Utilising Digital Mental Health Support for Chronic Health Conditions
Heidi Sturk1, Carol Purtell11Queensland University Of Technology
Abstract
The growing use of digital mental health options by Australians highlights the value of these options in facilitating access to mental health and wellbeing support. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in 2020-21 around 612,000 Australians accessed services for their mental health via phone or digital technologies.
The interconnection between mental health and other chronic health conditions is widely acknowledged. Although many allied health professionals do not specialise in mental health, they often encounter clients who require mental health support. Raising the awareness and enhancing the confidence of allied health practitioners in utilising and recommending digital mental health services and resources can significantly improve the accessibility of effective support for both mental and physical health of their clients. Additionally, this approach can alleviate the workload of practitioners.
The e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) program is currently spearheading the training of allied health practitioners in digital mental health options. This consortium, funded by Australian Government, is led by Queensland University of Technology in partnership with Black Dog Institute, Menzies School of Health Research and the University Centre for Rural Health (North Coast), University of Sydney.
During this presentation, you will gain insight into the activities and learnings of eMHPrac and learn about evidence-based digital services and resources that are free or low-cost. The presentation will highlight resources that can support the mental health of clients who suffer from chronic physical health conditions.
Biography
Heidi Sturk is the Director of eMHPrac (e-Mental Health in Practice) at Queensland University of Technology. Heidi oversees the development, delivery and evaluation of training and support on digital mental health to health practitioners and service providers nationwide. She holds a Master of Organisational Psychology and has worked in applied mental health research and workforce training for the last 28 years. Heidi is a committee member of the Australian Government’s Digital Mental Health Advisory Group for the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards.