E-mental health involves the delivery of mental health services by phone and online applications that utilise technology to extend the reach of mental health service support. Services are able to deliver confidential, flexible, individually tailored mental health support that may not be achievable in the same time frame via other treatment modalities.
E-mental health services offer:
- confidentiality
- less threatening or difficult modes of contact which can occur at a pace set by the consumer
- flexible access to services through preferred methods of contact
- Immediacy of access regardless of geographic location and proximity to traditional forms of support
- Access at low cost and in flexible, non-stigmatising ways
The internet is increasingly being recognised as an important and powerful complement to traditional phone based and face-to-face services. Evidence shows that access to information, counseling and online self-help programs plays an important role in suicide prevention, crisis advice and treatment of mental health issues.
Butterfly Foundation’s ED Hope Service
Under its Teleweb (Telephone Counselling, Self Help and Web-based support) measure the federal Department of Health funds Butterfly Foundation’s National Support Line and Web Counselling Service, ED HOPE. The service provides free, confidential support for anyone with a question about eating disorders or negative body image, including sufferers, carers, family and friends, teachers, employers and more.
ED HOPE is open Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm AEST daylight savings adjusted (except national public holidays).
Phone: 1800 ED HOPE / 1800 33 4673
Email: support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
Website: www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/web-counselling
In addition to this federally funded service, several other organisations also provide online support.
Eating Disorders Victoria Recovery Chatroom, Eating Disorders Victoria
Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) provides online support through The Eating Disorders Victoria Recovery Chatroom. The service provides an opportunity for people living with an eating disorder (16 years & over) to communicate with others and give and receive the mutual understanding and support that is vital to promote a full recovery. The Recovery Chatroom is moderated by trained volunteers who ensure it remains a safe and supportive environment. The Recovery Chatroom is intended as a means of support and communication; it does not provide any form of counseling and is not intended to be a substitute for professional/medical advice.
Website: http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/online-services
e-Therapy Program, Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders
The Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders (CEDD) in NSW is currently developing an eTherapy program for people with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. This program is being developed by a team of expert clinicians working in collaboration with an eSimulation team at Macquarie University. It will provide evidence based treatment in an online environment.
The program is due to be released in December 2013. You can also find links from the program website to other self-help guides for those with an eating disorder.
Website: http://cedd.org.au/elearning-etherapy/etherapy/
Source: http://www.nedc.com.au/e-bulletin-number-eighteen#article-three