Augmenting Mental Health Support Through a Supportive Text Messaging Program

Text4Support program was developed based on knowledge from randomized controlled trials conducted in Ireland and Alberta and from evaluations of the Text4Mood program. The diagnostic-specific approach is based on an analysis of service data, which suggested that diagnostic clusters for individuals accessing mental health services into 6 categories: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, adjustment disorders and personality disorders. Thus, text message content will focus on 2 dimensions. General range includes messages of self-care, social support, hope, affirmation, and recovery. Specific content will focus on managing symptoms related to the conditions described above. As a component of scalability and inclusiveness, text message content can also be customized based on end-user characteristics. We will explore content that is sensitive to needs based on age group, cultural identity and gender identity.