Counselor and student perceptions of an mHealth technology platform used in a school counseling setting

Abstract

AbstractSchool psychologists and counselors with large caseloads struggle with delivery of high‐quality mental health services in the school setting due to time constraints and competing responsibilities. These providers can benefit from technology solutions that help engage and monitor the mental health of their clients in and out of session. This study assessed the usability and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) for the mental health technology platform, NeuroFlow, with seven students and three providers in an urban, high school counseling center. Student perceptions of usability and acceptability were gathered via questionnaire while provider perceptions of NeuroFlow were assessed using focus groups. Providers and students reported variable experiences with usability of the platform, but both groups expressed satisfaction with the use of NeuroFlow, demonstrating the acceptability of this approach. Overall, findings revealed that providers and students indicated NeuroFlow could be integrated into mental health treatment but would benefit from increased emphasis on initial and sustained training on the platform features. Further study is needed to examine the extent to which technology‐based applications may support mental health treatment delivered in the school setting.