Can a mobile intervention using avatars help young adults manage their mental health after being discharged from the emergency department? Dr. Lourah Kelly’s “Avatar Project” explores this possibility. She’s testing an app-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for young adults with alcohol misuse and suicidal thoughts who have visited the ED.
Lourah shares that “this age group [has] the highest rates of alcohol use disorder and suicidality, but very low rates of utilization of behavioral healthcare for either problem.” There aren’t enough healthcare providers available, and young adults often want to manage their problems on their own. This avatar-based mobile intervention may help bridge this need and access gap. This is a fascinating episode where we learned how an avatar-based app is created and how input from young adults is driving the content of this tool.
Read more about Lourah's project here: https://www.umassmed.edu/news/news-archives/2024/01/mobile-health-intervention-study-for-binge-drinking-suicide-risk-among-young-adults-to-start-at-umass-chan/
Learn more about Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research.
Links mentioned:
-The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers support and connection through mental health struggles and crises and is also available for friends/family of persons in need of support. Call or text 9-8-8 anytime, or chat here https://988lifeline.org/
-The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking support in the United States for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems. https://findtreatment.gov
-The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator is a free national resource to help people who want to cut down or stop drinking, with searches for quality providers, some questions to ask providers to make sure it’s a good fit for you, and things to consider when choosing your care. https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/