Feasibility of Text Messages for Enhancing Therapeutic Engagement Among Youth and Caregivers Initiating Outpatient Mental Health Treatment: Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Pathways to mental health services for youth are generally complex and often involve numerous contact points and lengthy delays. When starting treatment, there are a host of barriers that contribute to low rates of therapeutic engagement. Automated text messages offer a convenient, low-cost option for information sharing and skill building, and they can potentially activate positive behaviors in youth and caregivers prior to beginning formal therapy.

Text Message Interventions in Adolescent Mental Health and Addiction Services: Scoping Review.

Background: The vast majority of adolescent mental health and substance use disorders go undiagnosed and undertreated. SMS text messaging is increasingly used as a method to deliver adolescent health services that promote psychological well-being and aim to protect adolescents from adverse experiences and risk factors critical for their current and future mental health. To date, there has been no comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature on the extent, range, and implementation contexts of these SMS text message interventions.

Effectiveness of Day Treatment for Disruptive Behaviour Disorders: What is the Long-term Clinical Outcome for Children?

Objective: The present study investigates the clinical long-term outcomes (2½ to 4 years post-discharge) of children aged 12 and under with a primary diagnosis of a Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD) who attended a short-term day treatment program using best-practice treatment strategies. This study compared children's admission, discharge, and follow-up test scores on standardized measures of behaviour and functioning, as rated by parents.

Method: Measures of clinical symptoms in the children and parent report of stress were used.

Day treatment for disruptive behaviour disorders: can a short-term program be effective?

Objective: The present study investigates the effectiveness of a short-term day treatment program for children with a primary diagnosis of a Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD) using best-practice treatment strategies. This study, using a wait list control, compared children's admission and discharge test scores on standardized measures of behaviour and functioning, as rated by parents.

Method: A repeated measures MANOVA was used to evaluate symptom change.