Publication Date

Summer 2021

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Qin Zhao (Director), Karen Garrity, Frederick Grieve, and Sally Kuhlenschmidt

Degree Program

Doctor of Psychology in Applied Psychology

Degree Type

Doctor of Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine how clinicians are identifying, evaluating, and utilizing mHealth apps as treatment adjuncts with their clients who have a substance use disorder. A sample of 93 participants (20 males, 72 females, and 1 not listed) completed measures of demographics and inquiries about their use and evaluation of mHealth apps in their practices. Clinicians who work at mental health centers and private practicing clinicians were recruited. The majority of the sample (71%) reported that they had not utilized mHealth apps with their clients who have a substance use disorder diagnosis. Participants who have attended trainings regarding mHealth apps and participants who have had client inquiries about mHealth apps were more likely to recommend them to their clients. On average, clinicians who utilized mHealth apps only slightly to moderately educated clients regarding benefits, drawbacks, and protective measures of using mHealth apps. Age was a significant positive predictor for participants educating their clients about the benefits and drawbacks of using mHealth apps, whereas years of practice was a negative predictor for clinicians educating their clients about the benefits and drawbacks of using mHealth apps. Participants primarily recommended mHealth apps designed to help users lower stress and assist with restful sleep. Evaluation of mHealth apps was primarily completed by participants exploring the features of the apps themselves.

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Counseling Psychology | Substance Abuse and Addiction

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