Texting is widely used to remind people of health appointments and to improve medical compliance. There is research evidence that text messages can improve substance abuse treatment outcomes as well. This two-part online training will describe best practices for developing and sending automated text messages to support substance abuse treatment. It will provide evidence for the effectiveness of text reminders and tips, show a basic strategy for organizing and sending batch text messages, give suggestions for developing message content, and demonstrate how to develop an automated texting sequence using a text message service provider.

Part I will show participants how to develop and send automated text messages to groups of people. Participants will be encouraged to develop their own series of text messages. (April 1, 2019)

Part II will allow participants to share their work with others, to receive feedback, and to troubleshoot any difficulties. Participants will have the option of subscribing to a text message sequence that will give suggestions and tips to accompany the series. (April 15, 2019)

Learning Objectives: 
At the end of the series, participants will be able to
•    Recall ways that text messages have been used to improve substance use treatment outcomes.
•    Describe “best practices” for message tone and framing.
•    Understand how to use a text message provider to develop and send text messages. 
•    Develop a plan for using text messages to support treatment concepts and flow.
     
Presenter: 
Scott T. Walters, Ph.D., is Regents Professor and Chair of Health Behavior and Health Systems at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. His research focuses on using motivational interviewing and technology as behavioral health interventions.