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In this edition:

• Launch of AOD referral sheets
• Black Dog Institute: Using AI chatbots for mental health support
• Launch of InsideOut Institute’s eClinic for Eating Disorders
• Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people online
• Read our recent blogs ADHD, new resource guide updated and being well
• See the eMHPrac team at these upcoming conferences
• Read the latest dMH research articles
• This month’s featured service: The Allen Adverture

With International Overdose Awareness Day coming up on August 31, now is the perfect time to explore our new referral sheets for people affected by substance use problems and addictive behaviours. Designed for mental health professionals, these sheets provide quick-reference guides to evidence-based Australian digital resources, from psychological interventions and peer support to symptom management tools, information, and screening options. Explore and share the referral sheets for alcohol use problems, smoking or vaping, and substance use and addictive behaviours to help connect people to timely, effective support.

AI chatbots are becoming more common in mental health support, with potential benefits but also important risks. The Black Dog Institute explores what AI chatbots are, how they’re being used, and key considerations for using them safely — including why they can’t replace professional care. Read the full article Thinking of using AI for mental health support? Here’s what to consider first to learn how to choose wisely, understand chatbot limitations, and seek human connection alongside digital tools.

Last month, InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders launched a free online treatment hub offering evidence-based support for people with food and body image concerns. The eClinic provides self-paced therapy programs, a toolbox for tracking habits and emotions, resources for carers, and a hub for health professionals — all developed by clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience. The InsideOut eClinic aims to make effective, research-backed care available to people anywhere in Australia.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, growing up today means living in two worlds, the offline world of culture, family, and Country, and the online world of gaming, social media, and endless scrolling.

We know young people are already using online spaces to connect with friends, join gaming communities, share their stories, and explore their interests. But did you know they can also use those same digital spaces to keep their Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) strong?

Just like they choose their games, streams, or favourite creators, they can choose online resources that lift them up, keep them connected to their strengths, and give them tools to handle stress, racism, grief, or big life changes.

That’s where WellMob comes in. The Young People section is full of videos, podcasts, apps, and stories made by mob, for mob to help young people stay strong in their identity and culture, find healthy ways to cope with tough feelings, learn from other young mob sharing their journeys, and build skills for a positive, strong future.

Explore our weekly blogs…

“Being Well Blogs: Survivance and Thrivance”

Dr Jan Orman reflects on the importance of continuing to grow and learn as health professionals, especially the importance of learning about other cultures.

“Digital Mental Health resources for people with ADHD”

Australian digital mental health resources for people with ADHD and health professionals supporting clients with ADHD.

“New Additions to the eMHPrac Directory Mental Health Directory”

Some of the new digital mental health resources coming to the eMHPrac Digital Mental Health Resource Directory this month.

“Being Well Blogs: Help Wanted”

Dr Jan Orman reflects on her work sharing the value of digital mental health with GPs, and how health practitioners can help share the message.

TheMHS Conference

2-5 September 2025, Brisbane, QLD

Presentation & Trade Exhibit

Towards a better mental health system.

See eMHPrac’s Director Heidi Sturk present on “Improving workforce capability to navigate digital mental health: Where to next?” and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.

International Mental Health Nursing Conference

10-12 September 2025, Brisbane, QLD

Presentation, Poster Presentation & Trade Exhibit

Our identity, influence and impact.

See Menzies’ Kylie Dingwall present on “Digital wellbeing resources for Mob: Let’s stay strong and well!” and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit and poster presentation.

Hybrid care in mental health: a framework for understanding care, research, and future opportunities

Chen, K., Huang, J. J., & Torous, J. (2024). Hybrid care in mental health: a framework for understanding care, research, and future opportunities. NPP—Digital Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 2(1), 16.

Artificial intelligence as a virtual coach in a cognitive behavioural intervention for perfectionism in young people: A randomised feasibility trial

Johnson, C., Egan, S. J., Carlbring, P., Shafran, R., & Wade, T. D. (2024). Artificial intelligence as a virtual coach in a cognitive behavioural intervention for perfectionism in young people: A randomised feasibility trial. Internet Interventions, 38, 100795.

Barriers and Facilitators of User Engagement With Digital Mental Health Interventions for People With Psychosis or Bipolar Disorder: Systematic Review and Best-Fit Framework Synthesis

Eisner, E., Faulkner, S., Allan, S., Ball, H., Di Basilio, D., Nicholas, J., … & Bucci, S. (2025). Barriers and facilitators of user engagement with digital mental health interventions for people with psychosis or bipolar disorder: systematic review and best-fit framework synthesis. JMIR Mental Health, 12(1), e65246.

About The Allen Adventure

In celebration of Bullying No Way Week we are taking a closer look at The Allen Adventure as our featured service! The Allen Adventure is a free, app-based program from Bullying No Way teaching emotional literacy and social skills to foster respectful relationships in children under 8 years old.

Read our blog delving into The Allen Adventure here.