Discovery Behavioral Health boosts care and revenue with patient engagement efforts

Healthcare IT News highlights how Discovery Behavioral Health is advancing patient care and operational efficiency through post-discharge engagement powered by AI. By implementing a white-labeled version of Videra Health’s video-based assessment platform, Discovery extended support beyond the walls of its facilities—gaining real-time insights into patient recovery and unlocking new opportunities for early intervention and re-engagement. This proactive, tech-enabled approach exemplifies the shift toward continuous, personalized care across the behavioral health spectrum. With measurable improvements in patient outcomes and provider efficiency, the article shows how innovation can meaningfully transform the recovery journey.
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Managing Stress in the Digital Age: Practical Tools for Behavioral Health Clinics

digital solutions for behavioral health clinicians

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, behavioral health clinicians face unprecedented challenges. Rising patient demand, administrative burdens, and the constant pressure to deliver high-quality care can create a perfect storm of stress for even the most dedicated professionals. As Videra Health’s Chief Clinical Officer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how digital solutions can either add to this burden or, when thoughtfully implemented, help alleviate it.

The Growing Challenge

The statistics paint a clear picture: nearly half of the U.S. population lives in a mental health workforce shortage area, average wait times for mental health services exceed three months, and no-show rates hover around 30%. These challenges create immense pressure on clinicians, leading to burnout and decreased quality of care.

However, I’ve observed a positive shift in how behavioral health organizations are leveraging technology to address these challenges. The right digital tools can transform workflows, enhance patient engagement, and provide valuable insights that improve both clinical outcomes and staff wellbeing.

Digital Solutions That Actually Help

At Videra Health, we’ve worked with hundreds of behavioral health organizations to identify which digital approaches actually reduce clinician stress rather than adding to it. Here are key strategies we’ve found most effective:

1. Automate Administrative Tasks, Not Clinical Judgment

The most successful digital implementations focus on eliminating repetitive administrative tasks while preserving and enhancing clinicians’ unique expertise and judgment. For example, automating intake assessments and post-discharge follow-ups can save hours of staff time while still providing rich clinical data.

When our client’s large behavioral health practice implemented automated post-discharge monitoring, they didn’t just save staff time—they identified patients needing intervention who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. As one clinician shared, “We had four alerts over the weekend, and we were able to reach out to support clients and one came back for services… we would have never been able to find these patients in time without Videra.”

2. Implement Proactive Risk Identification

One of the most stressful aspects of behavioral health practice is worrying about patients between sessions. Digital tools that allow for ongoing monitoring and proactive risk identification can alleviate this burden.

Our experience with behavioral health support services shows that timely alerts for emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and other concerning patterns can enable early intervention. This not only improves patient outcomes and scales across the entire patient population, but also reduces the psychological burden on clinicians who otherwise might worry about patients between appointments.

3. Leverage Multimodal Assessments

Traditional questionnaire-based assessments only tell part of the story. Modern behavioral health platforms that incorporate video, audio, and text assessments can capture much richer data. This approach allows patients to express themselves in their own words, providing clinicians with deeper insights while reducing the time needed to gather comprehensive information.

One clinician noted, “Because Videra is video-based, it gives the clinician or staff the very information that you would be looking for if the patient were sitting across from you in your office.” This deeper understanding helps clinicians make more informed decisions more efficiently.

4. Focus on Meaningful Measurement

Not all data is created equal. The most effective digital solutions focus on collecting and analyzing information that directly informs clinical decisions and improves care.

By tracking key metrics like changes in PHQ-9 scores, medication adherence, and social determinants of health over time, clinicians can identify trends and adjust treatment plans accordingly. This data-driven approach not only improves patient outcomes but also gives clinicians confidence that their interventions are having the desired effect.

5. Engage Patients Between Visits

Patient engagement doesn’t have to stop when the session ends. Digital platforms that facilitate ongoing communication and support between visits can extend the impact of therapy while reducing the pressure on in-person appointments.

Research shows that patients with higher engagement in digital follow-up programs demonstrate stronger recovery, with better protective factors and lower relapse rates. This continuous engagement creates a more sustainable care model for both patients and providers.

The Human Element Remains Essential

As we embrace these digital solutions, it’s crucial to remember that technology should enhance rather than replace the human connection at the heart of behavioral healthcare. The most effective implementations leverage technology to handle routine tasks, gather information, and identify risks—freeing clinicians to focus on what they do best: providing compassionate, personalized care.

One CCBHC director summarized it perfectly: “Technology doesn’t replace our clinicians—it amplifies their impact by ensuring they can focus their time and expertise where it’s needed most.”

Moving Forward Together

The future of behavioral healthcare isn’t about choosing between human expertise and digital efficiency—it’s about thoughtfully integrating both to create more sustainable, effective, and scalable care models. By implementing the right digital tools in the right way, behavioral health organizations can reduce clinician stress, improve patient outcomes, and build more resilient healthcare systems.

At Videra Health, we’re committed to supporting this integration with solutions designed specifically for the unique challenges of behavioral healthcare. Together, we can create a future where technology doesn’t add to clinician burden but instead helps create more manageable, rewarding work environments where both providers and patients can thrive.

Check our blog for the latest discussions on AI in healthcare, behavioral health, life sciences and clinical trials.

AI in Clinical Trials: Moving Beyond Traditional Endpoints in Bipolar Disorder Research

AI-powered bipolar disorder clinical trial monitoring dashboard showing patient assessment data and predictive analytics

AI bipolar clinical trials are revolutionizing how pharmaceutical companies develop and test new treatments for bipolar disorder. With Videra Health’s advanced predictive algorithms and multimodal assessment capabilities, researchers can now capture deeper insights into patient symptoms, mood fluctuations, and treatment responses.

Traditional Challenges in Bipolar Clinical Trials

Historically, bipolar disorder clinical trials have relied heavily on periodic assessments and self-reported data. These traditional methods often miss crucial mood fluctuations between clinical visits, creating significant gaps in our understanding of treatment response. The subjective nature of these assessments can also introduce inconsistencies that impact trial outcomes.

How AI is Revolutionizing Bipolar Clinical Trials

Through our partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies, Videra Health has witnessed firsthand how AI-powered video and voice analysis is transforming bipolar disorder research. These AI bipolar clinical trials enable continuous, objective measurement of symptoms without increasing the burden on clinical sites or patients.

The integration of artificial intelligence in these studies creates multiple advantages:

  • Continuous Monitoring: AI algorithms analyze voice patterns and facial expressions to detect subtle mood changes between formal assessments
  • Objective Data Collection: Reducing reliance on subjective self-reporting with quantifiable measurements
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement: More natural interaction methods improve trial retention rates
  • Reduced Site Burden: Automated assessments collect more data without additional clinical staff time
  • Earlier Intervention Opportunities: Rapid identification of mood shifts allows for timely protocol adjustments

Real-World Impact on CNS Drug Development

AI bipolar clinical trials aren’t just generating more data – they’re producing higher quality, more meaningful insights that can accelerate drug development. In recent collaborations, our AI assessment platform identified early treatment responses that traditional methods missed until weeks later.

The implications extend beyond bipolar disorder research. The same AI methodologies show promise for trials involving depression, schizophrenia, and other serious mental health conditions where subtle behavioral changes can indicate treatment response.

Looking Forward: The Future of AI in CNS Research

As we connect with fellow innovators at Reuters Pharma USA during Bipolar Awareness Month, it’s clear that AI bipolar clinical trials represent just the beginning of a transformation in CNS research. The integration of artificial intelligence with traditional clinical methodologies isn’t replacing human expertise – it’s enhancing our ability to understand complex mental health conditions and develop more effective treatments.

Check our blog for the latest discussions on AI in healthcare, behavioral health, life sciences and clinical trials.

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. 

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. 

The Power of Listening: How AI Assessments Capture the Patient Voice and Transform Care Management

Traditionally, care management relies heavily on questionnaires and standardized assessments. While these tools provide valuable information, they often miss the richness of the patient experience, especially in mental health. Subtle cues in a patient’s voice, facial expressions, and body language can offer deeper insights into their well-being, which can be missed by traditional methods.

The Power of AI in Capturing the Patient Voice and Monitoring Progress

Mental Health Screening and Beyond: As a healthcare professional, I’ve often heard the sentiment: “If I could just see the patient for a few seconds, I’d get a much better sense of how they’re doing.” Traditional methods can lack nuance, relying solely on self-reported information.

This is where AI-powered video, text, and audio assessments excel. Mental health screening platforms leverage AI to capture the patient in ways that go beyond what traditional methods can achieve, providing a more accurate picture of a patient’s well-being. But the power of AI extends past the initial screening.

These assessments can be used for ongoing monitoring throughout a patient’s care journey. Patients can share their experiences in their own words, from the comfort of their own environment, during regular check-ins or engage using an AI-powered virtual support agent. These tools eliminate potential bias or apprehension that might arise in face-to-face interactions and provide a wealth of data for ongoing monitoring. 

According to a recent study conducted by Videra Health with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) patients, 90% of those surveyed expressed a desire to use the Videra Health app/platform on a monthly basis for monitoring their mental health condition. This high percentage was consistent across all levels of depression severity. Additionally, 95% of the patients reported having a positive experience while using the platform.

Furthermore, in the same study, 32 providers were also surveyed about their willingness to use an app/platform for monitoring their patients’ mental health. An overwhelming 92% expressed interest in learning about the severity of their patients’ symptoms through the platform, while 96% liked the convenience, timeliness, and access to screening that it provided.

In essence, AI can act as your virtual eyes and ears, offering those crucial “20 seconds” to gauge a patient’s emotional state and overall well-being. This empowers you to intervene early, personalize treatment plans, and ultimately deliver better care to your patients.

Transforming Care Management with Continuous Monitoring

By capturing the patient voice and analyzing these nonverbal cues during ongoing check-ins, AI assessments offer significant benefits for care management across all healthcare organizations, including behavioral health centers:

  • Improved Patient Engagement and Adherence: The ability to share their experiences in their own words empowers patients and fosters a more collaborative relationship with their care team and build trusts. Regular check-ins using AI can also help with adherence to treatment plans.
  • Early Detection of Changes and Relapses: By analyzing subtle variations in speech, facial expressions, and body language during monitoring, AI can help identify potential changes in a patient’s condition or signs of relapse at an earlier stage, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
  • Empowering Providers to Deliver More Effective Care: The rich data gathered by AI assessments provides care managers with a more comprehensive understanding of a patient’s condition and progress over time. This empowers them to personalize treatment plans, adjust interventions as needed, and ultimately deliver more effective care to more patients.
AI Analyzes the Nuances for a Holistic View

AI technology goes beyond simply capturing words; it analyzes the subtle nuances of communication, including:

  • Facial expressions: Tiny changes in facial expressions, like micro-expressions of sadness or anxiety, can be detected by AI and provide valuable insights into a patient’s emotional state.
  • Speech patterns: AI can analyze speech patterns for changes in tone, pitch, or fluency, which can be indicators of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
  • Body language: Crossed arms, fidgeting, or lack of eye contact can all be indicators of a patient’s emotional state. AI can detect these subtle cues and provide valuable insights to care managers.
AI Integration for Seamless Monitoring:

AI technology seamlessly integrates with existing care management workflows. For instance, consider chronically ill or at-risk patients who participate in regular care management calls. AI-powered video and voice technology can be implemented alongside these calls, offering a deeper understanding of the patient’s mental health beyond simply discussing physical symptoms. This empowers care teams to provide more comprehensive support and improve overall patient well-being throughout the care journey, not just during initial screenings.

AI assessments represent a significant leap forward in patient care management. By capturing the patient voice and analyzing subtle cues during ongoing monitoring, this technology empowers healthcare organizations to deliver more effective, personalized, and efficient care. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even greater advancements in the field of patient-centered care.

If you would like to see one of Videra Health’s services in action, please visit TDScreen.ai and sign up to take a free virtual screening.