After all, is E-Mental Health capable of making a paradigm shift?

Abstract

Only a very small percentage of adolescents and young adults with mental challenges is able to access specialized care. Access is limited due to a lack of capacity but also internal hurdles and stigma especially among young males. The web creates a new environment for them, which is defining a new culture of communication and interaction. The majority is using smart phones to access the Internet and make that their main communication device.Walkalong is a web-based platform, which aims to provide a range of opportunities and tools for youth with especially mood challenges. These tools include screening and assessment, online resources and all kind of orientation and interaction for informed decision-making.We are working on that to develop a framework for better online-based mental health care including useful tools beyond crisis based on the principles of empowerment and strength based approaches.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.