E-Mental Health Innovations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A Qualitative Study of Implementation Needs in Health Services

Background Electronic mental health (e-mental health) interventions offer effective, easily accessible, and cost effective treatment and support for mental illness and well-being concerns. However, e-mental health approaches have not been well utilized by health services to date and little is known about their implementation in practice, particularly in diverse contexts and communities. Objective This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the requirements for implementing e-mental health approaches in regional and remote health services for Indigenous Australians. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 managers, directors, chief executive officers (CEOs), and senior practitioners of mental health, well-being, alcohol and other drug and chronic disease services. Results The implementation of e-mental health approaches in this context is likely to be influenced by characteristics related to the adopter (practitioner skill and knowledge, client characteristics, communication barriers), the innovation (engaging and supportive approach, culturally appropriate design, evidence base, data capture, professional development opportunities), and organizational systems (innovation-systems fit, implementation planning, investment). Conclusions There is potential for e-mental health approaches to address mental illness and poor social and emotional well-being amongst Indigenous people and to advance their quality of care. Health service stakeholders reported that e-mental health interventions are likely to be most effective when used to support or extend existing health services, including elements of client-driven and practitioner-supported use. Potential solutions to obstacles for integration of e-mental health approaches into practice were proposed including practitioner training, appropriate tool design using a consultative approach, internal organizational directives and support structures, adaptations to existing systems and policies, implementation planning and organizational and government investment.

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Out of tune: Perceptions of, engagement with, and responses to mental health interventions by professional popular musicians—A scoping review

Psychology of Music ◽

10.1177/03057356211019477 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 030573562110194

Author(s):

Amy Visser ◽

Megan Lee ◽

Timothy Barringham ◽

Nasim Salehi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Distinct Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Mental Health Interventions ◽

Industry Peers

Professional popular musicians are at increased risk of psychological distress, substance use problems, and suicide, yet little evidence is available on effective psychotherapeutic practices to address these issues. This scoping review aims to understand how professional popular musicians perceive, engage with, and respond to mental health interventions. Four databases were searched, garnering a total of 310 articles. Of these, six met inclusion criteria. Four thematic categories were explored: (1) amenability of professional popular musicians to particular therapeutic approaches; (2) attribution of treatment outcomes to tailored approaches; (3) professional popular musicians’ perceived barriers to treatment; and (4) recommendations for treatment approaches. The scoping review supports the importance of considering the characteristics of professional popular musicians as a distinct group with unique well-being needs, challenges, and strengths. There is a clear preference for tailored, affordable, and accessible approaches that consider the uniquities of musicianship and the need to explore the role of nonclinical support, such as friends, family, and industry peers.

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Online Indicated Preventive Mental Health Interventions for Youth: A Scoping Review

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.580843 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Marilon van Doorn ◽

Laurens A. Nijhuis ◽

Mees D. Egeler ◽

Joost G. Daams ◽

Arne Popma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Health Complaints ◽

Preventive Interventions ◽

Online Interventions ◽

Preventive Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Interventions

Objective: Between the ages of 12 and 25 the onset of mental disorders typically occurs, and the burden of mental health problems is greatest for this group. Indicated preventive interventions to target individuals with subclinical symptoms to prevent the transition to clinical levels of disorders have gained considerable traction. However, the threshold to seek help appears to be high even when help is needed. Online interventions could offer a solution, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review will present an overview of the recent research of indicated online preventive interventions for youth (12–25 years) experiencing the early stages of mental health complaints with the aim of identifying the nature and extent of the research evidence.Methods: The 5-stage framework by Arksey and O'Malley was used. Academic literature published from 2013 onwards in printed or electronic format was included from Scopus, PsychINFO, and Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL.Results: The search yielded 11,122 results, with the final selection resulting in inclusion of 30 articles for this review. In total, the articles included 4,950 participants. 26.7% of the selected articles focused on youth between 12 and 25 years. Of the articles 60% did not screen for, nor exclude participants with clinical levels of symptoms. Most studies used a common evidence-based therapy for the disorder-category targeted. More than half of the online interventions included some form of human support. Adherence levels ranged between 27.9 and 98%. The results indicate general effectiveness, usability and acceptability of online indicated preventive interventions. The most commonly used approach was CBT (n = 12 studies). Studies varied in their size, rigor of study, effectiveness and outcome measures. Online interventions with a combination of clinical and peer moderation (n = 3 studies) appear to result in the most stable and highest effect sizes.Conclusion: Online indicated preventive mental health interventions for youth with emerging mental health issues show promise in reducing various mental health complaints, and increasing positive mental health indicators such as well-being and resilience. Additionally, high levels of usability and acceptability were found. However, the included studies show important methodological shortcomings. Also, the research has mainly focused on specific diagnostic categories, meaning there is a lack of transdiagnostic approaches. Finally, clear definitions of- as well as instruments to measure- emerging or subclinical mental health symptoms in youth remain are missing.

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The Eight Ujarait (Rocks) Model: Supporting Inuit Adolescent Mental Health With an Intervention Model Based on Inuit Ways of Knowing

International Journal of Indigenous Health ◽

10.18357/ijih111201614394 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 92 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gwen Katheryn Healey ◽

Jennifer Noah ◽

Ceporah Mearns

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Literature Review ◽

Peer Relationships ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Ways Of Knowing ◽

Youth Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Mental Health Interventions

Objective: This study responded to a community-identified need to form an evidence base for interventions to promote mental health and wellness among youth in Nunavut. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the terms adolescence and Inuit and intervention or program or camp or land-based. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to find peer-reviewed and grey literature on community-based youth programs. The literature review was presented to parents, elders, and youth for discussion over several months in 2009-2010. Results: Key themes included: self-esteem, physical activity, stress and coping, positive peer relationships, Inuit identity, mental health and well-being, and the effects of intergenerational trauma on youth in Nunavut. Themes were incorporated into a model for youth mental health interventions based on Inuit terminology, philosophy, and societal values—the Eight Ujarait/Rocks Model. The model was implemented as a camp program in 6 pilots in 5 communities from 2011 to 2013. Data were collected before and after the camp. Results indicated that the program fostered physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness among youth. Parent observations of participants included an improvement in behaviour and attitude, strong cultural pride, greater confidence in identity, and improved family and community relationships. Conclusion: Evidence-based, community-driven models for youth mental health interventions in the North hold promise. The application of one such model through a camp program had a lasting impact on the individuals involved, beyond their immediate participation. Long-term monitoring of the participants, and ongoing evaluations of camps as they continue to unfold across Nunavut, are needed to contribute to the robust evidence base for this program over time.

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The well-being of children of parents with a mental illness: the responsiveness of crisis mental health services in Wellington, New Zealand

Child & Family Social Work ◽

10.1111/cfs.12186 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 600-607 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ari S. Pfeiffenberger ◽

Amanda J. D'Souza ◽

Mark A. Huthwaite ◽

Sarah E. Romans

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

New Zealand ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Well Being

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Engagement in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Can Monetary Incentives Help?

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.746324 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Eliane M. Boucher ◽

Haley E. Ward ◽

Amelia C. Mounts ◽

Acacia C. Parks

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Financial Incentives ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Future Research ◽

User Engagement ◽

Monetary Incentives ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Digital Interventions ◽

Mental Health Interventions

Digital mental health interventions (DMHI) are scalable and cost-effective strategies for increasing access to mental health care; however, dropout rates associated with digital interventions are high, particularly for open-access digital interventions. While some studies have focused on predictors of dropout from digital mental health programs, few studies have focused on engagement features that might improve engagement. In this perspective article, we discuss whether monetary incentives (MI) are one avenue to increasing user engagement in DMHI. We begin by reviewing the literature on the effects of MI for behavior change in health domains (e.g., dietary behaviors, substance use, and medication adherence). Then, drawing on a pilot study we conducted to test the effects of different levels of MI on usage and improvement in subjective well-being among users of a DMHI (Happify), we discuss the potential applications of MI for DMHI, the potential drawbacks of financial incentives in this context, and open questions for future research.

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Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Enhancement of Psychological Well-Being Among College Students: Systematic Review

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/12869 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (7) ◽

pp. e12869 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Emily G Lattie ◽

Elizabeth C Adkins ◽

Nathan Winquist ◽

Colleen Stiles-Shields ◽

Q Eileen Wafford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

College Students ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Mental Health Interventions

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Culture and psychiatric epidemiology

Practical Psychiatric Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/med/9780198735564.003.0003 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 33-50

Author(s):

Brandon A. Kohrt ◽

Vikram Patel

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Cultural Variations ◽

Cultural Frameworks ◽

Culturally Adapted ◽

Care Systems ◽

Mental Health Interventions ◽

The Relationship

Culture refers to values, beliefs, knowledge, norms, and practices and the notion that these are shared among a specific set of people. Culture shapes the meaning and social experience of mental illness; influences the types of exposures to factors that cause mental illness; and moderates the relationship between risks and mental health outcomes. Cultural differences in models of causality and labelling of mental illnesses contribute to degree of family support, use of religious and traditional healing, and engagement with biomedical care systems. Cultural variations in describing, disclosing, and categorizing suffering are also sources of potential bias in epidemiological research. Instruments developed in one culture may be used in others, but greater emphasis must be placed on their adaptation to ensure equivalence. Use of cultural frameworks is crucial to optimize utilization and outcomes of culturally adapted psychological treatments and other mental health interventions.

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Impact of COVID-19 on School Psychology Practices in Canada

Canadian Journal of School Psychology ◽

10.1177/08295735211039738 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 082957352110397

Author(s):

Tessa Ritchie ◽

Maria Rogers ◽

Laurie Ford

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

School Psychology ◽

School Psychologists ◽

Professional Practice ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Work Experiences ◽

Mental Health Interventions ◽

Survey Responses

In March of 2020, COVID-19 forced schools to close across Canada. While school psychologists typically work directly with students, teachers, and families, nearly all services had to be modified to accommodate the new circumstances. The following brief report presents a summary of the survey responses of 214 Canadian school psychology practitioners on their experience of the COVID-19 shutdown. Nearly all respondents indicated their work experiences had significantly changed since the start of the pandemic, notably through decreases in assessments and mental health interventions. Importantly, respondents also indicated significant decreases in their own mental health/well-being as compared to before the pandemic. Implications for professional practice are discussed.

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Mental well-being: An important outcome for mental health services?

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.114.158329 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 207 (3) ◽

pp. 195-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Angharad de Cates ◽

Saverio Stranges ◽

Amy Blake ◽

Scott Weich

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Outcome Measure ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Well Being ◽

People With Mental Illness ◽

Mental Well Being

SummaryMental well-being is being used as an outcome measure in mental health services. The recent Chief Medical Officer's (CMO's) report raised questions about mental well-being in people with mental illness, including how to measure it. We discuss whether mental well-being has prognostic significance or other utility in this context.

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Plans, hopes and ideas for mental health

BJPsych Bulletin ◽

10.1192/pb.bp.116-053793 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 3-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

John R. Ashton

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Health Services ◽

Public Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

The Subject ◽

The Individual ◽

Mental Health Foundation ◽

Mental Well Being

SummaryMental health and the failings of the mental health services are in the spotlight as never before. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the often dire situation with regard to child and adolescent mental health. At the same time, there is a renewed interest in the scope for prevention of mental illness and distress, and in population approaches to mental well-being. It may come as a surprise to some that others have given such serious consideration to strategic approaches to public mental health as long ago as the 1950s. It appears that such consideration was squeezed out by the dominant concerns of serious and enduring mental illness and a prevailing biological view of psychiatry. The time is right to engage with this agenda in recognition of the importance of public mental health, not only for the individual and for families, but also for society as a whole and for the economy. The publication of a review of the subject by the Faculty of Public Health and the Mental Health Foundation is to be commended. Let us make sure it leads to action.

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