Introducing Videra Sidekick Notes’s New Group Notes Feature

Videra Health

I’m thrilled to announce the release of our newest innovation in clinical documentation: Group Notes capability within our Sidekick Notes product. This groundbreaking feature addresses one of the most significant pain points in behavioral health – the time-consuming and complex process of documenting group therapy sessions.

The Challenge of Group Documentation

Throughout my conversations with clinicians across the country, one consistent theme emerges: group session documentation is uniquely challenging. Tracking multiple participants, capturing individual contributions, and creating comprehensive yet individualized notes has historically been a manual, time-intensive process that pulls providers away from what matters most – patient care.

Group therapy is a vital treatment modality, but its unique documentation requirements have often overburden clinicians causing inconsistent quality and accuracy. Until now.

Revolutionary AI-Powered Group Notes

Videra’s Sidekick Notes now includes the industry’s first-of-its-kind AI-powered group therapy documentation solution. This exclusive capability automatically:

  • Identifies individual speakers using our proprietary Speaker Map technology
  • Generates comprehensive session summaries that capture the overall group dynamic
  • Creates individualized sections for each participant
  • Provides speaker identification assistance for participants it cannot automatically recognize

What makes this particularly exciting is that we’ve designed the system to work alongside clinicians rather than replace their judgment. When our AI identifies a speaker with high confidence, it will label them accordingly with a visual indicator showing it was AI-assisted. For speakers it cannot identify with certainty, Sidekick presents the provider with small audio clips to confirm identification, ensuring accuracy while saving substantial time.

Beyond Just Group Notes

While Group Notes is the highlight of this release, Sidekick Notes continues to offer comprehensive documentation support for individual sessions across multiple note formats:

  • SOAP notes
  • DAP notes
  • GIRP notes

All with customizable tone settings (progress notes or medical necessity) and seamless integration with your existing workflows through several deployment methods, including browser-window based, browser-extension based, or Zoom integration.

The Impact on Provider Well-being

We built Sidekick because we believe documentation should support clinical care, not detract from it. By automating the most time-consuming aspects of this process – particularly for group sessions – we’re giving clinicians back valuable time to focus on patient care or personal well-being, saving 60-70% of their documentation time.

One early adopter of Group Notes told us: “I used to spend my evenings catching up on group documentation. With Sidekick Group Notes, I’m finishing my notes before I leave the office.”

Looking Forward

This release represents a significant milestone in our journey to transform behavioral healthcare technology. Our Speaker Map technology provides a first-of-its-kind ability to automatically identify each user based on their voice alone. Not more manually noting an entire session. Speaker Map does it for you.

In the coming months, we’ll continue enhancing our group documentation capabilities while expanding our Sidekick suite to include more tools that empower clinicians and improve patient care.

I invite you to experience Sidekick Notes and the new Group Notes feature firsthand. If you want to see Group Notes in action, make an appointment here for a demonstration, and join us in our mission to give clinicians more time for what matters most – helping people live healthier lives.

Together, we’re making the future of behavioral healthcare more human.

Can’t get enough on AI, behavioral health, and life sciences? Head over to our blog for more.

Videra Health Launches TDScreen, a First-of-Its-Kind AI-powered Tool to Assess Tardive Dyskinesia Risk in Less Than Five Minutes

TDScreen will be accessible to National Council for Mental Wellbeing Members at no cost

Orem, Utah – April 28, 2025 – Videra Health™, a leading AI platform for behavioral health providers, has announced the launch of TDScreen, the first-ever automated, video based, AI solution on the market to screen for Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) risk, a chronic, involuntary movement disorder that can develop as a side effect of long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs. National Council for Mental Wellbeing Members, a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve, will now have access to TDScreen at no cost.

TD presents unique screening challenges even for experienced clinicians and remains underdiagnosed despite affecting millions of Americans taking antipsychotic medications. With its involuntary movements often mistaken for nervousness, aging, or other conditions, the gap in recognition represents not just a clinical challenge, but a deeply human one that affects quality of life and treatment outcomes.

“Videra Health is thrilled to be able to launch a first-of-its-kind innovative solution to screen for TD risk, effectively,” said Loren Larsen, CEO of Videra Health. “TDScreen and our broader AI platform aren’t about replacing clinician judgment—they’re about enhancing it. By automating routine screenings, we free healthcare providers to focus on what matters most: the human connections and complex decision-making that drive quality care. Larsen added, “We are delighted to offer TDScreen to the National Council for Wellbeing Members, an important organization leading policy in mental health. ” 

“We’re proud to partner with Videra Health to provide TDScreen at no cost to our 3,200+ member organizations,” said Charles Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “This AI tool helps close the gap in detecting Tardive Dyskinesia, enabling earlier intervention and better outcomes. It’s a strong step forward in using technology to enhance mental health care.”

TDScreen uses advanced video analysis technology to evaluate patients for potential TD symptoms quickly and efficiently. With TDScreen, patients on antipsychotics can easily complete virtual screenings to accurately assess their risk factors in their own environments and enable providers to monitor or modify their treatment plans. The TDScreen tool is based on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), a comprehensive clinician-rated scale designed to specifically evaluate involuntary movements. Employing advanced AI video technology, TDScreen efficiently assesses and quantifies the risk of TD in less than 5 minutes. The resulting score generated by this assessment can aid in clinical decision-making and management strategies.

Additional benefits of TD Screen include:

  • Providers can effortlessly enroll their patients who are receiving antipsychotics for automated TDScreen assessments at predetermined intervals, ensuring proactive and consistent healthcare management.
  • An intuitive interface simplifies scheduling tailored screening and monitoring protocols, accompanied by automated reminders and notifications to keep both providers and patients engaged every step of the way.

To learn more about TDScreen visit www.tdscreen.ai.

About Videra Health™

Videra Health is a leading AI-driven patient engagement and health assessment platform that empowers providers and healthcare organizations to proactively identify, triage, and monitor patients, closing care gaps using linguistic, audio and video analysis at scale. The FDA-registered digital platform transforms how doctors and healthcare systems interact and track a patient’s journey, illuminating the hidden depths of patient behavior and outcomes. Videra Health connects providers and patients anytime, anywhere, between visits and post-discharge via written and video assessments that translate into actionable quantitative and qualitative patient data. The platform streamlines diagnoses, enhances care accessibility, optimizes workflows and drives down costs for providers and healthcare systems.

For more information, visit www.viderahealth.com.

About National Council for Mental Wellbeing

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 3 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

For more information, please visit https://www.thenationalcouncil.org. 

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Media Contact:
Videra Health
Stacy Callahan
stacy@astonishmediagroup.com 

The Critical Role of Model Cards When Selecting an AI Vendor for Behavioral Health and Pharma

Model cards for AI vendors showing performance metrics across populations

In today’s healthcare landscape, model cards for AI vendors have become essential documentation when selecting technology partners for behavioral health and pharmaceutical applications. These comprehensive documents provide transparent details about AI models’ performance, training data, and limitations—critical information for healthcare organizations making high-stakes technology decisions that impact patient care.

What Are Model Cards and Why Do They Matter?

Model cards serve as transparent documentation for machine learning models, detailing their performance characteristics, training data, intended use cases, and limitations. First proposed by researchers at Google in 2019, model cards have quickly become a best practice in responsible AI development.

For behavioral health and pharmaceutical applications, where decisions directly impact patient care, model cards aren’t just nice-to-have documentation—they’re essential safeguards that provide critical information about the algorithms making or supporting clinical decisions.

Key Elements of Strong Model Cards in Healthcare AI

When evaluating AI vendors for behavioral health or pharmaceutical applications, look for model cards that include:

  • Intended Use and Clinical Context: Clear explanation of what the model is designed to do, and importantly, what it’s not designed to do.
  • Training Data Demographics: Details about the populations represented in the training data—particularly important for ensuring models work across diverse patient populations.
  • Performance Metrics: Specificity and sensitivity measurements, both overall and for specific demographic groups.
  • Validation Methodology: How the model was validated, including any peer-reviewed research or clinical studies.
  • Limitations and Constraints: Transparent acknowledgment of the model’s limitations and potential failure modes.
  • Bias Evaluation: Assessment of potential biases in the model and steps taken to mitigate them.
  • Regulatory Status: Information about FDA registration or other regulatory frameworks the model complies with.

Real-World Example: Behavioral Health Assessment Models

Consider a vendor offering AI models that analyze video responses to detect signs of depression. A comprehensive model card would specify:

  • The model predicts PHQ-9 equivalent scores based on facial expressions, voice tone, and natural language analysis
  • Training included data from 10,000+ individuals across diverse demographic groups
  • Overall accuracy metrics (e.g., AUC: 0.89) with breakdowns for different populations
  • Independent validation through IRB-approved studies
  • Lower accuracy rates for certain populations with smaller representation in training data
  • Not intended for standalone diagnosis, but as a screening aid for clinicians

This level of transparency enables healthcare organizations to make informed decisions about whether a particular AI solution aligns with their clinical needs, patient populations, and ethical standards.

The Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) produced a great example of what a model card can contain to ensure transparency, safety, security & privacy, fairness & bias, and usefulness. Individual model cards will look different, but the frameworks CHAI developed are a baseline.

The Regulatory Landscape and Model Documentation

As regulatory bodies like the FDA develop frameworks for AI as medical devices, comprehensive documentation is becoming increasingly important. The FDA’s proposed regulatory framework for AI/ML-based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) emphasizes the importance of transparency in model development and performance.

For pharmaceutical companies, model documentation is particularly crucial for clinical trials, where regulators require clear evidence of model validity and reliability. Strong model cards can help satisfy these requirements and build trust with regulatory agencies.

Questions to Ask AI Vendors About Their Models

When evaluating AI vendors for behavioral health or pharmaceutical applications, consider asking:

  • “Can you provide detailed model cards for each of your algorithms?”
  • “How was your model validated across different demographic groups?”
  • “What peer-reviewed research supports the effectiveness of your model?”
  • “What are the known limitations or potential biases in your model?”
  • “How often is your model updated, and what is your validation process for new versions?”

Model Cards as a Competitive Advantage

As the AI healthcare market becomes increasingly competitive, comprehensive model cards aren’t just good practice—they’re becoming a competitive advantage. Organizations that prioritize vendors with thorough, transparent documentation are better positioned to implement AI solutions that are effective, ethical, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

When selecting an AI vendor for behavioral health or pharmaceutical applications, remember that the quality of their model cards often reflects the quality of their approach to AI development. In a field where decisions impact patient lives, this level of transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential.

By demanding comprehensive model cards from AI vendors, healthcare organizations can make more informed decisions, reduce implementation risks, and ultimately deliver better care to the patients who need it most.

Want more? Visit our blog page for the latest in AI across the healthcare industry.

Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare (PSQH): Revolutionizing Mental Healthcare Through AI-Enhanced Provider-Patient Relationships

In a recent feature for Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare (PSQH), our CEO Loren Larsen emphasized the transformative role of AI in improving mental health provider-patient relationships.

The mental health sector is overwhelmed by increasing demand, paired with significant shortages in clinical staff. Traditional care models are not equipped to handle the need for more frequent monitoring between in-person sessions.

This article delves into how AI and video technology can revolutionize mental healthcare:

  • AI-assisted screenings: Automate and enhance the accuracy of assessments.
  • Video-based evaluations: Offer real-time insights into patient mental health.
  • Continuous patient monitoring: Leverage AI to analyze emotional and behavioral changes over time.

This AI-driven approach enables providers to:

  • Deliver more personalized care.
  • Identify high-risk patients earlier.
  • Enhance patient outcomes with timely interventions.

Read the full article here. 

Videra Health Partners with North South Consulting Group to Help Prevent Suicide-Related Deaths of Service Members

Orem, Utah – October 1, 2024 – Videra Health, a leading AI-driven, end-to-end clinical operations solution, has announced a partnership with North South Consulting Group (NSCG), to help prevent suicide-related deaths of service members. The announcement comes as suicide-related deaths among military service members have risen by 37% over the last 20 years.

Through the use of a mobile phone or computer, Videra Health’s groundbreaking technology uses AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze video data. The AI detects subtle changes in facial expressions, body movements, language, and speech patterns that could indicate the risk of mental health conditions and can proactively identify individuals at a higher risk of suicide. This real-time detection ability results in immediate mental health interventions for service members and can ultimately save lives.

“Our goal at Videra Health is to use AI not just as a tool, but as a force for good in supporting the mental health of those who risk their lives for our country,” says Videra Health CEO & Co-Founder Loren Larsen. “We’re honored to work alongside North South Consulting Group in this important mission, providing service members with access to early effective interventions that can prevent tragedy and promote long-term wellness.”

In August, representatives from NSCG and Videra Health spoke at the Kentucky State Capitol’s Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Protection to address the challenges and risks associated with suicide-related deaths of service members.

“North South Consulting Group is a Veteran-owned and -led business which is passionate about supporting servicemembers and their families,” said Krista Stevans, CEO and President of North South Consulting Group “We take every opportunity to fight military suicide through the services we provide to our clients. Our partnership with Videra Health is another avenue to help the military using enhanced data insights.“

Recent data suggests that the younger population of today’s military are more apt to engage with clinicians and therapists via mobile devices and platforms than they would in a face-to-face or clinical setting. The data emphasizes the importance of identifying those in need of care and affording them with appropriate resources when they need them the most.

About Videra Health™

Videra Health is a leading AI-driven patient engagement and health assessment platform that empowers providers and healthcare organizations to proactively identify, triage, and monitor patients, closing care gaps using linguistic, audio and video analysis at scale. The FDA-registered digital platform transforms how doctors and healthcare systems interact and track a patient’s journey, illuminating the hidden depths of patient behavior and outcomes. Videra Health connects providers and patients anytime, anywhere, between visits and post-discharge via written and video assessments that translate into actionable quantitative and qualitative patient data. The platform streamlines diagnoses, enhances care accessibility, optimizes workflows and drives down costs for providers and healthcare systems. For more information, visit www.viderahealth.com.

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Media Contact:
Videra Health
Stacy Callahan
stacy@astonishmediagroup.com

Videra Health Forms Advisory Board to Guide Continued Growth and Impact as a Leader in AI-driven Patient Engagement

Orem, Utah – July 31, 2024 – Videra Health™, a leading AI-driven clinical patient health assessment platform that empowers providers and healthcare organizations to proactively identify, triage, and monitor at-risk patients and close care gaps using linguistic, audio and video analysis, announced today the formation of its esteemed Advisory Board. 

“This distinguished group of top leaders brings a wealth of experience across healthcare technology, mental health, and business strategy to guide Videra Health’s continued growth and impact,” says Loren Larsen CEO of Videra Health. “Their insights will be crucial as we continue to innovate and empower care providers to ‘see’ their patients beyond traditional methods, ultimately improving mental health outcomes and expanding access to care.”

Already recognized by customers as the top mental health screening platform, the newly formed advisory board will be instrumental in guiding the company as it expands and continues to drive growth. Each member of the advisory board brings a wealth of experience that will be key to Videra Health as the company continues to set the industry standard in the mental health market.

Videra Health’s Advisory Board Members Include:

  • Amir Lahav, a Digital Health Advisor and a leading innovator at the forefront of clinical research. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Amir is on a mission to bring together the brightest minds from far-ranging disciplines to push the boundaries of AI-driven solutions in clinical research and medicine. 
  • Chris Klomp, the former CEO of Collective Medical with a proven track record of building and scaling across healthtech. Chris was previously with Bain & Co and Bain Capital for many years. He is currently a board director and advisor to multiple healthcare organizations including Nomi Health, Maven Clinic, and InnovaCare Health, and is a commissioner of the Utah Digital Health Services Commission.
  • Owen Scott Muir, M.D., DFAACAP,  a dual board Certified child and general psychiatrist and distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Child and adolescent psychiatry.  Dr. Muir is an international speaker, Chief medical officer of iRxReminder, Fermata, and SVP, at Acacia Clinics, and a prolific best-selling author of both popular press and scientific work focusing on AI diagnostics and treatment resistant conditions. 
  • Wylie van den Akker, a seasoned software engineer with expertise in machine learning and data security. Wylie co-founded Collective Medical and served as VP of Innovation at PointClickCare. He brings a unique blend of technical and business acumen to Videra Health, optimizing the technology platform and helping with technical integrations.

“AI is already impacting healthcare, and Videra is on the bleeding edge of how we can use this technology to more safely, proactively, scalably, and inexpensively improve both patient care and the provider experience,” shared Chris Klomp, advisor to Videra. “Videra stands out not only for their innovative use of AI in health detection–utilizing deep data insights to deliver tailored and seamless care experiences to patients and the providers who serve them–but in how they do so by putting patient safety and privacy at the forefront of their efforts. I am deeply passionate about this area and excited to contribute to Videra Health’s mission.”

The formation of the advisory board underscores the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and excellence. With the guidance of these distinguished leaders, Videra Health is poised to set new standards in mental health care, ensuring that more patients receive the critical support they need and deserve.

About Videra Health™

Videra Health is a leading AI-driven patient engagement and health assessment platform that empowers providers and healthcare organizations to proactively identify, triage, and monitor patients, closing care gaps using linguistic, audio and video analysis at scale. The FDA-registered digital platform transforms how doctors and healthcare systems interact and track a patient’s journey, illuminating the hidden depths of patient behavior and outcomes. Videra Health connects providers and patients anytime, anywhere, between visits and post-discharge via written and video assessments that translate into actionable quantitative and qualitative patient data. The platform streamlines diagnoses, enhances care accessibility, optimizes workflows and drives down costs for providers and healthcare systems. For more information, visit www.viderahealth.com.

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Media Contact:
Videra Health
Stacy Callahan
stacy@astonishmediagroup.com 

RamaOnHealthcare Q&A: Brett Talbot, CCO and Loren Larsen, CEO of Videra Health

Discover how Videra Health is transforming mental health care in this insightful Q&A with Loren Larsen, CEO, and Brett Talbot, Chief Clinical Officer. They explore the innovative use of AI and video technology in mental health assessments, highlighting the benefits of enhanced accuracy and accessibility. They also delve into how AI has the potential to benefit PTSD specifically. Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future of mental health care. Read the full article here.

Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare (PSQH): The Importance of Between-Visits Appointments and Mental Health

In a recent feature for Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare (PSQH), our CEO Loren Larsen highlighted the significance of in-between appointments and their impact on mental health.

The US faces a mental health crisis with surging demand and limited access to care. Traditional models struggle with long wait times and a lack of monitoring between appointments.

This article explores how telehealth and AI can bridge the gap:

  • Remote video appointments: Increased accessibility and reduced no-shows.
  • Patient-recorded videos: Capture mental health episodes and track progress.
  • AI analysis: Analyze video/audio to identify urgent cases and prioritize care.

This hybrid clinician/AI approach has the potential to:

  • Reduce strain on mental healthcare systems.
  • Meet patient needs more effectively between appointments.
  • Offer earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

Read the full article here. 

5 Ways AI Can Help You Manage a Growing Caseload

The mental health landscape is experiencing a surge in demand for services. With limited resources and an ever-growing client base, mental health providers face a daunting challenge: ensuring high-quality care for each individual while managing an overflowing caseload.

This is where AI-powered mental health screening platforms can become your secret weapon. These platforms, built around principles of measurement-based care (MBC), utilize video, text, and audio analysis to automate initial screenings, prioritize high-risk patients, and enable remote check-ins. Let’s delve into five specific ways AI can streamline your workflow and free up valuable time for in-depth sessions with clients who need it most.

1.     Prioritizing High-Risk Patients: Early Intervention Makes a Difference

One of the most crucial aspects of managing a growing caseload is identifying and prioritizing high-risk patients. AI platforms can analyze screening data, including video, text, and audio, to identify subtle changes that might indicate potential worsening symptoms.

This allows you to:

  • Proactively Address Critical Needs: Early detection is key in mental health treatment. AI helps you focus on clients who require immediate attention, ensuring they receive timely interventions
  • Personalized Treatment Planning: Data gathered from AI screenings can inform your treatment plans, allowing you to tailor interventions based on each client’s specific needs and potential risks.
  • Improved Patient Outcomes: By prioritizing high-risk cases, you can make a more significant impact on the overall well-being of your client population.
2.     Automating Initial Screenings: Efficiency Meets Accuracy

Traditional intake processes often involve lengthy questionnaires and interviews. AI platforms can automate this initial screening process by using standardized assessments and algorithms trained on vast datasets. This offers several benefits:

  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Imagine reclaiming hours spent administering initial screenings. AI handles the legwork, allowing you to focus on more complex patient interactions.
  • Increased Accuracy: AI algorithms are constantly refined to ensure accurate screening results. This minimizes the risk of missed diagnoses and facilitates earlier intervention.
  • Improved Time Management: By automating initial assessments, you can schedule more clients and dedicate more time to in-depth sessions with those who need it most.
3.     The Power of Remote Check-Ins: Expanding Care Beyond the Office

Limited clinic hours and geographical constraints can restrict access to mental healthcare. AI platforms facilitate remote check-ins through secure video or audio chat functionalities. This allows you to:

  • Increase Accessibility: Remote check-ins can significantly expand your reach to patients in remote areas or those with limited mobility. This fosters greater continuity of care and reduces barriers to accessing mental health services.
  • Enhanced Monitoring: Regular remote check-ins conducted through the platform can provide valuable data between in-person sessions. This allows you to monitor patient progress, identify potential issues early on, and adjust treatment strategies as needed.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: Easy access to remote check-ins can bolster client engagement and adherence to treatment plans, ultimately leading to better outcomes
4.     Measurement-Based Care: Data-Driven Decisions for Effective Treatment

Measurement-based care (MBC) is a core principle for AI-powered mental health screening platforms. These platforms collect and analyze data from every interaction – initial screenings, remote check-ins, and even facial expressions during sessions. This data can be used to:

  • Track Treatment Progress: By analyzing objective data, you can gain valuable insights into how clients are responding to interventions. This allows for adjustments and course corrections as needed.
  • Outcome Monitoring: Tracking data over time allows you to measure the effectiveness of your treatment strategies and identify areas for improvement.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Data-driven insights from the platform can inform your practice, allowing you to refine your approach based on objective evidence and best practices.
5.     More Time for Meaningful Client Interactions: The Heart of Mental Healthcare

By automating routine tasks and facilitating efficient workflow management, AI platforms free up your most valuable resource – time. This allows you to:

  • Focus on Therapeutic Relationships: The human connection is critical in mental healthcare. With AI handling administrative burdens, you can dedicate more time to building rapport and providing personalized therapy to each client.
  • Deeper Client Engagement: With more time for in-depth sessions, you can explore clients’ needs thoroughly, fostering a sense of trust and encouraging genuine engagement in the therapeutic process.
  • Improved Client Outcomes: Investing time in building strong therapeutic relationships and personalized therapy leads to improved client outcomes, higher satisfaction rates, and a greater sense of well-being for your patients.
Embracing AI as a Partner

AI-powered mental health screening platforms are not meant to replace your expertise as a mental health provider. Instead, they serve as a powerful tool, streamlining workflows, offering valuable data-driven insights.

Transforming Intake and Triage at CCBHCs: Meeting the Access to Care Mandate with AI

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are lifelines for individuals seeking accessible mental healthcare. However, CCBHCs face unique challenges in streamlining their intake and triage processes to meet strict federal mandates for access to care. These mandates, established by SAMHSA, outline specific timeframes for service provision based on patient needs:

  • Emergency/Crisis: If triage identifies an emergency, immediate action is taken, including plans to reduce harm and facilitate follow-up care.
  • Urgent Need: Clinical services and initial evaluation must be provided within one business day of the request.
  • Routine Needs: Services and initial evaluation are provided within 10 business days.
  • Comprehensive Evaluation: All new patients receive a comprehensive evaluation within 60 days of the initial request.

This four-part blog series dives into how AI-powered mental health detection platforms, utilizing video, text, and audio assessments, can transform the intake process at CCBHCs. We’ll explore the specific challenges faced by CCBHCs during intake and how these platforms can streamline the process, improve efficiency, and ultimately help CCBHCs reach and serve more patients in need.

The Challenge: Streamlining Intake While Meeting Mandates

While CCBHCs technically don’t have waitlists due to these regulations, the pressure to meet these timeframes is immense. Traditional intake processes, often paper-based and time-consuming, can strain limited staff resources and delay patient access to critical services.

  • Strained Resources: Traditional intake processes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, diverting valuable staff time away from direct patient care.
  • Limited Data Capture: Questionnaires and interviews may not capture the full picture of a patient’s needs, potentially leading to inaccurate assessments and delayed treatment plans.
The Solution: AI-Powered Intake and Triage

Here’s where AI-powered mental health detection platforms come in. Utilizing video, text, and audio assessments, these platforms offer significant advantages for CCBHCs:

  • Streamlined Intake: AI assessments can be completed remotely and at the patient’s convenience, freeing up staff time for in-person evaluations.
  • Richer Data Collection: Beyond self-reported information, AI analyzes facial expressions, speech patterns, and response times, providing a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s mental state.
  • Faster Triage: AI can analyze data and prioritize patients based on urgency, ensuring those in critical need receive timely interventions within mandated timeframes.
  • Improved Resource Allocation: By automating initial screening, AI empowers CCBHCs to allocate staff resources towards more complex cases and in-depth assessments.
By leveraging AI for intake and triage, CCBHCs can:
  • Meet access to care mandates: AI helps CCBHCs efficiently triage patients and ensure timely service provision as outlined by regulations.
  • Enhanced Patient Experience: Faster intake processes reduce patient frustration and anxiety while increasing access to needed care.
  • Improved Resource Management: AI frees up staff time for patient interaction and treatment planning, maximizing efficiency.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Richer data insights from AI assessments can inform better treatment plans and overall service delivery.

AI-powered assessments are not intended to replace the expertise of mental health professionals. Instead, they serve as a valuable tool to streamline intake processes, gather richer data, and prioritize patient needs. By embracing AI technology, CCBHCs can overcome traditional challenges, increase patient capacity, and ultimately deliver better mental healthcare services to their communities.

AI in Mental Health: Tailoring Support to Improve Patient Journeys

The mental healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional methods of care delivery are often limited because of accessibility, wait times, and the ability to effectively assess and monitor mental health conditions. Fortunately, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are paving the way for a more personalized and efficient approach, directly addressing these limitations.

Digital care delivery tools hold immense potential to revolutionize healthcare, not just in mental health. Estimates suggest they could slash medical costs in the United States by a staggering $175 billion to $220 billion annually. This transformation hinges on creating a seamless, personalized patient journey for a broad group of patients during their treatment regimen. By tailoring communication and simplifying touch points, healthcare providers can significantly enhance the overall care experience and foster stronger relationships with their patients. In a value-based healthcare model, where success is measured by patient outcomes, optimizing the patient journey becomes paramount. Effective communication and personalized support are key to maximizing positive outcomes and demonstrating the true value of healthcare services.

AI-powered mental health screenings are at the forefront of this exciting change. Here, we explore the potential of AI in mental health and how it can tailor support to improve patient journeys, specifically within the mental health field.

Early Detection and Intervention

Early intervention is crucial for successful mental health treatment. However, many individuals struggle to access timely screenings, or hesitate to seek help due to stigma such as the fear of being labeled, ostracized, or misunderstood due to their condition. AI offers a solution through discreet video, text, and audio analysis platforms. This technology can screen for signs of depression, anxiety, and other conditions by detecting subtle changes in facial expressions, speech patterns, and body language. By identifying potential concerns early, patients can be connected with the appropriate resources and support they need to manage their mental health.

Streamlined Assessments and Personalized Treatment Plans

Traditional mental health assessments often rely on self-reported information and standardized assessments. AI can enhance these methods by analyzing a wider range of data points, such as language, voice patterns, facial expressions and movement. This data can provide valuable insights into a patient’s emotional state and complement self-reported information, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Continuous Monitoring and Improved Outcomes

Mental health conditions are dynamic. AI can be used to continuously monitor a patient’s progress throughout their treatment journey. Platforms utilizing AI analysis can enable ongoing assessments, allowing clinicians to track a patient’s response to treatment and identify areas where adjustments might be necessary. This continuous monitoring can lead to improved treatment outcomes and better overall patient care, potentially preventing mental health crises through early intervention and ongoing support.

Increased Accessibility and Reduced Stigma

AI-powered mental health tools can help overcome barriers to accessing care. Platforms offering AI analysis can provide a convenient and anonymous way for individuals to screen for mental health concerns in the privacy of their own homes. This can be particularly helpful for those living in remote areas or facing transportation challenges. Furthermore, by offering a more objective and data-driven approach to mental health screening, AI can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

The Future of AI in Mental Health: A Collaborative Approach

While AI holds immense potential for transforming mental health care, it’s important to acknowledge that it is not a replacement for human interaction. The ideal scenario involves AI working seamlessly alongside mental health professionals, providing valuable data and insights that clinicians can leverage to personalize treatment plans and build stronger therapeutic relationships with their patients.

The integration of AI in mental health care is still in its early stages, but the potential for positive impact is undeniable. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more advancements:

  • Improved AI models: Future AI models will likely become even more sophisticated, leading to even more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
  • Integration with various technologies: AI has the capability to analyze data from a wide range of sources, including virtual and augmented reality, chatbots, videos, wearables, and sensors. This allows for a multifaceted approach to treatment, creating a more immersive and interactive experience for patients.
  • Focus on preventative care and early detection: AI has the potential to play a significant role in preventative mental health care, helping to identify and address risk factors before symptoms even develop.

This combined approach strengthens the bond between patient and provider, leading to better overall health. It achieves this by considering both physical and mental well-being. When healthcare professionals prioritize patient-centered care and use the latest technology, they can create a more streamlined and practical approach to treatment. Ultimately, this improves patient well-being and satisfaction.

Guest opinion: Utah is leading the way with AI. Regulators should take note

Utah is at the forefront of a rapid technological transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This article published in the Standard Examiner highlights several ways Utahns are leveraging this new technology to improve various aspects of life in the state.

AI in Action
  • Healthcare: Companies like Videra Health are utilizing AI to prioritize urgent medical concerns and summarize key information for clinicians, streamlining telemedicine and behavioral health services.
  • Business Efficiency: Companies like Everee are employing AI to automate administrative tasks and expedite time-sensitive processes, boosting overall efficiency and accuracy.
  • Education: The Jordan School District is implementing AI to personalize lesson plans and worksheets, creating a more engaging learning experience for students.
  • Environmental Analysis: The Utah Geological Survey is using AI to generate intricate geologic maps, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the state’s terrain. This data has crucial implications for understanding the impact of factors like glacier movement on surrounding areas.
The Importance of Responsible Regulation

While AI offers immense potential, the article acknowledges the need for responsible regulation to ensure safe and ethical implementation. Utah’s recently passed AI legislation, S.B. 149, takes a measured approach by establishing an AI Learning Lab to study the technology’s real-world impact and applying existing laws to address potential misuse. This stands in stark contrast to more reactionary approaches observed in other states.

The Need for Data and Collaboration

The article emphasizes the importance of gathering data on real-world AI use cases. This information is crucial for crafting effective regulations that promote innovation while safeguarding against potential risks. Utah’s proactive approach positions the state as a leader in fostering a safe and prosperous AI-driven future.

Local Expertise Highlighted

The article is co-authored by Neil Chilson, head of AI policy at the Utah-based Abundance Institute, and Stafford Palmieri Sievert, a Utah Republican Party official and investor in AI technology companies. Their insights offer a valuable perspective on Utah’s role in the national AI landscape.  Read the article here.

The Future of TD Screening is Here: AI Takes on Tardive Dyskinesia Detection

May 5-11, 2024 is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week. This annual campaign is meant to raise awareness and understanding of TD, a neurological disorder that can result from long-term use of certain medications for mental health conditions. As an AI technology company committed to improving healthcare, we are excited to announce our latest innovation – TDScreen, an AI video screener for estimating risk of TD.

The Importance of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition that causes involuntary and repetitive movements, such as lip smacking, tongue protrusion, and jaw movements. It can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected, causing embarrassment and social isolation. Yet, many people, including healthcare providers, are still unfamiliar with TD. This is why TD Awareness Week is crucial in bringing attention to this condition and promoting early detection and treatment.

The Need for Proactive Tardive Dyskinesia Identification

Traditionally, TD is diagnosed through a lengthy physical examination conducted by a healthcare provider using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) that requires extensive training. However, this can be challenging for patients who are unable to visit a clinic regularly. As a result, TD may go undetected and untreated, leading to irreversible symptoms and further deterioration of overall health. This is where TDScreen comes in – providing a proactive and convenient solution for remotely estimating risk of TD.  When TD is identified early there are two FDA approved medications, valbenazine (Ingrezza®) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo®).

Introducing TDScreen: An AI Video Assessment

TDScreen harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video footage of patients for potential signs of TD. Through advanced algorithms, TDScreen is able to detect subtle and early signs of TD, even those that may go unnoticed by the human eye. This means that patients can be screened for TD from the comfort of their own home, without the need for in-person appointments.

How TDScreen Works

TDScreen is easy to use and requires no special equipment. All patients need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a front-facing camera. The screening takes less than 5 minutes to complete and can be done in the comfort of their own home. Patients simply record themselves performing a series of movements and facial expressions while following instructions on the screen. The video is then securely uploaded to our platform for analysis.

The Benefits of TDScreen for Providers and Patients

For providers, TDScreen offers a way to stay ahead of TD, even with patients who are unable to visit the clinic regularly. By being proactive in identifying TD, providers can work towards early intervention and better outcomes for their patients. For patients, TDScreen provides a convenient and non-invasive way to get screened for TD without the need for frequent in-person appointments. It also offers peace of mind, knowing that they are being regularly monitored for potential signs of TD.

How Providers Can Use TDScreen During Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

We encourage all providers, especially neurologists and psychiatrists, to take advantage of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week and introduce TDScreen to their patients as a proactive tool for TD detection. We provide providers with a special identification code to share with their patients, allowing them to easily complete the TDScreen assessment and have their results automatically shared with the requesting provider.

TDScreen: Changing the Game in Remote Tardive Dyskinesia Screening

At our core, we are driven by our mission to improve healthcare outcomes through the use of innovative technologies like TDScreen. This TD Awareness Week, we are proud to offer an efficient and effective solution for remote TD risk detection, making it easier for providers to identify TD early and ultimately improve the lives of their patients. Join us in raising awareness for TD and taking a proactive approach to TD detection with TDScreen.

Recognizing support from iRx Reminder and NIMH funding (Grant No. 2R44MH114763).