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In this edition:
- New edition of the eMHPrac Resource Guide
- Valentine’s Day and mental wellbeing
- Addressing racism and supporting First Nations wellbeing
- New National Autism Strategy
- Webinar from Black Dog Institute
- Read our recent blogs
- See the eMHPrac team at these upcoming conferences
- Read the latest dMH research articles
- This month’s featured service: SHADE
New Edition of the eMHPrac Resource Guide
We’ve just released a new edition of our popular Health Practitioner Guide to Digital Mental Health Services and Resources.
The eMHPrac Resource Guide provides an overview of digital mental health, the research evidence, and various Australian resources and services. This edition includes all new resources and services to use with your clients. Download the updated guide here or order hard copies for you and your colleagues now!
Valentine’s Day & Mental Wellbeing
Last week marked Valentine’s Day which can be a challenging time for some patients or clients, bringing up feelings of loneliness, relationship stress, or low self-esteem. Digital mental health tools can provide accessible, evidence-based support to help them navigate these emotions. Resources like MindSpot and MoodGym offer structured support to improve overall wellbeing. For those coping with a breakup, Breakup Shakeup provides practical strategies to stay active and connected, while forums like those on SANE can offer a safe online space for those experiencing loneliness. Encourage your patients to explore these free digital resources to support their mental wellbeing this Valentine’s Day.
Addressing Racism & Supporting First Nations Wellbeing
“When one of our football players or one of our leaders experiences racism, we all feel it.” – Professor James Ward, Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man.
Racism has serious lifelong impacts on mental health, increasing risks of anxiety, depression, self-harm & chronic illness. 60% of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People reported experiencing racial prejudice in 2022—up from 43% in 2018 (Closing the Gap Report, 2024).
For March 21, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, WellMob has launched updated Resource Sheets to help practitioners support First Nations clients. The Racism Resource Sheet provides access to videos, podcasts, and guides on tackling racism and fostering culturally safe spaces, with more insights available in WellMob’s latest blog.
Australia’s First National Autism Strategy Released
The Federal Government has launched Australia’s first National Autism Strategy, aiming to improve inclusion, support, and outcomes for Autistic people in Australia. Backed by $42.3 million, the Strategy focuses on social and economic inclusion, health, diagnosis, and services. Developed with extensive community input, it includes initiatives for peer support, employment pathways, diagnosis resources, and autism awareness. More details are available on the Department of Social Services website or for information on how to use technology with neurodivergent brains, check out our blog.
Webinar from Black Dog Institute
“Practical Aspects of Blended Care”
When: Online, Wednesday 26 February 12:30pm AEDT and 6pm AEDT
This webinar dives into the powerful impact of blending digital mental health resources into clinical care. While these resources show that they can be effective on their own, their true potential is unlocked when clinicians actively guide, coach, and engage with patients in their use. Learn how integrating these tools into your practice can enhance patient outcomes. improve engagement, and provide a holistic approach to mental health care. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore actionable strategies and real-world examples that can elevate your care and transform your practice.
Join Dr Jan Orman as she speaks with Dr Sarah Barker, a Clinical Psychologist and Psychology Board of Australia-Approved Supervisor, who contributes expertise to the development of evidence-based educational programs and e-mental health products.
“Culturally Safe Practice: How Digital Mental Health Can Help?”
The effects of culture on mental health issues, and how digital mental health resources can help us deliver culturally safe care.
“Understanding Racism in Supporting Your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Client”
The WellMob team provide some insights and resources to acknowledge, understand and address racism and better support and provide culturally safe care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
“Being Well Blog: Using dMH to help reduce overprescribing in young people”
Dr Jan Orman discusses solutions to our reliance on pharmaceutical interventions in mental health care for young people, especially digital mental health resources.
Catch us at these upcoming conferences
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference
24-26 March 2025, Gold Coast, QLD
Presentation and Trade Exhibit
Bright Minds, Bright Futures: Enhancing Child and Adolescent Wellbeing
See eMHPrac’s Director Heidi Sturk present and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.
8th National Social & Emotional Wellbeing Forum
25-28 March 2025, Melbourne, VIC
Presentation and Trade Exhibit
Fostering resilience and providing holistic pathways to wellbeing for First Nations People.
See eMHPrac’s Director Heidi Sturk and WellMob’s Director David Edwards present and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.
What we’ve been reading
Yeo, G., Reich, S. M., Liaw, N. A., & Chia, E. Y. M. (2024). The Effect of Digital Mental Health Literacy Interventions on Mental Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e51268.
De Jesús-Romero, R., Holder-Dixon, A. R., Buss, J. F., & Lorenzo-Luaces, L. (2024). Race, ethnicity, and other cultural background factors in trials of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e50780.
Scott, A. J., Hathway, T., Bisby, M. A., Titov, N., & Dear, B. F. (2024). The Sleep Course: An inclusive trial examining the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a digital sleep intervention for adults with self-reported sleep difficulties. Internet Interventions, 38, 100778.
Our featured service… SHADE
About SHADE
This month our featured service is SHADE, a self-guided online program to help adults experiencing symptoms of depression and who are drinking alcohol or using other drugs.
Read our blog delving into SHADE here.
About the author
