It is common for people experiencing incarceration to face mental health challenges. Some may Probation officers, case managers, parole officers and others in the field of community supervision often face challenges to working effectively. High caseloads, limited resources and diverse client needs are just a few of the hurdles to overcome. These issues can be compounded when a client is hard to reach or disengaged.
What is a digital mental health continuum?
Many clients are juggling a lot — work, court dates, transportation, childcare, housing, healthcare, recovery. Clients may also feel fear, anger, confusion or distrust of the system, leading them to disengage.
In sum, there are many reasons a client may be resistant to in-person sessions or miss appointments:
- Work or childcare conflicts
- Transportation problems
- Anxiety or discomfort in group settings
- Fear of judgment or failure
- Distrust in the system
- Feeling overwhelmed or disorganized
Avoiding sessions doesn’t always mean a client doesn’t care. It often means they are experiencing one or a combination of the challenges above.
Despite the challenges their supervision poses to staff, these hard-to-reach clients are often the ones who need support the most. More flexible, low-pressure options may help them stay on track.
Digital tools can offer risk-need-responsive programming to help meet the needs of both clients and staff. These tools give clients a way to stay connected, reflect on their choices and learn new skills on their own time, and in a way that fits their life — which eases the burden on staff, too.
Tablet- or phone-based programs like Atlas provide asynchronous support, meaning clients can complete assignments whenever it works for them, without needing to log in at a certain time or place.
Here’s why this matters for clients:
- No scheduling conflicts: Clients can access content before work, during a break or late at night.
- No travel needed: Everything is available on a device they already have.
- Private and low-pressure: Clients don’t need to talk in front of others or feel “on the spot.”
- Flexible pacing: They can go at their own speed, revisit lessons and reflect in private.
And for staff, digital tools offer:
- extended support. Clients can access programming anytime, engaging when it works for them. This means staff can keep clients connected to care without needing to meet in person every time.
- insights on engagement. Digital platforms like Atlas allow staff to see which lessons clients complete and how often they log in. This gives staff real-time data they can use to tailor conversations, spot patterns and track progress.
- reduced pressure on staff time. Digital tools offer a way to supplement services without requiring more group sessions or one-on-one appointments.
- a low-pressure reentry point. When clients disengage, digital tools provide a lower-stakes, nonjudgmental way to reintroduce programming. Staff can offer brief, engaging modules as a way to reconnect.
- a bridge for conversation. Staff can ask clients about specific lessons they completed (“What stood out to you in this module?”), which can lead to deeper discussions and more personalized support, even with resistant clients.
Practical tips for helping clients feel motivated
Even with mandatory programs, digital tools work best when participants feel encouraged, rather than forced. Here are some tips for getting clients interested in programming:
- Keep the first step small. Offer a demo or tour of the tool, and make assignments fairly small. Set achievable goals with clients.
- “Check out this Change Stories video from somebody who’s faced similar challenges.”
- “Start with module 1 of the Anger Management Journal before our next session. It takes about 15 minutes to complete.”
- Celebrate when clients follow through.
- “I see you finished three modules — great work!”
- Be patient. Some clients may take time to warm up. Over time, digital participation can help build trust and confidence.
- “I hear that you’re feeling nervous and uncomfortable about writing. What do you think about listening to a 10-minute podcast episode this week instead?”
- Follow up. Reinforce that their work is valuable by checking in on their progress, and what they’re finding most helpful.
- “Which of the strategies from this module do you think will be most helpful to you?”
- Keep it personal. As much as possible, ask clients what they most want to work on.
- “Until we meet again, this chapter on managing stress might be helpful. Let me know what you think.”
Meeting people where they are
Offering digital programming as a flexible, evidence-based option to clients can lead to positive outcomes and lasting change. Staff working in community supervision can help clients feel seen and supported, even if they aren’t always able to show up in person, or are hesitant to engage in group.
Community supervision is most effective when it offers options, especially for hard-to-reach clients. Keeping people engaged can increase their motivation to change and avoid future arrests, improving outcomes for clients and communities.
