FUNCTIONAL SKILLS TRAINING
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS TRAINING
Technology and Mental Health: State of the Art for Assessment and Treatment
Harvey et al., The American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(12), 897–914 (2022)
The American Journal of Psychiatry
Technology and Mental Health: State of the Art for Assessment and Treatment
SUMMARY
This broad state-of-the-art review examines how technology is being used in mental health assessment and treatment, including digital measures of cognition, emotion, functional capacity, and everyday functioning; virtual reality; ecological momentary assessment; passive sensing; and computerized cognitive and functional skills training. The authors distinguish approaches supported by randomized trials and systematic evidence from emerging technologies that still require stronger validation, and they discuss standards for selecting and evaluating digital tools.
Within the review, the computerized functional skills assessment and training approach associated with CFSAT/FUNSAT™ serves as an evidence-based example of technology that targets real-world capacity. Its realistic simulations can measure component performance—such as errors and completion time—and then provide direct practice on the same kinds of everyday tasks. The review’s positive message is that functional skills training can complement cognitive intervention by addressing the practical actions needed for independent living. FUNSAT™ therefore fits a larger, rigorously evaluated digital-health strategy in which scalable delivery and precise measurement are tied to meaningful functional outcomes.

