Simple text messages aim to bridge critical gap in mental health care for youth

This study tested whether simple text messages could help young people with psychosis get from the emergency room to their first scheduled mental health appointment. Researchers enrolled 186 young adults (ages 16-29) who were referred from an emergency department to a specialized early psychosis program. They sent reminder texts, educational information, and check-ins to see if this low-cost approach improved attendance and long-term engagement with treatment services.