Opportunities of E-Mental Health and Electronic Progress Diagnostic in Outpatient Psychotherapy: The Trier Treatment Navigator

Progress in the area of e-mental health paves the way for the long pursued personalization in outpatient psychotherapy (precision mental health). Empirically supported personalization comprises the treatment selection and planning at the beginning of treatment as well as adaptation in the course of therapy. This article provides an overview on multiple computerized applications, which have been realized for the purpose of personalization. They involve machine learning-based predictions of therapy process, indices, and network models for selecting treatment techniques and protocols. Data-based adaptation of treatment is enabled by electronic process diagnostics, feedback, and clinical support tools. Positive effects of electronically supported psychotherapy appear especially for patients with a high risk of unfavorable progress or dropout. An example for a feasible implementation of personalization in clinical practice is shown by means of the Trier Treatment Navigator (TTN). Perspectives for further development in this field, e.g. concerning the use of additional data sources and clinical training, are discussed. (c) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel