Digital support for mental health now available

A new mental health gateway has just been launched by the federal government.

Head to Health is designed for the one in five working Australians who will experience a mental illness each year.

The website complements face-to-face therapies and enables people to take control of their mental health in the way with which they feel most comfortable.

Evidence suggests that for many people, digital interventions can be as effective as face-to-face services.

Head to Health provides a one-stop shop for services and resources delivered by some of Australia’s most trusted mental health service providers.

They include free or low-cost apps, online support communities, online courses and phone services.

Head to Health provides a place where people can access support and information before they reach crisis.

The government has said it will continue to grow with additional services, a telephone support service to support website users and further support for health professionals to meet the needs of their patients.

In addition, the government has recently announced $43 million in funding for national suicide prevention leadership and support activity to organisations across Australia such as R U OK?, Suicide Prevention Australia and Mindframe.

This year it has invested $92.6 million in the headspace program to improve access for young people aged 12–25 years who have, or are at risk of, mental illness.

It has also provided $52.6 million to beyondblue, which will partner with headspace and Early Childhood Australia to provide tools for teachers to support kids with mental health concerns and provide resources to help students deal with challenges.

Building a digital mental health gateway was a key part of the government’s response to the National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Mental Health Programs and Services.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/kieferpix

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