Technology-based interventions in social work practice: a systematic review of mental health interventions

Soc Work Health Care. 2014 Oct;53(9):883-99. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2014.925531.

Abstract

Despite concerns around the use of technology-based interventions, they are increasingly being employed by social workers as a direct practice methodology to address the mental health needs of vulnerable clients. Researchers have highlighted the importance of using innovative technologies within social work practice, yet little has been done to summarize the evidence and collectively assess findings. In this systematic review, we describe accounts of technology-based mental health interventions delivered by social workers over the past 10 years. Results highlight the impacts of these tools and summarize advantages and disadvantages to utilizing technologies as a method for delivering or facilitating interventions.

Keywords: access to care; interventions; mental health; social work practice; technology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Computers
  • Databases, Bibliographic
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Mental Health Services / standards*
  • Patient-Centered Care / methods
  • Patient-Centered Care / standards*
  • Social Work / methods
  • Social Work / standards*
  • Social Work / trends
  • Technology / methods
  • Technology / standards*
  • Technology / trends