At eMHPrac we have recently made some major changes to our Health Practitioner Guide to Digital Mental Health Services and Resources. of the biggest changes is introducing new categories that capture the unique functions of different digital mental health resources and services to make it easier for you to find the right fit for your client. This blog will offer a quick overview of each service type to help you better understand and identify them when navigating digital mental health resources.
Psychological Treatment
A psychological treatment is a structured, interactive intervention that treats a specific mental health issue. A typical example could be a modular online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program for depression or anxiety such as that offered by THIS WAY UP or Mental Health Online. Some services, such as MindSpot, even offer optional access to a clinician, who can provide guided support via video, phone, or email. For individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety, these digital treatment programs can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, particularly when additional practitioner support is available1,.
Symptom Management and Wellbeing Tools
Symptom management and wellbeing tools can play an active role in prevention or psychological interventions but are not designed to serve as a complete treatment. Examples include meditation apps such as Smiling Mind or online wellbeing platforms like Bite Back. When used regularly, some apps have been shown to have a small effect on symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression and on improving wellbeing3,4.
Counselling
Counselling services provide support for people to work through a problem or crisis and offer information on where to get further help if needed. Counselling can take place via phone, video call, webchat, SMS, or email. These services are beneficial for those seeking immediate or ongoing emotional support. For instance, PANDA supports perinatal mental health, 1800RESPECT addresses sexual, domestic, and family violence, and the Suicide Call Back Service provides help for those affected by suicide.
Peer Support
Digital peer support services facilitate connection to either a trained peer worker or a community of peers overseen by a trained moderator. Peer support can take many forms, such as one-on-one sessions via phone or video through services like eFriend, virtual support groups offered by the Butterfly Foundation, or online forums from SANE. By normalizing challenges, peer support reduces stigma and shame and provides a platform for learning positive coping strategies from those who have faced similar experiences
Screening and Referral
Screening and referral resources provide online screening tools for specific conditions and/or referral to relevant digital and/or face-to-face mental health services. Many people find it challenging to recognize when they need additional support and may not know where to turn, particularly if they are not currently engaged in mental health care. Screening and referral resources can offer these individuals a good place to start. Some tools, like the Online Clinic, offer a range of mental health assessments, while others, such as Path2Help, focus on specific issues like substance use.
Information
Digital information resources provide trusted information and advice on mental health topics. Examples include Beyond Blue and ReachOut. Information resources can enable people to better recognise, manage or prevent mental health problems by improving knowledge, addressing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Resources
Many digital mental health resources are based on the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) framework. This framework takes a holistic view of health, recognising the influence of connection to Country, culture, spirituality, family, and community on the wellbeing of First Nations People. SEWB-based resources, such as Bumyarabugalma Youth, Dreamy, and The Healing Foundation, celebrate the inherent strengths and diversity within Australia’s First Nations communities, while recognising the lasting impact of historical trauma and past policies.
I If you would like to learn more about the scientific evidence behind each service type check out our research evidence factsheet.
1 Karyotaki, E., Efthimiou, O., Miguel, C., genannt Bermpohl, F. M., Furukawa, T. A., Cuijpers, P., … & Forsell, Y. (2021). Internet -based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression: a systematic review and individual patient data network meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(4), 361-371. Doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.4364
2 Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1-18. Doi: 10.1080/16506073.2017.1401115
3 Eisenstadt, M., Liverpool, S., Infanti, E., Ciuvat, R. M., & Carlsson, C. (2021). Mobile apps that promote emotion regulation, positive mental health, and well-being in the general population: systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 8(11), e31170. Doi: 10.2196/31170
4 Rathbone, A. L., & Prescott, J. (2017). The use of mobile apps and SMS messaging as physical and mental health interventions: systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(8), e295. Doi: 10.2196/jmir.7740
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