Digital Hype or Help? Unpacking the Evidence behind Digital Solutions for Young People
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, March 26, 2025 |
| 11:45 AM - 12:05 PM |
| Ballroom 2 |
Overview
Heidi Sturk, Director, eMHPrac
Presenter
Ms Heidi Sturk
Director E-mental Health In Practice
Queensland University Of Technology
Digital Hype or Help? Unpacking the Evidence behind Digital Solutions for Young People
Abstract
Digital mental health tools and services are becoming increasingly prominent in the landscape of mental health support for young people. While these tools are widely embraced by both young people and health practitioners, their effectiveness, safety, and trustworthiness depend on being evidence-based or evidence-informed. However, keeping pace with the evolving evidence base can be a significant challenge. This presentation will provide an overview of the latest research supporting various digital solutions, including online treatment programs, apps, peer support platforms, and online counselling services.
The presentation will also explore the evidence on how to incorporate digital tools into practice to encourage client engagement and maximise effectiveness and provide information about where to find evidence-based digital options for young people in Australia.
This presentation is delivered by the e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) program which is currently spearheading the training of health practitioners in evidence-based 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.
Three Key Learnings:
1. An understanding of the evidence behind different types of digital mental health options
2. Knowledge about the evidence behind key Australian digital services
3. Knowledge about where to find evidence-based digital options
The presentation will also explore the evidence on how to incorporate digital tools into practice to encourage client engagement and maximise effectiveness and provide information about where to find evidence-based digital options for young people in Australia.
This presentation is delivered by the e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) program which is currently spearheading the training of health practitioners in evidence-based 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.
Three Key Learnings:
1. An understanding of the evidence behind different types of digital mental health options
2. Knowledge about the evidence behind key Australian digital services
3. Knowledge about where to find evidence-based digital options
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 Australian health practitioners and service providers. She holds a Master of Organisational Psychology and has extensive experience in applied mental health research and workforce training. Heidi also serves on multiple government advisory committees. She is passionate about educating others how to safely utilise technology for mental health treatment, support and connection.
