Almost Half of Australians Will Experience Mental Health Problems in Their Lifetime
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 mental health workers. And by 2030, it’s predicted we will be missing 42% 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 in digital mental health programs if re-elected.
What are Digital Mental Health Services?
Digital mental health services vary widely. They include online or app-based mental health information, symptom tracking tools, and learning or skills programs. These tools can be accessed with or without support from a therapist or coach, with some using generative generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
The umbrella term “digital mental health services” also 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.
Mindspot (screenshot)
Digital mental health services target a range of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. Some are designed for specific groups of people, including culturally diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, new parents, and young people.
What do Clinicians Think?
Mental health professionals increased their use of digital mental health tools (such as telehealth consultations) markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet many clinicians struggle to use these tools because they have not received enough training or support.
Even when willing, clinicians face workplace barriers that make it difficult to incorporate these tools into their practice. These include:
- limited funding and reimbursement
- unclear policies related to liability and risk management, data storage and security
- workflow disruptions, such as integrating these tools into existing systems, training clients to use them, and monitoring their use
What Needs to Happen Next?
With mental illness and suicide estimated to cost the Australian economy $70 billion per year, there are strong personal, social, and financial reasons to support innovative solutions that increase access to mental health services.
But for digital approaches to reach their full potential, we need to upskill the mental health workforce and support organisations to include digital technologies into their practice.
It’s also important to improve awareness of digital mental health programs and reduce the barriers to accessing these services, or we risk leaving behind the very people who need them the most.
For Australians with more complex mental health issues, or those for whom digital mental health treatment hasn’t worked, access to in-person therapy and other mental health treatments should remain available. Digital mental health programs are one part of the mental health care system, and not a replacement for all types of care.
If you or anyone you know needs help or support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
FAQs
What are digital mental health services?
Digital mental health services vary widely. They include online or app-based mental health information, symptom tracking tools, and learning or skills programs.
What are some examples of digital mental health services?
Examples include online mental health information, peer-support networks, phone helplines, and human-delivered phone, chat, or video-based telehealth services.
How do digital mental health services work?
Digital mental health services can be accessed with or without support from a therapist or coach, and may use generative generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
Can digital mental health services match the quality of in-person therapy?
Some clinicians remain sceptical about whether digital services can truly match the quality of in-person therapy, leading to hesitation in recommending them to those who might benefit.
