‘MindMate’ is a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) software to be used in the treatment of addiction and mental health. We are professionals with qualifications in psychology, sociology and counselling, currently working in the field of drug and alcohol addiction and clinical management of opiate dependence. By integrating psychological and counselling addiction theories we are developing ‘MindMate’; an interactive software that assists both practitioner and client in the discovery and alteration of belief systems that are related to addiction, anxiety, depression, anger management, compulsive behaviours and other mental health problems.

‘MindMate’ will initially be available online and is intended to be accessible through mobile phones and other media and gaming devices, so that self-awareness information a client has gathered throughout treatment is organised and accessible. The software will consist of a set of widely used CBT worksheets (cycle of change, thought records, decision matrix, SMART goals, etc.) allowing the service user to examine their thought and emotion patterns, identify and devise plans to deal effectively with triggers, as well as providing a care plan that the client can periodically revise and update in order to track their own progress.

Mobile phones that have internet access support this technology. For those individuals that do not have a mobile phone, the internet provides an alternative as all service users will be able to access their own account (containing their worksheets) through the web. Either by mobile phone or internet, individuals will be able to access self-help forums and/or contact a professional by phone, email or text (with the support of a 24 hour helpline) regarding any personal issues that may arise during treatment.

Self exploratory work on a handheld devise is discreet, convenient and can be used inside or outside of treatment centres for indefinite periods of time after a client has completed a treatment programme. By allowing clients to access information previously stored in the worksheets, ‘MindMate’ will enable service users to organise and highlight personal reasons for and against changing behaviour, thus systematically addressing ambivalence. By utilising a multi-media tool to immediately capture information prior to, during and after a behavioural lapse, sessions with a key-worker or counsellors may cover extensive ground when addressing thoughts, emotions and triggers specific to high-risk situations. This tool will promote a sense of empowerment by enabling clients to take ownership for their own process rather than primarily attributing positive change to the ‘helping’ profession.

‘MindMate’aims to provide an alternative to traditional pen and paper methods which many clients associate with negative schooling experiences. It will also be useful for dyslexic, illiterate, deaf and foreign language clients, utilising symbols, and abbreviations that the software user may introduce. ‘MindMate’is not modality-specific and may be used alongside any other treatment programmes including the 12-step (Minnesota) model, as it addresses the individual’s perceptions, a common feature of all treatment modalities. The software will provide a self-contained and confidential format to clients that feel reluctant to talk about certain issues they are not ready to discuss with another individual, thus allowing them to initiate treatment, gain confidence and awareness of their own development process. Using all the software features will not be necessary to elicit change, but as with most aspects of treatment modalities, the more actively the client is engaged in treatment the better the outcome will be.

This software may play a role in suicide prevention programmes as it will be able to detect negative mood patterns and offer the service user the opportunity to interact with relevant services. Moreover, agencies promoting the use of this software amongst staff and clients will not have to significantly change the way the agency normally operates, as it will be an optional add-on to their treatment modality. However, it is expected that practitioners who choose to use ‘MindMate’ will reinforce their C.B.T. and support skills.

If you are an agency or institution involved in research we would like to hear from you as this tool will offer the opportunity to download research questionnaires and assessment forms. The software will be designed and launched by NPI (NP IMAGEN C.A. in partnertship with VENTURESTARS DE VENEZUELA C.A. CARACAS-VENEZUELA). It may also be used by academics in the field of addiction and psychological research to collect data that may help to address other social and cultural issues related to drug use. We also aim to obtain NTA accreditation to provide those agencies involved with the necessary support to offer this service and to trial this tool.