Category: Research and Evidence

  • When and Why Are Functional Behavior Assessments Done?

    When and Why Are Functional Behavior Assessments Done?

    In our last post, we broke down what a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is—a systematic process for identifying the underlying reasons behind challenging behaviors. But when exactly should an FBA be conducted, and why is it so important?

    When Is an FBA Needed?

    FBAs are typically conducted when a person’s behavior significantly interferes with their ability to learn, engage with others, or function in daily life. This applies in both clinical and educational settings, but the context and approach can look different:

    • In Schools: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates FBAs when a student’s behavior disrupts learning and may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion. These assessments inform Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that help educators support students in the least restrictive environment.
    • In Clinical Settings: BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) conduct FBAs when clients need individualized behavior support, often for autism therapy, developmental disabilities, or mental health concerns. Unlike school-based FBAs, clinical FBAs often involve more rigorous data collection and experimental analysis to fine-tune interventions.

    Why Are FBAs So Important?

    FBAs go beyond labeling behaviors as “bad”—they help us understand why a behavior is happening and how to support meaningful change. Without an FBA, interventions are often guesswork, leading to ineffective or even harmful approaches. For example:

    🚫 Suspending a student for outbursts without understanding their communication challenges doesn’t address the root issue.
    🚫 Using rewards without considering function might reinforce problem behavior instead of encouraging replacement skills.
    ✅ A well-conducted FBA leads to tailored interventions that empower individuals and improve outcomes for everyone involved.

    The Problem: Barriers to High-Quality FBAs

    Despite their importance, FBAs are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and inconsistently implemented. Many educators and clinicians lack the training or tools to conduct thorough assessments, and families often wait months for evaluations due to staffing shortages. This leads to inequitable access, where some children receive timely behavioral support while others fall through the cracks.

    How curaJOY Is Streamlining the FBA Process

    At curaJOY, we’re developing AI-powered tools to support educators and clinicians in conducting FBAs more efficiently and effectively. Our technology helps:

    • 📊 Automate data collection through digital ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) tracking.
    • 🔎 Analyze patterns and suggest hypotheses, reducing the cognitive load on professionals.
    • 🛠️ Guide users through the FBA process step-by-step, ensuring best practices are followed.
    • 🔄 Facilitate collaboration between parents, teachers, and behavior analysts to create better-informed BIPs.

    By leveraging AI, curaJOY aims to make high-quality FBAs accessible to more children, ensuring that behavioral support is driven by data, not delays.

    If you’ve experienced the FBA process—either in schools or clinics—we’d love to hear from you! What challenges have you encountered, and how do you think technology can help?

  • Unlocking Better Behavioral Support: How AI is Transforming Functional Behavior Assessments

    Unlocking Better Behavioral Support: How AI is Transforming Functional Behavior Assessments

    Imagine a child struggling with severe emotional outbursts in school, a teen engaging in self-injurious behaviors, or an adult with autism experiencing daily frustration due to communication barriers. Families and educators often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help, leading to trial and error approaches that can frequently cause more harm than good. This is where Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) come in: an evidence-based approach to understanding why behaviors occur and how to support positive change.

    What Is an FBA?

    A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a process used to identify the underlying reasons for challenging behaviors. Rather than just addressing surface-level actions, an FBA digs deeper, uncovering the motivations behind behaviors and providing data-driven strategies for meaningful support.

    FBAs are widely used in schools, clinics, and homes to support individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, and other behavioral or emotional challenges. By identifying the “why” behind behaviors, professionals can create effective, personalized intervention plans that lead to better outcomes, improved quality of life, and reduced frustration for families and educators.

    The Positive Impact of FBAs

    A well-conducted FBA can lead to:

    • Decreased problem behaviors – Reducing behaviors like aggression, self-injury, or disruptive actions that take away from a student’s ability to learn and engage with peers.
    • Increased skill development – Teaching functional communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy to name a few.
    • Better academic and social success – Helping students stay engaged in learning and build stronger relationships with teachers, peers, and family. 
    • Reduced reliance on restrictive interventions – Preventing unnecessary suspensions, exclusionary discipline, restraints, or even hospitalizations.

    FBAs empower individuals by providing personalized, evidence-based, and effective strategies that focus on skill-building rather than punishment.

    The FBA Process: Breaking It Down

    1. Identify the Target Behavior – Clearly define the behavior of concern (e.g., “hitting others when denied access to an item”).
    2. Gather Data – Observe when, where, and how the behavior happens, looking at patterns over time.
    3. Analyze the Function – Determine the reason behind the behavior (e.g., escape from demands, seeking attention, sensory needs).
    4. Develop an Intervention Plan – Create strategies that teach alternative behaviors while addressing the root cause.
    5. Monitor and Adjust – Continuously track progress and refine the plan as needed.

    This process is essential but often time-consuming, inconsistent, and inaccessible—especially in underfunded schools, rural areas, and low-income communities.

    How curaJOY is Making FBAs Smarter and More Accessible

    At curaJOY, we believe every child deserves access to quality behavioral support, regardless of location or resources. Our AI-powered platform is revolutionizing the FBA process by:

    • Streamlining data collection – Using AI to assist in gathering and analyzing behavioral patterns efficiently.
    • Providing real-time insights – Helping educators and caregivers identify trends faster.
    • Generating tailored intervention suggestions – Offering personalized, evidence-based strategies to replace problem behaviors.
    • Increasing equity in behavioral support – Making high-quality FBAs accessible to families, educators, and clinicians everywhere.

    With curaJOY’s AI-assisted FBA flow, we’re reducing the burden on overworked professionals, empowering caregivers with actionable insights, and giving children the support they need to thrive.

    Join the Movement

    FBAs are a powerful tool for understanding and addressing behavior, but they must be accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford specialized services. curaJOY is bridging that gap, using AI to bring smarter, faster, and more equitable behavioral assessments to families and professionals worldwide.

    Let’s make behavioral support available for all—because every child deserves a chance to succeed.

  • The Hidden Crisis of Ghost Networks in Mental Health Care

    The Hidden Crisis of Ghost Networks in Mental Health Care

    Sarah’s hands trembled as she dialed yet another number from her insurance provider’s list of in-network psychiatrists. Her anxiety, a constant companion for years, had recently spiraled into debilitating panic attacks that left her struggling to perform even basic tasks at work. After weeks of internal debate, she finally decided to seek professional help. As the phone rang, Sarah silently prayed this call would be different from the dozen she’d already made that day.

    “Thank you for calling McDonald’s. How may I help you?” a cheerful voice answered.

    Sarah’s heart sank. This wasn’t a psychiatrist’s office – it was a fast-food restaurant. Frustrated and increasingly worried, she hung up and moved on to the next number on the list. Little did Sarah know, she had stumbled into the troubling world of “ghost networks” in mental health care.

    The Illusion of Accessible Care

    Ghost networks are a pervasive issue in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in mental health services. These networks create a misleading illusion of accessible care by listing providers who are not actually available for appointments. The reasons vary – some providers have retired, moved away, or no longer accept certain insurance plans. Others may not be taking new patients, have incorrect contact information listed, or in extreme cases like Sarah’s, the listed number might connect to unrelated businesses such as fast-food restaurants.

    The consequences of these inaccurate directories are far-reaching and often devastating. Patients like Sarah, who are already grappling with the challenges of mental illness, face an additional hurdle in accessing the care they desperately need. The frustration of calling number after number, only to be met with dead ends, can be enough to make someone give up on seeking help altogether.

    Some Shocking Statistics

    Recent studies have shed light on the alarming prevalence of ghost networks:

    • A Senate Finance Committee study found that only 18% of listed mental health providers in Medicare Advantage plans were actually available for appointments.
    • The Seattle Times discovered that a mere 8% of listed providers across four major insurers in Washington state offered appointments.
    • In a study of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s in-network psychiatrists across three major cities, researchers were unable to make appointments with 74% of the listed providers in 2015. We believe the situation has only deteriorated further in the years since, exacerbating the challenges of accessing mental health care.

    These numbers paint a grim picture of the state of mental health care access in America. With more than half of adults experiencing mental illness going without treatment, the existence of ghost networks only worsens an already critical situation.

    What’s Behind Ghost Networks?

    The persistent nature of these inaccuracies has raised eyebrows among healthcare advocates and policymakers. Given that insurance companies have long been aware of these issues, their apparent inaction has fueled speculation about whether such barriers might serve a purpose beyond mere oversight. This lingering problem prompts a critical question: are these obstacles to care unintentional oversights, or do they potentially align with insurers’ financial interests?

    Regardless of intent, several factors contribute to the persistence of ghost networks:

    1. Inadequate updating processes
    2. Lack of communication between insurers and providers
    3. Low reimbursement rates for mental health services
    4. Insufficient regulatory enforcement

    Turning Frustration into Action: A Call for Compassion

    Sarah’s story isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a heartbreaking reality faced by countless individuals across our nation. Behind every unanswered call, every outdated listing, there’s a person like Sarah: someone’s daughter, someone’s friend, someone’s colleague. Someone who, in their moment of greatest vulnerability, reached out for help only to grasp at shadows.

    As I write this, I can’t help but think of the Sarahs in my own life—the friend who confided in me about their depression, the family member who struggles with anxiety. I think of the courage it takes to seek help, and how crushing it must feel to have that courage met with endless dead ends.

    We must do better. Not just for Sarah, but for all the silent sufferers who haven’t yet found the strength to pick up the phone. For the parents lying awake at night, worried about their children. For the veterans battling unseen wounds. For every person who has ever felt the isolating grip of mental illness.

    This isn’t just about fixing a broken system—it’s about weaving a safety net of compassion and support for our communities. It’s about transforming ghost networks into lifelines of hope. Here’s how we can start:

    1. Demand Accountability: Report inaccuracies to insurers and support legislation for accurate directories.
    2. Advocate for Better Coverage: Push for mental health parity and comprehensive insurance plans.
    3. Embrace Technology: Support real-time availability databases and telehealth integration.
    4. Raise Awareness: Share experiences and organize community discussions on mental health access.
    5. Support Organizations: Volunteer, donate, or get trained in mental health first aid.

    To those currently navigating the maze of ghost networks: please, don’t give up. Your life, your well-being, matters immensely. Keep reaching out. There are caring professionals eager to help, even if the path to finding them is frustratingly obscured. Consider these additional steps:

    1. Utilize mental health hotlines for immediate support and guidance.
    2. Explore community health centers and local non-profit organizations that may offer mental health services.

    3. Look into online therapy platforms that can connect you with licensed professionals quickly.

    And to those who’ve successfully found help despite these barriers: consider sharing your journey. Your story could be the beacon that guides someone else through the darkness.

    Together, we can dismantle these ghost networks. We can build a world where seeking mental health support is met not with frustration, but with open arms and real, accessible help. A world where no one has to face their inner struggles alone.

    Remember Sarah. Remember all the Sarahs out there. And let’s commit, here and now, to turning these ghost networks into networks of genuine care, compassion, and healing. Because in the end, we’re all in this together—and together, we can light the way to better mental health for all.

  • My Journey with AI in Mental Health: A Therapist’s Hopeful Perspective

    My Journey with AI in Mental Health: A Therapist’s Hopeful Perspective

    Let’s begin by talking about our wonderfully complex brains. You know those times when you make a decision and later think, “Wait, why did I do that?” Well, you’re not alone! We all have these things called cognitive biases. They’re not just us being silly; they’re actually our brains taking shortcuts that sometimes lead us astray. It’s like having a GPS that occasionally sends you down a dead-end street!

    During the pandemic, I saw firsthand how both my fellow therapists and our patients were struggling. The demand for mental health support went through the roof, and many of us were burning out faster than a candle in a windstorm. It was tough, but it got me thinking – could AI be the helping hand we desperately needed?

    Now, imagine having an AI assistant that could handle all those time-consuming tasks like scheduling and initial assessments. Sounds pretty great, right? But here’s where it gets really interesting. These advanced AI models, similar to GPT-4, can actually have meaningful conversations with patients. They’re not just glorified chatbots; they’re more like digital companions that can offer support between therapy sessions.

    And get this – a study in 2023 found that AI-powered chatbots can effectively deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions. That’s huge! It’s like having a therapist’s helper who never needs to sleep or take a vacation.

    But wait, there’s more! (I promise I’m not trying to sell you anything.) AI can analyze the emotional tone in patient communications, giving the therapists a heads-up if someone might be struggling or making great progress. This lets them focus on what they do best – connecting with the patients on a human level, with all the empathy and understanding that only a person can provide.

    Moreover, remember that talk about our brain’s biases earlier? Well, AI has the potential to help us spot and address biases in mental health care. Even as professionals, therapists are not immune to unconscious biases. AI could help them identify if they’re unknowingly favoring certain groups in our treatment approaches. It’s like having a fair-minded partner watching over our shoulder.

    But – and this is important – AI isn’t perfect. A bombshell study in 2019 found that an algorithm used in US hospitals was less likely to refer Black patients to personalized care programs compared to equally sick White patients. This shows we need to be super careful about how we design and use AI in healthcare.

    That’s why at CuraJOY, we’re tackling this challenge head-on. We’re working on a multi-pronged approach:

    1. We’re making sure our AI models are trained on diverse, balanced data. No cherry-picking allowed!
    2. We always have human experts overseeing our AI systems. It’s like a buddy system for technology.
    3. We’re constantly researching and tweaking our algorithms to make them fairer and more accurate.
    4. We’re big on ethics. We’re developing clear guidelines for using AI in mental healthcare.

    Here’s the thing: AI isn’t here to replace our therapists. It’s more like a super-smart assistant that helps them do their jobs better. By embracing AI (responsibly, of course), we can create a mental healthcare system that’s more efficient, fair, and effective.

    I truly believe that by leveraging AI, we can reduce burnout among professionals, address biases in decision-making, and ultimately provide better care for our patients. But don’t worry – the human touch in therapy isn’t going anywhere. AI is here to enhance, not replace, the compassionate care that’s at the heart of what we do.

    References:

    1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949916X24000525#:~:text=The%20sophistication%20of%20conversational%20AI,even%20deliver%20cognitive%2Dbehavioral%20interventions.
    2. https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e40789/
    3. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aax2342
  • Navigating the Candy Shop of Therapy: Finding the Right Therapist in a Sea of Choices

    Navigating the Candy Shop of Therapy: Finding the Right Therapist in a Sea of Choices

    If you’ve ever been to an ice cream shop or a candy store, you know how hard it is to pick just one treat out of the many options. For me, and probably for many of you, finding the right therapist feels just as overwhelming. 

    In today’s digital age, the variety of therapists—from cognitive-behavioral to psychoanalysts—can be overwhelming. Without a clear guide, choosing the right therapist becomes a daunting task. However, with a strategic approach, you can navigate this complex landscape and find the therapist best suited to your needs, profoundly impacting your mental health and overall well-being.

    Strategies to Find the Right Therapist

    1. Define Your Needs and Goals: Start by identifying why you’re seeking therapy. Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues? Knowing your primary concerns will help narrow down the type of therapist you need. For instance, if you’re struggling with trauma, a therapist specializing in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) might be beneficial.
    2. Research Different Therapy Modalities: Familiarize yourself with various therapy types. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy are just a few examples. Understanding these modalities can help you decide which approach resonates with you. Each method has its strengths, and some may align better with your personal preferences and goals.
    3. Consult Professional Organizations: Research professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). These organizations often have directories of qualified therapists and can provide additional guidance and resources tailored to your needs.
    4. Consider Group Therapy: If individual therapy hasn’t been a perfect fit, group therapy might be an alternative worth exploring. Group therapy offers a different dynamic and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. It can provide additional support and insights that might resonate with you in ways individual therapy hasn’t.
    5. Engage in Trial Sessions: Don’t hesitate to engage in trial sessions with multiple therapists. Many therapists offer initial consultations either for free or at a reduced rate. Treat these sessions as interviews, and be upfront about your needs and expectations. This can help you gauge the therapist’s compatibility more effectively.
    6. Evaluate and Reflect on Past Therapy Experiences: Reflect on what worked and what didn’t in your past therapy experiences. Understanding these aspects can help you better communicate your needs and preferences to potential therapists. Consider writing down your reflections to clearly articulate them during your initial consultations.
    7. Trust Your Instincts: Your intuition plays a vital role in this process. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to move on. Trust your gut feelings about a therapist. The right therapeutic relationship should feel supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental.

    Taking the First Step

    Finding the right therapist may take time, but it’s a crucial investment in your mental health. Start with small steps, armed with these strategies, and be patient with yourself. The journey to finding the right therapist is a personal one, and it’s okay to take your time to find the best match. Remember, the goal is to find a therapist who makes you feel seen, heard, and supported as you navigate your mental health journey.

    In the end, much like finding the perfect candy, the right therapist can bring profound satisfaction and positive change to your life. By being proactive and informed, you can navigate the sea of choices and find the therapeutic support that best meets your needs.

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