CPI Improves Mental Health Outcomes With Digital Learning

National studies show that the majority of people diagnosed with serious mental illness do not have access to evidence-based recovery support practices to improve health and promote wellness.

Behavioral health providers at the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute (CPI) sought a way to help improve outcomes for individuals with long-term psychiatric disabilities by providing recovery-oriented solutions.

In order to more effectively bring those practices to the communities it serves, CPI needed a way to help mental health practitioners support and deliver high-quality treatment to clients as part of their ongoing training efforts. The solution needed to be inspiring, authentic, and easy to use for learners with a broad range of work experience and education.

AllenComm designed a digital learning experience anchored from beginning to end around an engaging, realistic scenario. Through a variety of audio and video elements, learners follow one man’s progress over several sessions, observing how his mental health practitioner coaches him through specific challenges associated with a psychosocial disorder. The situation is both accessible and specific, providing a context for learners of any experience level to confidently begin applying effective principles and best practices.

In alignment with CPI’s existing training programs, a balance of audio and textual content was organized into nine manageable micro-modules, allowing learners to move through the experience at their own pace and navigate freely to topics with particular value. A platform was set up to deliver ongoing performance support with the micro-modules and a resource library.

The course and activities are aimed at helping practitioners:

• Assess and make plans for rehabilitation readiness
• Address needs through effective responses and exercises
• Coach toward the most appropriate and meaningful goals
• Choose appropriate strategies to advocate and develop supports