Leveraging an interoception intervention to improve clinic and patient outcomes: A systems thinking lens

Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE) is an online, self-guided intervention designed to increase one's awareness of internal sensations, known as interoception. Interoception is a protective factor for mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression. This qualitative research project adapted the RISE intervention for a youth audience and applied a systems thinking lens to determine feasibility of this intervention among school-based health centers. Group model building elements informed the semistructured focus group and key informant interview guides. The focus group and RISE adaptations involved a group of nine Denver, Colorado high-school youth who are part of the "Providers and Teens Communicating for Health" program and familiar with school-based health centers. Five key informant interviews were conducted with local experts in the mental health care and school-based health center field. Focus groups and interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and systems thinking elements were developed (rich picture, causal loop diagram, and process maps). Based on this feedback, RISE was adapted with accessible, relatable youth content. Interviews and focus group themes indicated intervention efficacy, opportunities to fill gaps in care, and promotion of integrated care and patient autonomy. The causal loop diagram revealed key drivers and outcomes to inform implementation best practices. RISE is a promising skill-building intervention for youth with nonurgent health needs to communicate about their symptoms and regulate their emotions, with the promise of serving as an early intervention tool for those often missed in the behavioral health system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).