Computer Applications in Mental Health

This practical book describes computer programs designed specifically for mental health clinicians and their work. It examines a variety of computer resources and some of the latest developments in the field. Computer Applications in Mental Health provides examples of computer programs that have proved helpful in private practice and institutional treatment settings. Among the programs discussed in the book are those that have succeeded or failed within the large Veterans Administration computer system; a system designed to help choose the best reinforcers to use with patients in a behavioral program; a computerized self-administered screening battery in use in community health center settings; patient education programs useful in caring for the chronic mentally ill; and a reminder system for helping the hospital-based clinician meet paperwork deadlines. Encouraging mental health professionals to investigate the types of computer technology available to them, this book also stimulates further development and sharing of computer software.

To enable readers to seek out more information on certain systems and programs, this book lists many computer resources. Several of the software packages evaluated are available on computerized bulletin board systems at no cost beyond that of a long distance phone call. Although Computer Applications in Mental Health is primarily for mental health clinicians, administrators and computer programmers within mental health settings can also find useful information in this book.