Mental health expert Professor David Kavanagh from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) today welcomed the $276.9 million election pledge from the Labor Government to boost mental health services.
"It is particularly good to see $22.3 million for online services," he said. "We hope this is the first step to a significant ongoing investment in this type of service. We now know that online treatments are effective, they're becoming one of the easiest ways for people to get help whenever they need it.
"Recent surveys show that many people prefer to get information about mental health from the internet. Increasingly, online treatment programs are also being seen as an acceptable way to get help, especially if people can get some email or phone support from a therapist as well.
"At the moment, it seems the Government is aiming this online part of their strategy at young people. That's great, but it's only a part of the story. Everyone is now on the net, from children to old aged pensioners, and people who are after online help can be any age."
"A concern I have, is that most of these online treatments aren't directly linked with other services, like GPs, counsellors or specialists, and many people aren't even aware that online treatments are an option. I hope these issues are addressed as well, so that we can get the greatest possible impact from this investment."
Professor Kavanagh and his team at QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation launched a national website last November to provide support for people who were depressed or were drinking heavily.
The site, www.ontrack.org.au, allows people free access to assistance, no matter where they live.
"The website offers a way to get help in their own home, at any time," Professor Kavanagh said.
"It allows people to get fact sheets and check their mood and their drinking without having to log in or give their name.
"If they want more support, there is a confidential online program they can use. It has tools to help people get their lives back on track, and gives feedback on how they are going.
"Of course, if their problems are severe, we ask that they use the program with their doctor or counsellor."
On Track has been funded by Queensland Health, with an accompanying research program also funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
"This is just one example of the kinds of programs that are now becoming available for a wide variety of mental health problems", Professor Kavanagh said.
"It is critical that Australia's mental health services embrace 21st Century solutions to the mental health problems that affect so many of us. This is just one element of that."
Media contacts:
- Professor David Kavanagh, QUT Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, david.kavanagh@qut.edu.au
- Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2130 or ml.mcmahon@qut.edu.au
