Assignment Task: Respond to at least two colleagues who identified a different digital or web-based intervention than you and explain whether you would use the intervention in your practice. Why or why not?
Make sure to provide APA references and citations and a reference list.
Looking at apps that are out there to help with teens there are many different things out there to help the adolescents. One that stuck out was the Mindshift app that is based out of Canada. Many of the apps that offered different things and were able to find apps that help with sleep, self harm, mindfulness and anxiety. Mindshift works with on CBT level that offers help with anxiety to teach adolescents mindful techniques and offering peer to peer services. This app also looks at developing healthy habits, coping cards, thought journals, and belief experiments, along with other tools for teens access (anxiety Canada, 2024).
Digital technology has created unprecedented options for the delivery of clinical social work services (Brandell, 2020). It has opened the door for many different services for adolescents. Phones and the digital world is a huge part of the teens world and it seems like it came more important during Covid. The way things are done are completely changing and many people did have to adapt to the changes. Social workers are using video counseling, email chat, social networking websites, text messaging, avatar-based platforms, self-guided web-based interventions, smartphone apps, and other technology to provide clinical services to clients, some of whom they never meet in person (Brandell, 2020).
Technology has changed many different thing and the way that individuals interact with each other and smart phones play a huge role in it all. Looking at technology there are some disadvantages and social workers must consider whether their use of digital technology and distance counseling services alters the fundamental nature of the therapeutic relationship, which has traditionally entailed opportunities to develop a rich therapeutic alliance with a client in the context of ongoing face-to-face meetings (Brandell, 2020). Technology is not always full proof with working all the time. One other thing is that their could be a lack of confidentiality for the client if they are not in a secure place to talk. Not knowing if there are other people around can create ethical issues for the social worker.
The advantage of it can take away other barriers that some individual experience with not having transportation or means to meet with the social worker in person. Individuals with physical disabilities can use distance counseling options without enduring the logistical challenges and discomfort involved in arranging transportation and traveling significant distances (Brandell, 2020). There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to helping clients and using technology.
Anxiety Canada, 2024. Mindshift app
Brandell, J. R. (Ed.). (2020). Theory & practice in clinical social work (3rd ed.). Cognella
A digital tool that can help improve self-esteem in teens is called "Woebot." Woebot is an AI chatbot that talks with users to help them deal with negative thoughts and learn better ways to think. It uses ideas from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people change their thinking and behavior. The main idea behind CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. If someone thinks negatively, it can make them feel down and affect their self-esteem. Woebot aims to help teens recognize these negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones (Brandell, 2020).
Woebot helps teens who might think negatively, avoid social activities, or are too hard on themselves. It chats with them, gives tips on managing thoughts, and encourages things like keeping a mood journal or tracking their feelings (Bremer, Funk, & Riper, 2019).
There are some good things about digital tools like Woebot. Teens can use it anytime, which is great for their busy lives. Talking to a chatbot can feel easier than talking to a real person, especially if they are nervous. Plus, using apps like Woebot can be less expensive than going to see a therapist. Because teens are familiar with their phones, they might find it more interesting to use (Tanzilli et al., 2020).
However, there are some downsides. A chatbot can't give the same emotional support as a human therapist, which could be a problem for teens with serious issues. There are also worries about privacy and sharing personal information online. If teens rely too much on these digital tools, they might avoid getting real help when they need it.
When using these digital tools, it's important to ensure that they protect privacy and follow rules, like getting a parent's permission when needed. Social workers should remember that while tools like Woebot can be helpful, they should be used alongside traditional therapy, not as a replacement.
References:
Brandell, J. R. (Ed.). (2020). Theory & practice in clinical social work (3rd ed.). Cognella.
Bremer, V., Funk, B., & Riper, H. (2019). Heterogeneity matters: Predicting self-esteem in online interventions based on ecological momentary assessment data. Depression Research and Treatment.
Tanzilli, A., Gualco, I., Baiocco, R., & Lingiardi, V. (2020). Clinician reactions when working with adolescent patients: The therapist response questionnaire for adolescents. Journal of Personality Assessment, 102(5), 616-627.