How digital therapeutics can improve behavioral health

"To better meet the needs of patients, providers can improve access to treatment and offer more immediate solutions through the use of prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs). With technology, providers can now deliver programming aligned with proven mental health treatment methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and connect teens and young adults to an immediate, safe, and effective treatment option. Technology cannot replace good patient relationships, but the future of mental health care rests in leveraging technology that complements a clinician's hands-on care. The last year and a half has underscored the need to shift rapidly and use new solutions in a meaningful way. People are becoming increasingly more receptive to telehealth and virtual treatment – especially teenagers and young adults. Now is the time for physicians to consider digital therapeutics to quickly and safely support their patients who need mental health treatment, intervening early to achieve better outcomes." Benjamin Alouf is a pediatrician. He shares his story and discusses the KevinMD article, "How digital therapeutics can strengthen the provider-patient relationship and improve behavioral health outcomes."