Mental health goes virtual

By Paul Hemsley
Government News

Online counseling therapy will be available to Australians through federal health services following an open tender for qualified organisations to deliver the Virtual Clinic service.

The Department of Health and Ageing will be searching for qualified organizations to develop and deliver the program, which will provide online counseling with the assistance of a therapist, for those with low to moderate levels of mental disorders.

An investment of $20 million over three years will be provided for the Virtual clinic, which will be accessible through the government’s mental health portal, due to go live in July.

According to the department, it would complement existing face-to-face mental health therapies.

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler said the Virtual Clinic is expected to assist up to 30000 people over three years, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.

“Therapists will use cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to deliver online counseling and will also be able to refer to clients to self-guided online therapies, or other services, according to the client’s needs,” Mr Butler said.

The Virtual Clinic services will complement face-to-face mental health support and the existing automated online ‘teleweb’ programs which will be available through the e-mental health portal.

A Department of Health and Ageing spokeswoman said the focus is on telephone and online services, however video services may be considered in the future if security of information and privacy is assured.

“It is expected that anyone with internet access will be able to use the virtual clinic to obtain assistance, including counselors and patients,” the spokeswoman said.

“The therapists delivering the online counseling will be trained in online service delivery as part of the requirements of the funding process.”

According to the spokeswoman, there has been no discussion or liaison with local government regarding the Virtual Clinic.

“This project will deliver online mental health services to all Australians including those in rural and remote regions,” the spokeswoman said.

She said links with primary health care services and the establishment of referral pathways to traditional services will be an important feature of the service.

“Barriers to treatment have been reported as financial costs; shortage of skilled workers, especially in rural and remote communities; long waiting lists; stigma; reluctance to attend treatment; and the difficulty of accessing services out of work hours,” she said.

http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2012/03/16/article/Mental-health-goes-virtual/GZNSLYFDVW

Mental health plan 'too vague' to be of use

Today's Australian reported that the federal government's new 10 year mental health plan has been criticised for being to vague. Mental health experts have suggested that there aren't enough specific goals and targets.

The new plan was released to the public yesterday. It focus' on early detection and treatment and on rewarding mental health patients who continue to participate in society. While most say it is an improvement on previous plans, it is not ideal.

For the full story, check out the Article.

Youth and Mental Health.

Mental health week last week seems to have sparked a call for extra funding for services related to young people's mental health.

Raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness at the forefront, particularly among children and teenagers. This time in life can be very challenging, especially for those who may not have the support and services they need. Many do not want to be associated with mental illness and therefore do not seek help. Instead many turn the wrong way, to alcohol and drugs. Today the Canberra Times posted an article referring to the 'slippery slide' from pressures during childhood and adolescence to self harm, drug and alcohol abuse and even death. Too many youth are entering the system too late, presenting with acute mental illness or addiction, or slipping through the cracks entirely.

Two things are required: services to help and a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking help. Sunbury College is working to fight this stigma and come up with in school programs to better mental health. A local Weekly has reported the school's program with year nine students, in conjunction with Orygen Youth Health and the Sunbury Community Health Centre, to develop a mental health resource kit for young people. This program is hoped to be implemented into other schools.