Do digital mental health programmes work?

They are inexpensive and innovative but, with so many options available, finding the right one can be challenging.

- Bonnie Clough, Aarthi Ganapathy and Lou Farrer

Almost half of Australians will experience mental health problems in their lifetime. Recent floods, droughts, cyclones, bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic have increased distress in the community.

Yet, many people who need mental health services are unable to access them. Cost, stigma and availability of mental health workers are barriers to care. Australia also has a critical shortage of such workers. And by 2030, it is predicted the country will be missing 42 per cent of the mental health workforce needed to meet the demand.

To partially address this gap, the Australian government has committed to investing A$135 million (S$113.5 million) in digital mental health programmes if it is re-elected.

Online programmes can be more innovative and less expensive than other types of therapy. But do they actually work?

WHAT ARE DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?

They include online or app-based mental health information, symptom tracking tools and learning or skills programmes. These tools can be accessed with or without support from a therapist or coach, with some using generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The umbrella term "digital mental health services" includes peer-support networks, phone helplines and human-delivered phone, chat or video-based telehealth services.

Services such as Mindspot, for example, offer online assessment, feedback and referrals to online treatments that have optional therapist support.

The digital services target a range of problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma and eating disorders. Some are designed for specific groups of people, including culturally diverse communities, new parents and young people.

With so many digital options available, finding the right programme can be challenging. The government-funded Medicare Mental Health portal was set up to help Australians find evidence-based services.

DO THEY WORK?