BackgroundVictims of trauma are at high risk for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Regular assessment of mental health symptoms in the post-trauma period is necessary to identify those at greatest risk and provide treatment. The multiple demands of the acute post-trauma period present numerous barriers to such assessments. Mobile apps are a method by which to overcome these barriers in order to regularly assess symptoms, identify those at risk, and connect patients to needed services.ObjectiveThe current study conducted a usability evaluation of a system to monitor mental health symptoms after a trauma. The system was developed to promote ease of use and facilitate quick transmission of data.MethodsA sample of 21 adults with a history of trauma completed a standardized usability test in a laboratory setting followed by a qualitative interview.ResultsUsability testing indicated that the app was easy to use and that patients were able to answer several questions in less than 1 minute (mean [SD] 29.37 [7.53]; range 15-57). Qualitative analyses suggested that feedback should be included in such an app and recommendations for the type of feedback were offered.ConclusionsThe results of the current study indicate that a mobile app to monitor post-trauma mental health symptoms would be well received by victims. Personalized feedback to the user was identified as critical to promote the usability of the software.

Building on the empirical data supporting the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for child anxiety, researchers are working on the development and evaluation of cost-effective and transportable CBT approaches. Related to this, a widely endorsed goal is to disseminate evidence-based treatments from research settings to community settings. Computer-assisted treatments have emerged as a means to provide cost-effective and efficient service to an increased number of anxious youth for whom a CBT treatment would be otherwise unavailable. We offer a rationale for the development and evaluation of computer-assisted psychosocial treatments for anxiety in youth, offer illustrative advances made in this area, and describe our efforts in using computers to enhance dissemination of CBT for child anxiety. Specifically, our illustrations include a description of (a) Camp-Cope-A-Lot (CCAL), a computer-assisted CBT for the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth ages 7-12, and (b) CBT4CBT: Computer-based training in CBT for anxious youth. Findings from evaluations of these programs are summarized, and further advances are proposed and discussed.

Child Anxiety Tales, an online web-based cognitive-behavioral parent-training program for parents of youth with anxiety, was developed and evaluated. Parents (N = 73; 59 females; 52.1% Caucasian, 42.5% African American, 4.1% Hispanic) who reported concerns about anxiety in their child (aged 7–14 yrs; Mean=10.1 ±1.6) were randomly assigned to (a) parent-training provided through Child Anxiety Tales (CAT), (b) parent-training provided via bibliotherapy (BIB), or (c) a waitlist control (WLC). Measures of parent knowledge, the acceptability of training, and child symptomatology were completed at pre- and post-parent-training and at 3-month follow-up. Findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and beneficial effects on knowledge of Child Anxiety Tales for parents of youth with impairment from anxiety.

Computer technology has sparked rapid change for children's mental health, altering how treatments can be delivered (e.g., stand‐alone, computer‐assisted). Research has found that computerized approaches produce comparable outcomes as treatments provided face‐to‐face. We define terms related to computer‐assisted treatment and, with a focus on anxiety in youth, we consider the outcomes of computer‐based and computer‐assisted interventions (programs for youth, programs for training therapists, and programs for parents). We conclude with consideration of advances in technology and benefits for service providers, consumers, and researchers, and a discussion of key issues.