Challenges and opportunities for e-mental health policy: an Estonian case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Public administration of mental health policy is an area that raises issues about human rights and dignity, equality of access to high-quality mental health services and the adequacy of financial resources. Globally, most people with mental health problems lack access to care services due mainly to the limited number of trained specialists, the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses, and fragmented service delivery models. A widespread response to the growing demand for integrated care is the establishment of e-mental health services engaging primary and secondary healthcare specialists from different disciplines. In Estonia, evidence-based e-mental health solutions are being introduced to improve access to mental healthcare and to reduce the costs associated with treatment. However, awareness of the benefits of e-mental health solutions remains limited among healthcare professionals and the wider population. This article draws on findings from EU-funded research projects to examine the challenges Estonia faces in adopting e-mental health solutions. The author shows how the lack of public investment in evidence-based e-mental health interventions and the reluctance of relevant professionals to engage with e-mental health technologies have resulted in legal uncertainty, hindering full implementation of e-mental health policy in mental health services.