Texting for Behavioral Health: The Case for Texting as a Distinct Telehealth Modality In California

This brief examines the potential for texting as a distinct telehealth modality in California. Amidst the state's behavioral health needs and challenges, texting can be leveraged as a therapeutic modality and for care coordination. This brief focuses primarily on texting’s potential as a therapeutic option and describes the uses of texting in behavioral health, outlines key activity in other states, provides an overview of relevant research, and recommends next steps to advance texting for behavioral health.