Using Contemporary Technologies in the Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness

Technologies that have the potential to improve the quality of mental health services are developing at a phenomenal rate. In the current paper, experts from a wide array of disciplines and settings share their perspectives, experiences, and visions for technology-assisted assessment and treatment of serious mental illness in the present and not-too-distant future. First, we examine how technological advancements may help consumers better understand and utilize complex treatment systems, obtain information on mental health conditions and viable interventions, enhance treatment engagement, learn and maintain effective coping strategies, overcome some of the barriers associated with stigma, reduce treatment costs, and increase treatment access and outcomes. We then discuss the advantages of using ubiquitous mobile devices and mobile health approaches specifically, highlighting their potential in facilitating real-place/real-time individualized care. Finally, we identify some of the unique challenges emerging in the development and testing of technological platforms for services, providing suggestions for areas for future research.