).

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What’s Next with ShareCare: Version 9.0

April 2, 2020, 12:57 pm

≫ Next: Echo Welcomes Missions, Inc. to the Family!

≪ Previous: Echo’s SMS Text Messaging Proves To Be a Critical Solution Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

Echo’s ShareCare development team is constantly working to improve your experience. Here’s a summary of the upcoming changes coming for Release 9, slated to drop in July 2020:

You’ve been asking and we have listened–you no longer have to run ShareCare on Microsoft Internet Explorer! You will be able to run ShareCare on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Apple iPads, Android Tablets, and Google Chromebooks. Enjoy!
The underlying technology is being upgraded to work with SQL Server 2019 and Windows Server 2019.
License Type Group Begin/End Dates are being added.
Enhancements to the Cost Report and other Fiscal Reports are being made to improve reports.

These updates will make a big difference for our ShareCare customers as they look to maintain efficiencies with how they work within the software. Stay tuned for actual release notes coming soon.

The post What’s Next with ShareCare: Version 9.0 appeared first on Leading Behavioral Health EHR/EMR Software | The Echo Group.

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Echo Welcomes Missions, Inc. to the Family!

April 3, 2020, 7:23 am

≫ Next: Is Your Videoconferencing Solution Secure?

≪ Previous: What’s Next with ShareCare: Version 9.0

The Echo Group, the only provider of visual electronic health record (EHR) technology for the behavioral health industry, is pleased to announce a new contract win with Missions Inc. Programs out of Plymouth, Minnesota. Missions Inc. is a nonprofit that provides collaborative community and safe space where people are empowered to heal and transform their lives. Services include chemical and mental health, domestic violence and long-term care to more than 3,500 people each year.

Echo’s EHR, EchoVantage, will help Missions Inc. achieve its strategic goal of having a common database that supports its programs. Easy access to data across all programs will enable more effective internal analysis for planning and decision-making purposes, while also meeting the organization’s compliance and state reporting requirements. Clinical and fiscal efficiencies will be realized—EchoVantage will allow clinicians to enhance the client engagement experience and ensure consistent reimbursement for services provided. This will be a multi-year, multi-faceted contract of Echo’s EchoVantage EHR software in a SaaS environment.

Echo is excited to start implementation and training services in the next few weeks and looks forward to installing innovative and intuitive software that helps the Missions Inc. staff streamline all clinical and billing tasks. This will allow the Missions Inc. staff more time to support their residents in setting goals and facing life’s challenges.

The post Echo Welcomes Missions, Inc. to the Family! appeared first on Leading Behavioral Health EHR/EMR Software | The Echo Group.

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Is Your Videoconferencing Solution Secure?

April 16, 2020, 12:29 pm

≫ Next: The Difference Between EMR and HER*, Oops I meant EHR

≪ Previous: Echo Welcomes Missions, Inc. to the Family!

If your agency implemented a videoconferencing solution to continue connecting with your clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, did you confirm its data privacy and security practices?

Once medical and federal recommendations and requirements regarding social distancing due to COVID-10 came out, many behavioral health agencies moved fast to find a virtual solution for keeping appointments. Now the issue of how secure these videoconferencing apps really are is coming to light.

As part of its established suite of Client Engagement tools, Echo’s secure and HIPAA-approved TeleHealth service has proven to be the ideal solution during this pandemic.

Echo’s TeleHealth Service

Expand your agency’s reach by enabling clinicians to easily connect with clients no matter where they are with Echo’s TeleHealth solution. TeleHealth capabilities reduce client no-shows, increase productivity, and encourage better trust and peace of mind for the client.

The Benefits of TeleHealth

100% HIPAA-compliant audio and video. All data is HIPAA secure and the technology meets or exceeds all U.S. government requirements without compromising ease-of-use
TeleHealth visits result in lower no-show rates
Industry-leading 99.85% successful connection rate (instant support available in the rare case someone has trouble)
Connect on a fraction of the bandwidth required by competitors while still maintaining HD quality video
Clients and providers can be anywhere
Any device with an internet connection can connect

To discuss bringing on Echo’s TeleHealth Services, please contact your account manager or call 603-447-8600.

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The Difference Between EMR and HER*, Oops I meant EHR

June 11, 2020, 1:57 pm

≫ Next: Is TeleHealth the Future?

≪ Previous: Is Your Videoconferencing Solution Secure?

Since technology made it available, health care workers have used electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) interchangeably. This is due to the lack of differentiation in the behavioral health and mental health industry when describing and discussing these two platforms. So, one might ask, what is the difference between the two?

The establishment of EMR was first. This product helps store charts electronically in care delivery organizations (CDOs), such as a clinical office or hospital. Authorized practitioners within the clinic can easily track their notes and data over time, check patients’ records from previous years, and check any other facility-based patient data. The use of technology increases efficiency and helps improve the total care within a practice. The technology allows providers to spend less time trying to interpret poor handwriting, leading to an overall decrease in errors due to miscommunication. EMR might sound great for an organization, but the limitation is the lack of ability to transfer information outside of the practice. To transfer confidential client information, medical offices must print off and mail documents, which could lead to a privacy breach.

And then came the EHR. The design of electronic health records not only collect the medical records of patients from their primary physician but also focus on the overall health of the patient. EHRs allows clinicians that care for a patient to file their notes and charts within a system and share their findings. Including services received from coast to coast, such as laboratories, specialists, nursing homes as well as other healthcare organizations. Not only does this allow clinicians full access to any medical document filed on the patient, but the patient themselves would have access to it as well. The result eliminates the need to print and mail documents.

EHR is an excellent tool within the health network that leads to more efficient care for clients and remove the stressors of having to transfer labs, tests, and charts between practices. It guides health care professionals to create well thought out treatment plans and aid decision making.

EHR’s provide multiple benefits for patients and health care providers, yet many providers remain hesitant to make the change. Most lack the motivation to transfer over, lack the knowledge about the advantages of an EHR, or do not see the direct benefits it provides for the practitioners. Many prefer to write their notes and charts, and some are intimidated by technology. Multiple factors influence the purchase of EHR, but the overall safety of patients should be the primary concern, and the response should be the purchase of an EHR.

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Is TeleHealth the Future?

June 17, 2020, 8:23 am

≫ Next: The Echo Group is Excited to be Working With HHP!

≪ Previous: The Difference Between EMR and HER*, Oops I meant EHR

TeleHealth is a popular topic these days in behavioral health. When the pandemic hit, many clinicians were worried about not being able to continue meeting with their clients. They answered this challenge with TeleHealth. There was some doubt about TeleHealth; however, many providers have found multiple benefits. The big question is, will TeleHealth continue to be a solution when the pandemic is over?

Before the pandemic, TeleHealth was a controversial topic in the behavioral health world. Many providers did not feel comfortable with TeleHealth due to the obstacles involved, such as prescribing and dispensing prescriptions and government/private reimbursements. They also had concerns for the clients that did not have access to the internet or the clients’ technological comfort to use virtual platforms. This was a particular concern with the elderly population. However, recent events have proven providers need not have worried. Many caregivers and their clients, including their elderly clients, have shown a preference for remote sessions. It reduces time by not having to travel and allows both the provider and the client to maintain social distancing.

Providers can use TeleHealth through multiple web formats, including one on one meetings, group discussions, chat rooms, and audio calls. There are many advantages when behavioral health providers use telehealth with clients. One of them is the increased efficiency and flexibility it provides. With the use of TeleHealth, there are fewer no-shows, the meeting can move around as needed, clinician and client can meet on almost any device, and sessions can start anywhere with internet or phone service. Most clients decide to meet within the privacy and comfort of their own home. The comfort and privacy give the clinician a window into a client’s home life. For some clients, this also offers the option of avoiding the fear of the social stigma that they feel is attached to seeking behavioral health care. In addition, clinicians are not limited to a specific geographic area when using TeleHealth. A shortage of behavioral healthcare professionals is an obstacle that many clients face when seeking help. TeleHealth provides access to care for people that lack transportation, mobility, or live in a rural area.

With the increase of use in TeleHealth, many health professionals believe that the use of TeleHealth will be permanent. There are unanswered questions. Will licensure changes that allow flexibility in location become permanent? Will CMS and private insurers make temporary reimbursement models permanent? Providers are counting on the positive benefits outweighing the desire of some to return to the past. TeleHealth provides many possibilities in the mental health world. TeleHealth fills in the gaps that the current behavioral health has today and should be here to stay.

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The Echo Group is Excited to be Working With HHP!

June 22, 2020, 5:18 am

≫ Next: Why the Behavioral Health World Needs EHR

≪ Previous: Is TeleHealth the Future?

The Echo Group, the only provider of visual electronic health record technology for the behavioral health industry, is excited to be working with Horizon Health Partners (HHP) as it moves from traditional behavioral health services to a broader focus on population health. HHP will be using Echo’s EHR, EchoVantage, to support this transition.

Echo has been in the behavioral health industry for over 40 years, and we understand that the industry is continuously evolving. One of the most valuable changes has been the move towards population health. A better understanding of the needs of the population will drive better decisions and better care.

We are very excited to support this work of HHP and are proud to be their Electronic Health Record partner. Click the link below for more information!

https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/new-behavioral-health-ehr-program-gets-blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-funding

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Why the Behavioral Health World Needs EHR

June 29, 2020, 6:08 am

≫ Next: EHR Return on Investment

≪ Previous: The Echo Group is Excited to be Working With HHP!

Electronic health records (EHR) are a useful tool in the health field. EHRs improve health care practices and facilities’ overall efficiency and effectiveness. With EHRs staff have access to an electronic appointment system, billing system, clinical charting, order entry, patient history, general documentation, and reports. According to a Healthcare Innovation Survey, around 99% of all hospitals in the United States currently use an EHR system. So why are behavioral and mental health facilities not as eager to make the change to these electronic health records systems?

Mental and behavioral health facilities have a different language, classifications, codes, data reporting requirements, and regulations when comparing to primary care facilities. In addition, many mental and behavioral health facilities fear confidentiality, and privacy codes will be compromised. These facilities not only have to follow HIPPA laws, but they also have other strict privacy guidelines and regulations.

An EHR improves record security. All electronic documents created in these systems are filed and organized, preventing misplacement or the destruction of records. When a health provider shares confidential documents with another health provider, only the authorized can view these documents. The security prevents a paper trail and any unwanted viewers from getting a hold of patient records.

The ability to easily share documents electronically between providers also improves communications amongst professionals. Many people have a primary care physician and specialist they visit for treatment, such as a therapist. Health providers and therapists can work together and create a treatment plan for the overall health of their patients. Improvement in medication management is another benefit that comes when using an EHR system. Mental health providers can monitor the prescriptions their patients are on, have all their medical history, prevent prescription errors, and it eliminates the “double-doctoring” by patients.

EHR is accessible almost on any device and anywhere with internet or cell service. For the behavioral and mental health world, this is a significant benefit. When dealing with life-threatening emergencies, such as suicide threats, mental health providers can easily access patient records. Easy access improves crisis response services and saves many patients’ lives.

The last benefit that EHR systems provide is streamlined billing. Being able to bill for services electronically makes the billing process more efficient resulting in fewer errors and cost savings when compared to paper invoicing. Electronic billing saves the provider money and time.

EHR has proven to be a beneficial tool within the health world. All mental and behavioral facilities would benefit if they were to switch to an electronic health system. A lot of practices are already making the transition to an EHR system; others still are unsure and do not want to change due to the effort and cost. The increase in effectiveness and efficiency of a patient’s care EHR systems outweighs the concern with making the switch. Not only does it benefit the practice, but it also allows providers to give the ultimate care to patients that they deserve.

The EchoVantage provides the clinical and billing efficiencies discussed above. See our software in action, request information.

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EHR Return on Investment

July 6, 2020, 1:45 pm

≫ Next: What’s Next With ShareCare: Version 9.0

≪ Previous: Why the Behavioral Health World Needs EHR

When you think about return on investment, remember the basic formula (ROI=gain-cost/cost). This concept is not as straightforward when measuring the value of a behavioral health EHR. Not only do you have expected costs for the EHR system, such as licensing, but there are other costs in both time and money, such as configuration, training, and implementation. A survey conducted by the Behavioral Healthcare Executive asked behavioral health facilities what part of their EHR system were they most impressed with. They found that 23.6% of respondents said their EHR system improved patient care, 18.1% were impressed with the elimination of paper storage, and most found that it has improved care, reimbursement, and clinical outcomes. These practices that have purchased an EHR system continue to be successful and their revenue increases each year. However, money is not the only factor that makes these EHR systems rewarding. An EHR system brings many quantifiable and non–quantifiable benefits to practices.

Like most companies, behavioral health facilities focus first on quantifiable benefits. EHR systems increase revenue for most behavioral health facilities. This is due to the more precise billing, accurate, up to date patient history, and the increase of patients being seen. EHR systems also increase the provider’s productivity. Behavioral health professionals can streamline patient notes, physician orders, billing, follow-ups, and other documentation that improves their overall capabilities and make them more time–efficient. Not only does it improve productivity, it also improves operational efficiency. Using EHR systems limits the need for operational personnel, such as transcribers and medical records clerks, decreasing overhead.

There are non-quantifiable benefits when looking at the return on investment of EHR as well. Implementing an EHR improves job satisfaction for staff and clinicians. Although adapting to these systems may be difficult for some, with the correct training, it is beneficial. It allows employees to streamline their job duties, preventing any duplications, decreases tedious tasks, miscommunication, and allows them to spend more time focusing on the patient. Not only does it improve staff satisfaction, it also improves the patients. Patients notice when their medical practice is running more efficiently and professionally. This leads to more loyal and satisfied patients. Satisfied patients are more likely to recommend your practice to friends and family. The most important benefit that EHR systems provide is the improvement in patient outcomes. Behavioral health professionals that have access to these different tools can focus more on the overall health of a patient and improve treatment plans. This leads to better patient care.

These benefits are difficult to calculate and enter in a spreadsheet, but supervisors and employees can easily observe and track them. When looking at the ROI you should review your reduction of payroll, average reimbursement per patient, and the productivity of the clinicians at your practice. You should also take into consideration how many new patients you have and how many have left. These factors should help you calculate the ROI of your EHR system. For most behavioral health practices, EHR systems are expensive but worth it.

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What’s Next With ShareCare: Version 9.0

July 7, 2020, 1:29 pm

≫ Next: 2020 Quarter Three Release Notes and Newly Released Functionality: EchoVantage

≪ Previous: EHR Return on Investment

We are targeting ShareCare 9.0 to arrive this summer, featuring several infrastructure upgrades to bring the underlying technology up to date. The release will include upgrading the database engine to Microsoft SQL Server 2019, the webserver to ColdFusion 2018, and Java to version 10. These changes all contribute to the performance, stability, and longevity of the platform.

With a view to the long term, we have been doing significant work under the hood to prepare ShareCare to support other browsers. This work will allow future releases of ShareCare to add support for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and mobile devices. We understand the importance of flexibility when it comes to browsers, and we are committed to providing users this choice.

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2020 Quarter Three Release Notes and Newly Released Functionality: EchoVantage

July 7, 2020, 1:32 pm

≫ Next: The Echo Group Expands Executive Team With A Key New Hire

≪ Previous: What’s Next With ShareCare: Version 9.0

The Echo development team is continually working to improve the EchoVantage experience for our customers. Here is a summary of recent releases, new features, updates, and bug fixes to expect in Quarter Three of 2020:

Recently released

Client Tabs

You can now add custom forms designer screens to the Profile, Episodes, and Enrollment tabs. This functionality also allows you to set the display order. With this new functionality, you have the flexibility to manage, design, and use the forms you need to collect client data specific to your organization. This new feature is available in 3.12.

Coming in the 3rd Quarter

Client Portal Including Informs, and Remote Forms

The new client portal will include access to Remote Forms. Providers in the community will be able to log into the portal and complete forms necessary to maintain the clinical record without logging into EchoVantage.

Takebacks & Overpayments

Will provide an improved workflow for managing duplicate payments, overpayments, takebacks, retroactive rate changes, and a myriad of other billing scenarios.

Client Duplicate Checking

An improved duplicate check will look for similar clients when you enter a new client to assist in preventing duplicate clients from being created.

Smarter signature routing, so that the forms get to the right person who needs to sign them

When the person who completed a form is not the person who should sign it, this new workflow will send the form to the person who needs to sign it.

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The Echo Group Expands Executive Team With A Key New Hire

July 16, 2020, 7:24 am

≫ Next: Too Many Apps Too Little Understanding

≪ Previous: 2020 Quarter Three Release Notes and Newly Released Functionality: EchoVantage

The Echo Group, the only provider of visual electronic health record technology for the behavioral health industry, is excited to announce that Kelly Stepura, LMSW, Ph.D. is joining Echo as their Chief Clinical Innovation Officer reporting to the CEO. Stepura joins Echo from OmniCare Institute, where she partnered with agencies to incorporate data science, outcome measurement, and machine learning techniques to provide insights, guide service provision, and inform decisions. At Echo, she will continue this work focusing on various data projects, including the Horizon Health Partners Population Data Study. She will work with development in review of clinical functionality within EchoVantage, the Echo Electronic Health Record using her extensive clinical knowledge to enhance product, dashboards, and provide clinical leadership.

“It is exciting to have the clinical leadership that Kelly brings, from software design to her commitment to children’s mental health, specifically in the foster care system,” said Allan Normandin, Chief Executive Officer, The Echo Group. ”We will be in a better position to address the move in behavioral health to be data-driven, and the need to use the data to meet the needs of clients and funders better.”

“Echo is a leader in behavioral health software, with a long-standing history of working closely with partner agencies,” said Kelly Stepura. “I look forward to joining the team in creating pragmatic solutions to improve services and extend best practices for clinical effectiveness. Together we will integrate data science with innovative technology, providing agencies with meaningful and timely information so they can position themselves to be financially strong and clinically effective.”

Most recently, Stepura provided direction and strategic leadership with data science and research activities at OminCare Institute. Prior to OnminCare Institute, Stepura investigated decision-making and risk assessment for Child Protectives Services before devoting the next 20 years of her career to the development of software for the social services industry. She also worked with agencies to examine outcomes and use predictive analysis to predict various foster care outcomes such as permanency and length of stay. Stepura has been a published author and speaker for over 25 years. Most recently, she has been collaborating with researchers internationally around the field’s response to COVID-19 and continues to partner with a team of researchers and data scientists at the University of Texas at Austin on the prediction of outcomes using machine learning and predictive analytics. 

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Too Many Apps Too Little Understanding

July 27, 2020, 2:04 pm

≫ Next: Echo’s SMS Text Messaging Proves To Be a Critical Solution Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

≪ Previous: The Echo Group Expands Executive Team With A Key New Hire

Like the rest of the health world, behavioral health has adapted to new technology over the years for treatment and self-monitoring. Most of the technology represents tools for behavioral health professionals, but recently developers started producing apps for clients. The first behavioral health app came out in the early 2000s, and now there are over 800 apps just devoted to behavioral health. These apps can be accessed on almost any smart device and help users cope with their symptoms, share their stories, and suggest actions to relieve stress. The use of these apps has received much attention during the pandemic. Many behavioral health professionals support the concept of these apps when used correctly. So, do these apps serve their purpose, and what is that purpose?

When seeking a behavioral health app, patients need to make sure it is a reliable source. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that out of all the apps that claim to support and help behavioral health issues, only one percent of them are professionally evaluated and have behavioral health professionals currently supporting them. If clients are seeing a mental health professional, they should not stop sessions once they find an app. Many professionals, including Philip Harvey, Ph.D., believe that it can be very beneficial to use an app and see a licensed therapist. Still, the app cannot be a substitute for behavioral health visits. These apps should be a useful tool to help clients monitor their mental health between sessions.

There are many pros when using a reliable mental health app—the obvious factor being convenience. You can access an app anytime and anywhere. Apps can be helpful for some people that may not be able to visit a mental health professional as frequently as they would like. Apps also are beneficial to users that may need more round the clock monitoring. If one’s therapist cannot fit them into the schedule or the clinic is closed, clients can use the app for comfort or for any issue that is not life-threatening. Many clients use these apps to help maintain a daily schedule and to decrease stress throughout the day. These apps are also more affordable for clients. Many are free or only have a small fee. Clients may not need to be frequently seen by professionals while using the app, saving them money.

These apps can also serve as a gateway for future clients. Many people may know they have a problem that needs to be addressed but are uncomfortable seeking help. Not having to meet a behavioral health professional in person or having a chance of being seen going to therapy may relax nerves. These apps allow people to educate themselves and feel comfortable with mental health, hopefully leading them to find professional help.

These apps are not perfect. There are cons to using apps in the mental health world. The biggest one is reliability. As discussed before, there are only a few apps that have been reviewed and approved by health professionals. Anyone these days can create an app, so users need to be aware. Apps that are not reliable could provide misleading information or treatment plans, which negatively affect a client. Before signing up for an app, clients should review all the privacy laws and regulations. Many apps do not adhere to privacy regulations, which could allow unwanted viewers to see and share personal information. Users must find the correct app for diagnosis. Some apps focus on addiction, while others focus on anxiety and depression. Making sure a user is using the right app is very important for their wellbeing.

Another concern that professionals have is the misunderstanding of these apps. Clients cannot just use these apps and expect the same treatment from a professional. Current clients should continue their sessions while using the apps for self-monitoring. Future clients using these apps before seeing a professional should find a behavioral health professional when they are comfortable to maximize the benefits of treatment.

These behavioral health apps offer great opportunities for the behavioral health world, but users need to be aware of the pros and cons. Before using these apps, clients need to discuss it with their behavioral health professional, and if they do not have one, do research and make sure it is a reliable app. As much as it can be beneficial to users, it can easily be harmful if not used correctly.

The post Too Many Apps Too Little Understanding appeared first on Leading Behavioral Health EHR/EMR Software | The Echo Group.

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Echo’s SMS Text Messaging Proves To Be a Critical Solution Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

April 2, 2020, 2:13 pm

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Echo has realized a solution found within our suite of client engagement services–SMS Text Messaging.

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The Echo Group Welcomes Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy as Its Newest Partner

October 28, 2020, 7:27 am

≫ Next: Loneliness—The Missing Element in the Social Determinants of Health

≪ Previous: Echo’s SMS Text Messaging Proves To Be a Critical Solution Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

Conway, New Hampshire – The Echo Group, the only provider of visual electronic health record technology for the behavioral health industry, is excited to announce that it has partnered with Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy (WCYA), located in Decatur, Illinois. Echo will provide electronic health record (EHR) technology and billing services for WCYA, allowing WCYA to […]

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Loneliness—The Missing Element in the Social Determinants of Health

September 3, 2021, 11:30 am

≫ Next: Incarceration – The 51st State (Part 1)

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When thinking about the Social Determinants of Health, one would assume Loneliness should be front and center. Yet, the Social Determinants of Health do not specifically mention loneliness. In the following article we will define what loneliness is, the risks associated with loneliness, major causes, and how to combat loneliness for yourself or your patients. […]

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Incarceration – The 51st State (Part 1)

November 2, 2021, 8:40 am

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≪ Previous: Loneliness—The Missing Element in the Social Determinants of Health

The Social Determinants of Health include five separate pillars; the first is Social and Community Context. Within Social and Community Context is incarceration. A key element when discussing social and community context, inequities in health, and the very nature of the Social Determinants of Health. Generally, incarceration is confinement in a jail or prison, the […]

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