Digital mental health services and resources offer support in a variety of ways, from providing information, self-help strategies and peer support to offering direct therapeutic interventions. One increasingly common digital mental health function is online screening and mental health assessment. Digital screening tools offer mental health assessment through a single or battery of validated measures administered using technology. They can also include referral to relevant digital and/or face-to-face mental health services.
Learn more about types of digital mental health assessment here.
Benefits of Online Screening Tools
There are many benefits of online assessment and screening tools for both health practitioners and individuals.
- Cost effective – can be administered to a large number of people.
- Accessible – available anywhere at any time so can be completed in session under supervision or at home outside of appointment times.
- Improved accuracy – Measures actual behaviour in real time, as well as automatic scoring reducing errors.
- Improved fidelity – assessment is administered in the same way every time.
- Patient engagement – some patients and clients an find it engaging or even fun.
- Overcoming barriers – can lead to greater disclosure, particularly around sensitive topics.
How Can Online Screening Tools be Useful for Health Practitioners
Digital screening tools can offer practical benefits to health practitioners, helping to start a conversation, identify potential problems, and ongoing assessment or progress monitoring. They can be used to save time in sessions, allowing more time to discuss outcomes with patients or clients.
Health Practitioners can also use online screening tools for referral, directing people to use them for themselves, or for people seeking help for someone else.
Some Digital Screening Tools to Get Started With
The Online Clinic
https://onlineclinic.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
Screening and referral for adults with symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), eating concerns (SCOFF), alcohol us (AUDIT), compulsions (OCI-R), bipolar disorder (MDQ), health anxiety (WI-6), psychosis (PSQ), and traumatic experiences (PCL-5 short form).
Alcohol and substance use and other addictive behaviours
ADF ‘Path2Help’
https://adf.org.au/help-support/path2help/
Online screening portal (ASSIST) providing feedback on the level of associated risk, information, and referral to online or face-to-face alcohol and other drug services.
Between the Lines
https://betweenthelines.org.au
Information, tips and resources, and screening tool (modifies eASSIST Lite) for alcohol and other drug use for people in the LGBTIQA+ community.
Counselling Online
https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
Webchat counselling, online modules, self-management tools, screening tools (AUDIT, DUDIT, K-10), and a community support form for alcohol and substance use.
eCliPSE
Portal to access online screening tools (including the AUDIT, CUDIT, SDS for methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, and heroin use), craving-management tools and self-guided course for people with co-occurring mental health (eg. anxiety, depression) and substance use problems.
Gambling Help Online
https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Webchat and phone counselling, screening tools (PGSI, K10), online modules and tools, automated SMS support program, and a community peer support forum for anyone affected by gambling.
Eating disorders and body image issues
Butterfly Foundation
Information, online screening tool (IOI-S), webchat and phone counselling, video peer support group and online recovery programs for individuals worries about eating disorders and body image issues and their support people.
Inside Out Institute for Eating Disorders
https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/
Online screening tools (IOI Screener, EDE-Q), with brief feedback, links to information, and referral to face-to-face services for eating disorders.
Inside Out eClinic
https://eclinic.insideoutinstitute.org.au/
Free, self-guided or own-clinical-supported digital therapeutic platform offering screening (IOI-S) and CBT-based treatment programs for people with eating disorder symptoms and their support people. Accompanying Toolbox of self-monitoring tools. Health Professional hub for clinicians to refer clients and monitor progress.
Psychological interventions with built in screening and assessment
e-couch
CBT and IPT self-directed programs for depression, generalised anxiety, and social anxiety, and wellbeing support through separation/divorce or bereavement/loss. Screening tools for depression (GDS), anxiety (GAS), and social anxiety (SOPHS).
MindSpot
Mental health screening (with feedback), information and online CBT treatment programs with optional therapist guided support for adults with anxiety and depression, OCD, PTSD, sleep issues, chronic pain, and chronic conditions.
Momentum
https://www.momentumhub.org.au/
Screening tools and tailored, self-guided CBT intervention programs for young people to manage feelings of anxiety and depression, addressing commonly associated difficulties such as sleep problems and help-seeking.
MumMoodBooster and Mum2BMoodBooster
https://www.mumspace.com.au/online-treatments/
Self-guided CBT intervention program with screening tool (EPDS) to support women with antenatal or postnatal depression and anxiety. Clinical portal and free automated SMS support for users.
THIS WAY UP
Self-guided or own-clinician-supported screening and CBT or MBCT psychological treatment and wellbeing programs for adults with anxiety, depression or a range of other mental health concerns, and teens with anxiety./depression. Perinatal, student, stress and transdiagnostic programs also available. Screening tools for a wide range of mental health disorders, with links to THIS WAY UP’s relevant online CBT and MBCT programs.
Online screening for health practitioners and support workers
National Emergency Worker Support Service
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/national-emergency-worker-support-service/
Screening for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and PTSD (PTSD-8), feedback and recommendations to trauma-specialist support pathways for emergency service workers to manage the impact of trauma experienced at work. Access up to 12 telehealth sessions with a trauma-informed clinical psychologist.
TEN – The Essential Network for Health Professionals
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/
An online hub for healthcare practitioners offering self-assessment mental health screening and access to up to five free clinical telehealth sessions and evidence-based tools to navigate burnout and maintain good mental health. Screening tools are for symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), traumatic experiences (PCL-5), and burnout (OBI).
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