The use of the internet to provide evidence-based integrated treatment programs for mental health

New psychosocial interventions, derived from social learning theory and cognitive-behavior therapy, including relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and the transtheoretical model of behavior change, are philosophically and practically applicable to evidence-based medicine and are often developed in such a way as to allow rapid translation to the Internet. The Internet also has the potential to improve communication among patients and providers. This article discusses the reasons for using the Internet in practice. The Internet can facilitate the collection. coordination, dissemination, and interpretation of data. Primary care and mental health care patients are interested in the use of the Internet in health care, and they are coming to expect this from their providers. Factors for Internet service provision include: accessibility, inclusivity, flexibility, and coordination/integration. Two models of Internet mental health care provision and support are discussed: (1) A Web-based program to prevent and treat eating disorders; and (2) Internet support groups and online psychoeducation. There is an urgent need for controlled studies in these areas at almost all levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)