Australia develops first E-Mental-Health Strategy

Australia’s recently established e-mental health expert committee is considering new online initiatives in its development of the nation’s first national e-mental health strategy.

The expert committee will advise on the rollout of the Australia’s first mental health online portal and virtual clinic.

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said in an official statement, “Online mental health services provide an alternative form of support or care for people who don’t want to, or don’t feel comfortable accessing traditional face-to-face services.”

“Online services have the potential to overcome geographical, attitudinal and financial barriers which we know that young Australians or people living in remote or regional areas often face.”

The government will provide $48 million in funding over the next 5 years for telephone counselling, self-help and web-based support services to boost efforts in mental health prevention and early intervention.

The committee also plans to maximise e-mental health and harness the opportunities presented by the new and emerging technologies including the National Broadband Network.

“Continuing advances in technology are revolutionising the way we provide health care, in particular for patients with chronic illnesses and conditions, such as mental illness,” Butler added.

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