Texting is widely used to remind people of health appointments and increase compliance with medications and other healthy behaviors. In addition, research shows that text messages can enhance substance use disorders (SUD) treatment and recovery services outcomes. This webinar series will review the evidence on the effectiveness of text reminders and offer tips for providers to use to help patients remain in treatment and/or continue involvement with recovery support services. The manual created by Dr. Scott Walters along with the Mountain Plains ATTC staff, Using Text Messages to Improve Substance Use Treatment Outcomes Step-by-Step Guide, will serve as the guide for the webinar series that will demonstrate how to develop different automated texting sequences using a text message service provider platform.
Part I will provide an overview of evidence for the effectiveness of text reminders and tips; describe best practices for developing and sending automated text messages; describe the language of texting; and provide examples of effective text messages for both individual and group sessions. (August 5th)
Part II will include a live demonstration on how to develop an automated texting sequence using a text message service provider and show a basic strategy for organizing and sending batch text messages. Participants will have the opportunity to subscribe and receive these text messages during the presentation. (August 12th)
Target Audience:
Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Recovery Support Service Providers
Takeaways:
Instructor:
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.
*This is a 2-part series, August 5th and 12th, 12:00-1:00pm Central Time.*
