Groundbreaking Mental Health Program Uses Text Messages to Help Improve Body Image and Reduce Disordered Eating

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationally renowned eating disorder expert Lori Osachy, MSS, LCSW is launching a first-of-its-kind mental health program on Feb. 26. Powered by CareWire, Inc. (www.carewireinc.com), the text2Bwell Positive Body Image Program (https://www.text2Bwell.com) is an 8-week text messaging series to help people begin to transform the way they feel about their body, food, and exercise – all from the privacy of their cell phone.

Content is conveniently delivered via personalized text messages—no apps or downloads required. Each text will contain proven techniques and action steps, as well as links to more in-depth web content and password-protected forums, and one-on-one support from Osachy. Periodic, text-based survey check-ins will assess participant progress.

Registration for text2Bwell is free during National Eating Disorders Awareness week (Feb. 26 - March 4, 2017). After March 4, access to the program will be offered at an introductory price of $25. The first prompt will be received within 24 hours of sign-up, and after that, texts will be automatically sent at regular intervals throughout the program, encouraging consistent engagement.

Disordered eating, which plagues an estimated 30 million Americans, is the most fatal mental health issue in the country—one out of every five people with anorexia eventually die from causes related to the disease. Negative body image can severely hinder recovery, and it is often not adequately addressed in treatment settings. 

If someone is exhibiting signs or thoughts of struggling with an eating disorder, intervening during the early stages of development can significantly increase the likelihood of preventing the onset of a full-blown eating disorder. It also leads to greater chances of a full recovery, and can prevent years of struggle—it can even save lives.

"This type of program has never been done before. It combines the proven mental health techniques of cognitive therapy, group counseling, and life coaching to help participants turn negative thoughts around and change unhealthy habits—all through mobile and web-based communications. I want to reach people struggling with body image and disordered eating in a way that is convenient, private, interactive, and effective. Besides receiving individual support from me, the private forums foster an intimate sharing of interactions with others on a similar journey," said Osachy.

"Studies have shown that group support encourages individuals to stick to their goals and make them more likely to achieve lasting change. Reframing negative thoughts through consistent practice, otherwise known as positive psychology, creates positive results much faster than other more traditional modes of therapy," she added.

"In study after study, text messaging has a demonstrated ability to influence behaviors across socioeconomic status and age," said Ken Saitow, CareWire President & CEO. "Lori created this program after two decades of working in the field. She's using mobile communications to engage and educate the general public in a tech-smart, convenient, and accessible way that's also affordable for most. We could not be more proud to support this groundbreaking mHealth program, and we look forward to enabling similar health initiatives with other experts in the future."

About Lori Osachy, MSS, LCSW
A nationally recognized authority in the treatment and prevention of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and related mental health issues, Lori has successfully counseled adults, children and families for over twenty years. She regularly lectures, teaches and is the author of numerous articles promoting eating disorders education among health care professionals and the lay population, and is a regular mental health consultant for broadcast and print media. She received her B.A. from Cornell University, and her M.S.S. from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Lori is the owner of The Body Image Counseling Center in Jacksonville, Fla. For more information visit www.bodyimagecounseling.com or call 904-737-3232.

About text2Bwell
Powered by CareWire®, text2Bwell is a groundbreaking mHealth program offering proven techniques and action steps developed by industry experts to improve personal health and wellness—all via mobile phone. The program utilizes the ubiquity and effectiveness of text messaging to reach those who don't regularly seek health treatment as well as those who require support beyond their current care plan. The unique model features convenient and affordable access to information and private online forums, and all interactions begin with a simple text message—no apps to download and configure. For more information on text2Bwell or to register, visit www.text2Bwell.com.

About CareWire, Inc.
CareWire is a mobile communication platform that drives healthcare consumer engagement. The company's text-first approach takes advantage of the immediacy and simplicity of text messaging helping healthcare organizations reach a broad audience – regardless of socioeconomic status or age. By providing tools to staff that enable them to monitor all messaging, observe and react to responses in real time, manage flow and send messages on-demand, the CareWire platform lowers costs, improves adherence and enhances the overall consumer experience. CareWire's proprietary HIPAA compliant web applications support the secure exchange of protected health information, and in addition to texting, includes hyperlinks in the messages that serve as a gateway to portals, self-service registration or payment sites. Visit www.carewireinc.com or call 888.744.8950 to explore the possibilities.

SOURCE CareWire, Inc.

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