Health coaching technology helps a vulnerable population

mChat screenshot 2
mChat screenshot 2

A UNT Health Science Center team has developed a technology-assisted health coaching program to help formerly homeless people, who are more likely to suffer from physical and mental health disabilities, live more independent lives.

The coaching program, called m.chat, is being funded by a Texas Medicaid 1115 waiver. It is designed to complement permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs that pair rental vouchers with case management services.

“PSH residents face significant challenges to living independently. Our goal is to help people make changes that will improve their health and well-being,” said Scott T. Walters, PhD, Professor of Behavioral and Community Health at the UNTHSC School of Public Health, who leads the m.chat project.

Associate Professor Emily Spence-Almaguer, PhD, MSW, a co-investigator on the project, has found that 73 percent of Fort Worth PSH residents report at least one chronic health condition, most commonly asthma, Hepatitis C, heart disease or COPD. Fifty-five percent have received treatment for a mental health condition, 67 percent report having a history of substance abuse, and 44 percent report both co-occurring substance abuse and mental health concerns.

From this data, m.chat was designed to address behaviors such as diet, exercise, substance use, medication adherence and social support.

The m.chat program has three features: in-person health coaching, specialized coaching software, and a system of “Chat Bucks” that can be earned for the purchase of health and wellness supplies, such workout gear, a scale, blood pressure monitor or a discounted YMCA membership.

The program’s goal is to help people make positive behavior changes and prevent more significant physical and mental health conditions from occurring.

Participants meet monthly with a coach who helps them set health and wellness goals. The m.chat software provides feedback on progress, offers tips and resources, and can send text alerts to remind people about their goals.

Hosea S., 57, one of the program’s first participants, found the Chat Bucks to be a real motivator.

“I’ve traded my bucks for athletic shoes, an MP3 player so I can listen to music while I walk, and even a movie gift card to help me stay busy, fight depression and get out more with others,” he said.

Hosea, who suffers from heart problems, has set goals to eat healthier, walk every morning and stop smoking.

“Already I’m feeling better,” he said.

For Teresa B., 55, the goal was to lose weight.

“When I started the program, I weighed 306 pounds and within a month I was down to 293,” she said.

Teresa, who is working on healthier eating habits, an exercise plan, pain management and issues related to bipolar depression and a history of drug abuse, said she is learning to take care of herself “in a good way, without asking for a pill.”

“I’m working with my health coach on good days and bad days,” she said. “I had a lot of friends who never made it to their 50s like me, and I realize now that I should have been taking better care of myself years ago. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance.”

Recent News

New Unt Health Logo
  • Community
|Jul 16, 2025

The University of North Texas Health Science Center updates brand name and logo to UNT Health Fort Worth

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth will now use UNT Health Fort Worth for its brand name and logo, a change that reflects the strength of the UNT System and the institution’s mission to create solutions for a healthier community. The change highlights the institut...
Dr. Teresa Wagner 768x960 1 240x300
  • Our People
|Jul 9, 2025

Dr. Teresa Wagner co-authors a national statement on health literacy from an interprofessional perspective

Teresa Wagner, DrPH, associate professor in the College of Public Health at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, collaborated with interprofessional colleagues on a national health literacy statement on behalf of the National Academies of Practice. The National Acade...
Professional Photo Wesling 2025
  • Community
|Jul 8, 2025

College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Megan Wesling to join the AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program

Megan Wesling, PharmD, chair and associate professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth College of Pharmacy, has been selected for the 22nd cohort of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Academic Leadership Fellow...
Hsc Leadership Team.
  • Our People
|Jul 3, 2025

TCOM’s Dr. Frank Filipetto among the first in world to earn Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care

Frank Filipetto, DO, CPPS, CPHFH, FACOFP, one of the leading voices for changing how health care is delivered, has become one of the first in the world to earn the Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care credential. Filipetto, an Everett Endowed Distinguished Professor at The Unive...