Virtual Hope Box: A helpful companion for behavioral health patients

The Virtual Hope Box (VHB) is a free iPhone application developed by the National Center for Telehealth Technology. It aims to help patients and their behavioral health providers supplement treatment by providing simple tools for coping, relaxation, distraction, and positive thinking. The VHB can be personalized by patients and providers to contain content that is specific to the patient’s needs. Patients can use the VHB to store multimedia content that they find personally supportive in times of need, including family photos, videos, and positive life experiences.

The VHB also provides patients with positive activity planning, distraction tools, and interactive relaxation exercises such as guided imagery, controlled breathing, and muscle relaxation. Patients can collaborate with their provider to create coping cards in response to personal problem areas they experience. The VHB is designed to be used away from the clinic, giving patients the flexibility to add or change content as needed.