Like all other healthcare specialties, behavioral health is constantly evolving with new discoveries and information. Here are some of the top trends impacting the field of behavioral health today.
1. Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important tool for organizations that collect and analyze enormous amounts of data. Information generated by social media alone could provide valuable insights for mental health experts when analyzed with AI technologies like natural language processing.
According to an article in Scientific American, data generated by the more than 4 billion social media users across the globe could be used to help better detect mental illness. For example, in some countries, Facebook uses AI to scan for images and words that could indicate an increased risk of self-harm. AI tools then send alerts to trained human reviewers, who can share mental health resources with at-risk users.
2. Self-help apps
Along with telehealth, the use of mental health apps have exploded in the last few years. According to Acumen Research and Consulting, a global provider of market research studies, the global mental health app market is expected to reach a value of over $3.7 billion by 2027.
Some of the benefits of digital health, remote monitoring, and mental health apps include:
Better management of chronic conditions
Increased awareness and engagement in users
Potentially low costs for users
Decreased need for in-person visits with a provider, alleviating the shortage of mental health providers
However, the widespread availability of these apps has created other challenges. Consumers may be confused about which option is right for them. Many apps use evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, but other apps may make claims that have not been scientifically supported. User privacy and data security are also potential concerns.
3. Reduced stigma
The increased use of social media and mental health apps have reduced much of the stigma around mental illness. More people are seeking help for mental health issues and discussing these topics online. At the same time, this has created additional challenges related to language and misinformation.
More social-media influencers are sharing their personal struggles with mental health issues. Unfortunately, not all the information these influencers share with their followers is accurate.
In addition, some of the language used to discuss mental health concerns online can be misused. For example, the term “gaslighting” has been widely used in recent years—often incorrectly. Some people have been accused of “gaslighting” another person simply because they denied an accusation or disagreed with another person.
Similarly, the term “narcissist” has been used to demean or invalidate others. In reality, it is a specific personality disorder with a particular set of symptoms.
Increased awareness of mental health concerns can get more people the help they need. However, mental health experts and influencers should be careful to use correct terms to avoid spreading misinformation.
As a behavioral health provider, you already have plenty of industry trends and changes to keep track of. Keeping your practice’s EHR updated shouldn’t have to be one of them.
BestNotes EHR solutions, created specifically for behavioral health and addiction treatment providers, include automatic updates to its documentation features. That means we do all the work to keep you compliant with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, so you have one less thing to stress about. Contact BestNotes today to learn more, or schedule a free demo.
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