Digital Hype or Help? Unpacking the Evidence behind Digital Solutions
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom I: In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
| 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM |
Overview
Heidi Sturk, eMHPrac QUT
Presenter
Heidi Sturk
Director
eMHPrac (e-Mental Health in Practice), Queensland University of Technology
Digital Hype or Help? Unpacking the Evidence behind Digital Solutions
Abstract
Digital mental health tools and services are becoming increasingly prominent in the landscape of mental health support. While these tools are widely embraced by many Australians, 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 for health practitioners. This presentation will provide a practical 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 in Australia.
This presentation is delivered by the e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) program funded by the Australian Government to provide free training to health practitioners in evidence-based digital mental health options. This consortium 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. Understand the evidence behind different types of digital mental health tools and services
2. Gain knowledge of key Australian digital mental health options and the research supporting them
3. Identify reliable sources for accessing evidence-based digital mental health tools
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 in Australia.
This presentation is delivered by the e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) program funded by the Australian Government to provide free training to health practitioners in evidence-based digital mental health options. This consortium 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. Understand the evidence behind different types of digital mental health tools and services
2. Gain knowledge of key Australian digital mental health options and the research supporting them
3. Identify reliable sources for accessing evidence-based digital mental health tools
Biography
Heidi Sturk is the Director of e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) at Queensland University of Technology. She holds a Master's in Organisational Psychology and has extensive experience in applied mental health research and workforce development. She leads a national collaborative program that integrates digital mental health solutions into primary care, improving clinician engagement, awareness, and the use of digital tools. Heidi serves on several national advisory groups and has contributed to the review and implementation of the Australian National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards. Her work has fostered innovative training initiatives, resulted in increased referrals to digital mental health services, and advanced the safe use of technology in mental health care.
