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In this edition:

• Happy Holidays from eMHPrac!
• Learn to navigate the new Head to Health Hub
• Podcast – Digital technology and mental wellness with Dr Frank Iorfino
• Research Trial for Anxiety and Depression in New Fathers
• eMHPrac Podcast – Season 3 Episode 8
• Live Webinars from BDI
• WellMob ’12 days of Christmas Wellbeing’
• See the eMHPrac team at these upcoming conferences
• Read the latest dMH research articles
• This month’s featured service: Smiling Mind

This last year has flown by, and it has been a big one for our team! Our focus remains on guiding practitioners through the ever-evolving digital mental health landscape. We have compiled a list of some of the biggest changes. Along the journey, eMHPrac has achieved a number of noteworthy milestones:

• Participated in 22 national conferences, reaching over 7,905 delegates.
• Delivered 108 training presentations, webinars and workshops to over 5,760 health practitioners and SEWB workers.
• Released 9 podcast episodes featuring 14 expert guests, with over 1,410 listens.
• Distributed over 31,000 hard copy resources and 22,000 downloads.
• Developed 14 resource sheets for the WellMob website.
• Launched the Black Dog Institute Health Professional Resource & Education Hub which now has over 2,800 members.

As we embrace the festive season, filled with family celebrations and joy, let’s also acknowledge that holidays can be a mix of emotional for some. Our resource sheet explores digital mental health resources for extra support during the festive season. Additionally, This Way Up have compiled some of their best tips for supporting a loved one through an online program. Here’s to a season filled with connection, understanding, and well-being!

Have you checked out the revamped national Head to Health website? Our recent blog highlights key features tailored for health professionals, including a dedicated tab ‘For Health Professionals’ and three new information pages. We also help you navigate the Digital Services Finder with easy-to-follow steps and guidance.

Tune into a recent episode of A Future Me Problem, where host, Samuel Hockey, explores how digital technology can help people, especially young people, with mental wellbeing, with guest Dr Frank Iorfino from The Brain and Mind Centre. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

DadBooster is an innovative program supporting fathers dealing with anxiety and depression. The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) are actively recruiting participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the DadBooster program. If you know any fathers with a baby under 12 months, they may be eligible to participate in the research trial.

Season 3 Episode 8 – Here’s how Head to Health is making it easier for Health Professionals to connect with digital mental health

Guests: Dr Sarah Cavanagh, Director of Clinical Policy Section, Dept. of Health and Aged Care, Fiona Armstrong, Head of Strategy, Liquid Interactive, A/Prof Caroline Johnson, Academic Specialist, University of Melbourne

“I think that the website works really hard to transmit that information in a way that encourages people with milder symptoms to five some of these digital resources a go.”

In this episode of Digital Mental Health Musings Dr Tania McMahon talks to the Head to Health team about their award-winning new website – how the site works for clients and health professionals and the research and evidence behind it. We also share some great practical tips about how health professionals can use the site in their everyday practice to help support their clients.

Watch or listen to the podcast episode here and catch up on past episodes here.

“Mastering measurement-based care in mental health”

When: Online, 8 Feb 1pm AEDT and 8 Feb 8pm AEDT

RACGP CPD Approved Activity – 1 CPD hour – Educational Activities

Measurement-based care is gaining popularity, but which questionnaire should you use and what do the data really mean? Psychometric assessment encompasses everything from neuropsychological testing to self-report questionnaires work, how to choose a questionnaire, and how to quickly and effectively interpret the scores. He will also bust some common myths about mental health questionnaires and share insights from his research and clinical practice.

Peter will be joined by Dale Skinner, who lives with bipolar II. Dale is determined to provide a better understanding of mood disorders and in this webinar will share his own experience of navigating self-report questionnaires.

“Supporting Families when Dementia Comes Knocking”

When: Online, 27 Feb 12:30pm AEDT and 27 Feb 6pm AEDT

Many people experience difficulties when a family member, friend or someone under their care is diagnosed with dementia. Health professionals are increasingly being asked what community members can do to assist a person maintain their dignity and a good quality of life after a diagnosis of dementia.

In this webinar we will discuss these issues with Dr Hilton Koppe, GP Educator at Dementia Training Australia and facilitator of the award-winning Australian podcast “Dementia in Practice”.

Christmas can be a tricky time for many people, and the WellMob team are highlighting different online Indigenous-specific resources to help balance and promote positive social and emotional wellbeing during the festive season. Check out their ’12 Days of Christmas Wellbeing’ campaign on their Facebook page.

Australian Association of Psychologists Inaugural Conference

20-22 March 2024, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD

Presentation and Trade exhibit

Together in unity we are stronger.

See eMHPrac’s Directory Heidi Sturk present and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade booth.

The Effectiveness of Fully Automated Digital Interventions in Promoting Mental Well-Being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Groot, J., MacLellan, A., Butler, M., Todor, E., Zulfiqar, M., Thackrah, T., … & Ainsworth, B. (2023). The Effectiveness of Fully Automated Digital Interventions in Promoting Mental Well-Being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 10(1), e44658. doi: 10.2196/44658

Amplifying Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Perspectives to Promote Digital Health Equity: Co-Designed Qualitative Study

Henson, C., Chapman, F., Shepherd, G., Carlson, B., Rambaldini, B., & Gwynne, K. (2023). Amplifying Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Perspectives to Promote Digital Health Equity: Co-Designed Qualitative Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e50584. doi: 10.2196/50584

The Safety of Digital Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review and Recommendations

Taher, R., Hsu, C. W., Hampshire, C., Fialho, C., Heaysman, C., Stahl, D., … & Yiend, J. (2023). The Safety of Digital Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review and Recommendations. JMIR Mental Health, 10(1), e47433.  doi: 10.2196/47433

About Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a unique web and App-based program developed by a tea, of psychologists with expertise in adolescent therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, and web-based wellness programs. Smiling Mind’s mission is to provide accessible, lifelong tools based in mindfulness meditation.

Who is Smiling Mind for?

Smiling Mind targets all ages, with specific individual programs for:

• Age 7-11
• Age 12-15
• Age 16-22
• Adult
• Classroom & Schools
• Workplaces
• Families

Is there a cost to use Smiling Mind?

No, there is no cost to use Smiling Mind.

How to access Smiling Mind?

The Smiling Mind app can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.