Utilizing Program Staff Support to Successfully Integrate Digital Tools into Community Contexts
Al-Abdulmunem, M., Kozelka, E. E., Acquilano, S. C., Drake, R. E., Carpenter-Song, E., & Elwyn, G. (2025). Supporting the individualized use of digital tools in community mental health: The technology specialist pilot study. Community Mental Health Journal.
Introduction
As the role of digital tools in mental health care grows, the gap between their potential and real-world implementation in community settings remains stark. While apps and digital interventions are widely available, their adoption by clients and clinicians alike is hindered by a lack of expertise, support, and evidence-based guidance. These barriers are particularly pronounced in community mental health contexts, where resources are often stretched thin. This pilot study addresses these challenges by introducing the role of a “technology specialist” to facilitate the effective use of digital tools, aimed at supporting recovery and self-management goals in clients with serious mental illness.
Methods
50 adults aged 18 or older who owned internet-enabled devices, had access to the internet were recruited, and were engaged in therapy, were recruited into the study along with their mental health provider. Clients were not provided with devices or data plans but received reimbursement for using selected digital tools and $20 per survey completion. Providers were clinical case managers or related staff working at the mental health center.
The intervention unfolded in four stages, beginning with goal-setting sessions involving the client, provider, and technology specialist. Following this, the specialist evaluated and demonstrated several digital tools tailored to the client’s goals. Clients then selected one tool to use over three months, with the specialist offering ongoing support as needed.
To measure outcomes, participants completed surveys at baseline, three months, and six months, capturing data on demographics, self-efficacy, and activation. Weekly ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) tracked tool usage, problems encountered, and progress toward recovery goals.
Results
Thirteen clients with serious mental illness, predominantly male and aged 30–72, participated alongside ten providers remained in the study. Recovery goals varied widely, from improving general mental health to specific skills like budgeting and diet management.
Clients demonstrated steady, albeit modest, improvements in self-efficacy and activation. Mean self-efficacy scores increased from 30.69 at baseline to 31.64 at six months, while activation scores rose significantly at the three-month mark before stabilizing. Weekly EMAs revealed high initial engagement with the digital tools, although usage decreased over time. Notably, the majority of clients reported minimal problems with the tools and described them as helpful in working toward their goals.
The intervention was well-received: 82% of clients and 80% of providers expressed satisfaction, with most participants willing to recommend the program to others.
Discussion
This study underscores the feasibility and promise of the technology specialist intervention in enhancing digital tool usage for mental health recovery. By providing structured support at the outset, the technology specialist enabled clients to engage with digital tools effectively, reducing the burden on clinical staff.
However, the decline in tool usage over time raises important questions about sustaining engagement. The study hypothesizes that clients may discontinue a tool once they perceive their goals as met, suggesting the need for dynamic, goal-oriented support models. Furthermore, the low levels of clinician engagement with digital tools point to broader systemic barriers, including lack of training, competing priorities, and resistance to change.
Implications for Mentoring Programs
This study offers critical lessons for mentoring programs seeking to incorporate digital tools into their practices. First, it highlights the importance of a dedicated facilitator role to bridge the gap between clients’ needs and the tools available. Second, the findings underscore the need for sustained engagement strategies. Mentors or other program staff could periodically reassess mentees’ goals and adapt tool recommendations accordingly, ensuring continued relevance and motivation.
By addressing barriers to digital tool adoption and leveraging the relational dynamics of mentoring, programs can empower individuals to harness technology as a powerful ally in their growth and recovery.
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