In times like these, our community needs you more than ever.
Masada’s Tablets for Wellness effort will allow us to bring mental health services into the home of those who need it the most.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our direct service providers have transitioned to providing care via telehealth.
During the past 4 months, Masada’s staff have determined that full engagement in telehealth treatment is more likely when the participants are using a device with a large screen, such as a tablet, to receive services.
While we have had some success delivering services via a smartphone screen or audio-only telephones, the clients are more difficult to engage and are more likely to skip appointments or drop out of treatment. Research shows that mental health services provided via videoconference are effective and achieve similar outcomes as in-person services, (American Psychological Association, 2020).
The added safety and convenience of telehealth services are of particular benefit to our clients, for whom transportation issues often present a barrier to care. However, many of our children and families have limited or no access to necessary devices, such as a laptop or tablet. Other families may have a device, but do not have Wi-Fi in their homes.
You can help us reach and support more children and youth by donating tablets to be loaned to families so that they may better engage in treatment sessions. For clients without access to Wi-Fi, a tablet with a 3-month data plan will be provided.
Feel free to contact Patricia “Trish” Tindbaek at p.tindbaek@masadahomes.org or call (310) 261-9369 for additional information.