ReachOut Australia:Technology transforming prevention and early intervention in mental health

Kerrie Buhagiar, Director – Service DeliveryJune 2015

ReachOut Programs

Youngpeople

ProfessionalsSchools Parents(from 2016)

1998 2008 2014

World’s first online youth

mental health service

3083 visitors per

month

First online game for

mental health

ReachOut embraces

social media

113,435 visitors per

month

Established in Australia,

Ireland and US

Mobile-led strategy

Suite of tools and apps

Award-winning social media

approach

154,166 visitors per

month

USING TECHNOLOGY TO REACH MORE PEOPLE

Innovation in Mental Health

1998 20052006

2007

2010-12

2017

2014 2015

Service Quality and Risk Management

• Rigorous evaluation and research partnerships• Evidence reviews and content partnerships• Clinical Advisory Group

• Duty of care– Staff moderation– Community and self-moderation– Technical

Results: Mental Health StatusK10 Score ReachOut 2013 2007 NMHWB 16-

24 year olds

Low (< 16) 7%91%

(low to moderate)Moderate (16-21) 16%

High (22-29) 21%9%

(high to very high)Very high (>=30) 56%

Most ReachOut users are currently experiencing high or very high levels of

distress

Most RO users are currently experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress

Depression Anxiety Stress0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

19%

23% 23%

7%

11%13%

18%

13%

20%

15%12%

25%

41% 41%

18%

DASS-21 Scores (%)

Normal Mild Moderate Severe Extremely severe

89% met the cut-off for mild or above symptoms for at least one MHD (11% had no symptoms)

Young people report improved self-rated mental health after using ReachOut.com

of study participants who rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” at baseline, reported that it had gotten “better” after using ReachOut.com

Poor39%

Fair35%

Good17%

Very Good6%

Excellent2%

How would you rate your mental health right now? (At baseline)

30%

Results: Main Reason for Visit

56% of users were going through a tough time and looking for help

Results: Help-seeking Intentions

52% of participants experiencing high levels of distress had not previously accessed professional help

Previously accessed professional supportNever accessed professional support

46% are more likely to seek

help after using ReachOut

Stepped-care approaches

Stepped care

Universal Selective IndicatedEarly

Intervention / Treatment

Continuing Care

LOWSelf-help

LOW–MEDSelf-help/

Supported self-help

MEDSupported self-help

HIGHManaged care

LOW–MEDRecovery

ME

NTA

L H

EA

LTH

S

PE

CTR

UM

STE

PP

ED

CA

RE

• Info + resources

• Self-help apps/tools (generic)

• Peer support

• Info + resources

• Self-help apps/tools (generic + targeted)

• Peer support

• Self-help apps/tools (targeted)

• Online CBT• Crisis

phone lines/chat

• Online coaching

• Peer support

• Online counselling

• Online clinics

• Peer support

• Self-help apps/tools

FEAT

UR

ES

/FU

NC

TIO

NS