As a health practitioner, you may encounter scepticism about digital mental health tools from colleagues or patients. Despite their growing use, several myths persist that can hinder their integration into clinical practice. This blog will address some of the most common misconceptions and highlight the value these resources can bring to mental health care.

One of the biggest concerns is that digital mental health removes the human element from care. In reality, many platforms integrate live webchat, video consultations, peer support forums and online communities that foster easy-to-access and meaningful human interaction. Examples are Beyond Blue‘s 24/7 phone and webchat counselling support and ReachOut which provides safe access to online communities and one-on-one support from a peer worker to build connections.

Some online psychological interventions also offer digital access to a clinician, who guide or coach individuals through a program, such as MindSpot and MOST. Digital interventions can also be incorporated into GP, psychiatry or therapy appointments as structured homework or as part of a blended care model, so that a person can remain meaningfully connected with their own clinician in conjunction with their use of a platform.

Some health practitioners may question the efficacy of digital interventions compared to in-person therapy. However, extensive research demonstrates that many online interventions, particularly practitioner-guided cognitive behavioural therapy-based programs, are just as effective as face-to-face therapy for conditions like anxiety and depression^{1, 2, 3}.  There is also growing evidence for online psychological interventions targeting PTSD⁴ , substance use⁵ and suicidality⁶.

Many apps and digital mental health tools on the market lack evidence supporting their use, so it is important to check the evidence of a particular resource yourself before referring a person to it. Using a directory like eMHPrac can help take the guesswork out of this for you.

While digital tools are commonly used for early intervention and mild-to-moderate mental health concerns, they can also offer additional support for individuals with complex needs. Research shows that digital mental health can be effective for people with moderate to severe symptoms^{7, 8} or more complex mental health conditions, though therapist-support or blended care is recommended for these groups^{9, 10}. Platforms such as SANE‘s 15-week peer-guided recovery program and MyHeLP offer targeted support to be used alongside existing treatment for individuals with higher care needs.

Data security concerns are valid, but reputable Australian digital mental health platforms comply with strict privacy and data protection regulations as outlined in the Australian Privacy Act 1988. Some services also have accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards which requires services to meet minimum data protection requirements. Platforms may also use encryption, anonymity, and secure log ins to protect user confidentiality, making them a safe and trustworthy option for patient care.

Check the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditioners for statements about where data is stored and how it is used. For example, is it shared or sold to third parties? Additionally, programs and apps that are being regularly updated (ideally at least annually) may pose less of a security risk.

Digital mental health interventions are used by people of all ages, with the majority of adults and older Australians now having a mobile phone and access to the internet¹¹. In fact, certain digital services specifically target adults or even older Australians, such as the G’Day Line for over 50s who feel isolated and MindSpot’s online Wellbeing Plus Course for over 60s.

While it can be hard to know where to start with so many digital services out there, using digital psychological interventions or tools as part of your practice can potentially end up saving you time in the long run¹². Health practitioners can access directories such as eMHPrac, find a relevant resource, investigate the contents, then try it out with someone who indicates a willingness to use an online intervention and has stable life circumstances. Providing a rationale for the digital services in the appointment and remember to follow up someone’s progress and outcome, where possible.

Consumers can access the Medicare Mental Health website themselves, browse by topics or complete a quiz to receive personalised referral options and get started in a few short clicks. The website includes helpful tops and recommendations on accessing support from a GP and other health practitioners as well, which might be recommended while using a digital intervention.

As digital mental health continues to evolve, health practitioners play a crucial role in guiding patients towards evidence-based, secure, and effective online interventions. By addressing these myths and embracing digital tools, we can enhance mental health care accessibility and outcomes. If you’re considering incorporating digital mental health into your practice, explore reputable platforms that align with your clinical approach and patient needs.

¹ Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cuijpers, P., Craske, M. G., McEvoy, P., English, C. L., & Newby, J. M. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: an updated meta-analysis. Journal of anxiety disorders, 55, 70-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.01.001

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. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2017.1401115

³ Andersson, G., Titov, N., Dear, B. F., Rozental, A., & Carlbring, P. (2019). Internet‐delivered psychological treatments: from innovation to implementation. World Psychiatry, 18(1), 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20610

⁴ Philippe, T. J., Sikder, N., Jackson, A., Koblanski, M. E., Liow, E., Pilarinos, A., & Vasarhelyi, K. (2022). Digital health interventions for delivery of mental health care: systematic and comprehensive meta-review. JMIR mental health, 9(5), e35159. https://doi.org/10.2196/35159

⁵ Goldberg, S. B., Lam, S. U., Simonsson, O., Torous, J., & Sun, S. (2022). Mobile phone-based interventions for mental health: a systematic meta-review of 14 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. PLOS digital health, 1(1), e0000002. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000002

⁶ Melia, R., Francis, K., Hickey, E., Bogue, J., Duggan, J., O’Sullivan, M., & Young, K. (2020). Mobile health technology interventions for suicide prevention: systematic review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(1), e12516. https://doi.org/10.2196/12516

⁷ Karyotaki, E., Efthimiou, O., Miguel, C., genannt Bermpohl, F. M., Furukawa, T. A., Cuijpers, P., … & Individual Patient Data Meta-Analyses for Depression (IPDMA-DE) Collaboration. (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

⁸ Werntz, A., Amado, S., Jasman, M., Ervin, A., & Rhodes, J. E. (2023). Providing human support for the use of digital mental health interventions: systematic meta-review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e42864. https://doi.org/10.2196/42864

⁹ Berry, N., Lobban, F., Emsley, R., & Bucci, S. (2016). Acceptability of interventions delivered online and through mobile phones for people who experience severe mental health problems: a systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 18(5), e121. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.5250

¹⁰ Fortuna, K. L., Naslund, J. A., LaCroix, J. M., Bianco, C. L., Brooks, J. M., Zisman-Ilani, Y., … & Deegan, P. (2020). Digital peer support mental health interventions for people with a lived experience of a serious mental illness: systematic review. JMIR mental health, 7(4), e16460. https://doi.org/10.2196/16460

¹¹ Understanding the digital behaviours of older Australians: Full report. A report for the eSafety Commissioner. 2018. Office of the eSafety Commission. Downloaded from: https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-08/Understanding-digital-behaviours-older-Australians-full-report-2018.pdf?v=1742263740580

¹² Feijt, M., de Kort, Y., Westerink, J., Bierbooms, J., Bongers, I., & IJsselsteijn, W. (2023). Integrating technology in mental healthcare practice: A repeated cross-sectional survey study on professionals’ adoption of Digital Mental Health before and during COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 1040023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040023