Proof of Concept — URBALOGY

CBITs

How can we harvest technology to improve patient access to mental health care resources?

An image showcasing the need for access to mental health care on the go....

This graphic explains how we develop Behavioral intervention Technologies (BITs) - Identifying the target behavior, developing a solution prototype, usability testing, and finally, implementation

The "ThinkFeelDo" website is an online platform that provides Internet cognitive behavioral therapy (i-CBT), complete with lessons and practice tools

Lessons are released each week, and contain helpful tips on how to use the tools provided on the website to manage depression symptoms.

The "Think" tool - this tool is used to identify and challenge harmful thoughts.

The "Do" tool - this tool helps the user identify helpful activities, and encourages scheduling activities high in pleasure and/or accomplishment.

Medlink - a mobile app designed to improve antidepressant medication adherence and patient - physician communication in primary care settings.

The daily prompt sent out to patients as a medication reminder.

A weekly prompt sent out to patients, to assess their mood symptoms.

Patients can read lessons, learn about their side - effects, and review their medication adherence whenever they'd like!

Here is a sample of a graph that patients receive on a weekly basis, showing them how their symptoms have changed over time. This can be used to facilitate discussions with their physician about whether the medication is working for them.

Intellicare - a suite of apps developed for overall wellness. The app foci range from meditation, to improving sleep behaviors and more.

The "Gratitude" app of the Intellicare suite - as the name suggests, it encourages users to be thankful and think positive.

iCope - this app provides the user with helpful tips on how to deal with their anxiety and daily stresses.

At the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (CBITs) at Northwestern University, we help design, develop and run randomized control trials on innovative web and mobile mental health care interventions. After the intervention is developed, we organize field trials with a few test users. We do this to identify bugs and receive feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the different features and tools, before it is released to the public through the randomized control trial phase. Currently, we’re working on the ThinkFeelDo website, which provides the user with helpful lessons and tools, rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy concepts. Some other current projects include: Intellicare - a suite of mobile apps meant to increase overall mental health and wellbeing of the user; Project Tech - a social networking site, rich with lessons, tools, and coach guidance, to be used as a resource for mental health care prevention in teens.