Best Practices in Online Interventions

Clinical interventions are effective evidence-based approaches for assisting individuals struggling with unwanted habits, addictions, and other co-occurring mental health disorders. With the growth of online engagement in telemedicine, online interventions have become a feasible option for patients who’ve adapted to more virtual approaches to accessing healthcare. 

Understanding these practices will allow providers and appropriate patients access to online intervention programs, providing accessible options for many. 

Preparation Assessments 

When holding any intervention, assessments remain a vital step in choosing the best-suited intervention modality and recommended treatment course for all participants. Proper assessments provide clarity on the appropriate intervention modality tailored to meet the specific situation. Assessments are a necessary step in the intervention preparation process and guide proper strategy, planning, and patient/treatment matching for better outcomes. 

Clinical assessments should focus on, but are not limited to: 

• Complete substance abuse history, focusing on any past abuse  and current use (for alcohol or drug use) 

• Modes of use, frequency, and amounts 

• Full mental health treatment history 

• Family history and current issues with family members,  including marital status and family support

• Emotional and psychological history 

• Spiritual or religious beliefs 

• Lifestyle and environmental concerns 

• Socioeconomic factors 

• Cognitive capacity and behavioral functioning 

• Readiness for treatment 

• How the COVID-19 pandemic and/or other traumas have affected mental health and/or substance abuse 

Practical Logistics Affecting Mental Health and Online  Interventions 

Setting Expectations 

It is important to establish clear expectations and an  understanding of what to anticipate before, during, and after an  intervention. 

The preparation phase is a time to explore current environmental  factors and strategize an effective approach that accommodates  variations in family systems and specific situations. 

Ultimately, intervention participants need to move toward the idea of  change and recognize the importance of it. It’s essential to frame 

discussions in a way that demonstrates that all participants are involved  because they care, and that professional support is available to help  guide the process—every step of the way. 

Unified Support 

Scenarios where intervention is warranted rarely involves just the  patient. Addiction, depression, and other mental health conditions  affect more than just the individual — it impacts coworkers, friends,  family, and communities. 

Involving appropriate concerned individuals helps the identified  patient gain a deeper understanding of the severity of their  condition and highlights the need for change. All intervention  participants can gain a deeper understanding of the importance  that a proper support system provides. It can also increase  acceptance of different treatment solutions. 

A healthy family system has the ability to empower, grow, and assist  the individual toward a healthy and successful lifestyle. Family-wide  support, beginning with clear expectations, improved communication, and overall accountability increases long-term success and outcomes. 

Being physically separated from loved ones when they are in need can  be difficult. Online interventions allow those who may have otherwise  moved away to be involved in the healing process.

Tech IT Familiarity 

It’s important to set a professional environment for the intervention  meeting. All participants should be familiar with telecommunication  technology, have their cameras on, and remove all background  distractions that could take away from the importance of the  conversation. 

When choosing which telecommunication technology to use, it is  important to keep in mind simplicity and accessibility. The technology  should be simple to use so that the strain is taken away from the setup of the intervention, and attention is instead more meaningfully focused  on the discussions themselves. This also helps to reduce stress and  anxiousness that may arise from struggling to connect to or properly set  up the virtual meeting. 

The Intervention 

A predetermined start and end time for the intervention meeting sets clear expectations for all participants. Meeting guidelines create a space where each person can have their time to speak, voice their concerns,  and express their vision of change. 

Interventions have a specific focus on prepared effective  communication statements and a conversation on changing the status quo. While discussing challenging topics may be stressful, keeping the facilitation of conversation professional provides extra support for the individual. 

In-person Professional Assistance 

In some cases, the best practice is to incorporate in-person professional assistance, which increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.  Online and in-person professionals are complementary to one another  and should be used in conjunction for intervention efforts whenever  possible. 

Trained support professionals serve a variety of patient needs, including: 

• Overseeing case management logistics 

• Providing therapeutic coaching 

• Guaranteeing safe transportation to treatment 

• Reinforcing accountability before, during, and after an  intervention 

The Advantage of Online Interventions 

With advancements in telemedicine technologies, opportunities for therapeutic breakthroughs are more readily available through a  singular platform.

Patients may face barriers in life that result in difficulty accessing or maintaining visits. Online interventions reduce barriers, increase efficiency, save time, and provide a safe space to focus on the identified patient’s overall mental status. 

Online interventions offer a convenient, flexible environment more ideally suited for a wider range of professionals and individuals seeking help. Patients without access to transportation or located in more rural areas can have more direct communication with their provider. In many situations, patients are more likely to commit to a video conference rather than an in-person meeting. 

Online resources create opportunities for more efficient meetings that may make a bigger impact due to increased connection and greater frequency. With more people staying home, this is a viable and effective means of connecting with patients and increasing long-term positive outcomes. 

Online interventions can be customized to meet a patient’s needs by creating a more personalized experience Telemedicine offers opportunities to reach more clients, regardless of their geographical locations, and to assist them with personal growth. 

Through the use of technology, more patients can easily link to a  greater number of resources that help them establish healthier routines,  leading to lower remission rates and improved quality of life. In  addition, online interventions create potential for ongoing and 

constantly evolving intervention methods, as well as improved treatment planning that fits within the patient’s needs. 

Continuing Care 

Continuing care services provide structure and accountability that empowers individuals to stay the course of their treatment, push through obstacles, and reach their personal goals. 

Online platforms help patients seamlessly transition through various phases of treatment and developmental recovery milestones. 

Continued care creates a familiar platform for patients and their loved ones, provides opportunities for ongoing coaching, and enhances personal growth and development. 

In combination, these systems enhance treatment gains and lower the risk of relapse. Concerned individuals are also able to receive ongoing guidance and support throughout their loved one’s treatment process. 

Tracking a patient’s progress serves as a positive reinforcer, especially for individuals experiencing setbacks, doubt, and other unresolved issues. 

Consistent communication and appropriately delivered behavioral  health intervention reduces symptom recurrence rates up to 29%.

Implementing These Best Practices 

In many situations, online interventions are not only preferred, but sometimes the only viable method. Virtual options may be best suite for people who are incredibly busy and don’t have time to make it to an in-person appointment, or don’t live by a provider’s office. 

Interventions are designed to resolve conflicts and allow each person to discover solutions and pathways to take control of their lives. 

It is time to innovate and advance mental health and addiction services.  By following examples and utilizing proper resources, people can put online interventions successfully into practice.