Use of the internet for provision of better counselling and psychotherapy services to young people, their families and carers

Deficiencies and gaps in provision of mental health services to young people in Australia result in unmet need with adverse consequences for the individual, family and larger community. Young people are reluctant to use conventional mental health services. Online services are more accessible, can deliver effective interventions, and provide a bridge to clinical services. While existing online services provide information, resources and more diagnosis specific therapy or counselling, they are not integrated with other web-based resources. More importantly, they are not well-connected with existing face-to-face services. Given the limited research to support web-based services, a quality assurance mechanism for systematic monitoring and evaluation is needed that can also provide invaluable information on how to develop services. The service model proposed will deliver an integrated multi-level system to young people that will assist them to decide the degree to which they have a mental health problem and will triage enquiries to the most appropriate and effective form or intensity of service, including: informational web sites; evidence-based interactive online self-help programs; time-limited synchronous web-based counselling or e-therapy interventions designed to resolve less serious mental health problems; school- based counselling and guidance services; primary care health services; and specialist mental health services. It aims to engage young people, their families and carers through their natural environment, especially the school environment. The proposed model complements, but does not duplicate, existing services. It uses the most recent technological tools and techniques, and includes built-in procedures for ongoing evaluation of impact and outcomes