Evaluation of ReachOut.com, an Unstructured Digital Youth Mental Health Intervention: Prospective Cohort Study.

Bianca Lorraine Kahl,Kathryn Cairns,Mariesa Nicholas,Hayley Giniunas,Hilary May Miller

doi:10.2196/21280

Abstract

BackgroundYoung people experience a disproportionate burden associated with mental illness that Australia’s mental health care system is ill-equipped to handle. Despite improvements in the provision of mental health services, the rates of service utilization among young people remain suboptimal, and there are still considerable barriers to seeking help. Digital mental health services can overcome a number of barriers and connect young people requiring support; however, the evidence base of digital interventions is limited.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a brief, self-directed, unstructured digital intervention, ReachOut.com (hereafter ReachOut), in reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and risk of suicide.MethodsA cohort of 1982 ReachOut users participated in a 12-week longitudinal study, with a retention rate of 81.18% (1609/1982) across the duration of the study. Participants completed web-based surveys, with outcome measures of mental health status and suicide risk assessed at 3 time points across the study period.ResultsThe results demonstrated that over the 12-week study period, young people using ReachOut experienced modest yet significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant, albeit modest, reductions in the proportion of participants at high risk of suicide were also observed.ConclusionsThe findings of this research provide preliminary evidence of the promise of an unstructured digital mental health intervention, ReachOut, in alleviating symptoms of mental ill-health and promoting well-being in young people. These findings are particularly important given that digital services are not only acceptable and accessible but also have the potential to cater to the diverse mental health needs of young people at scale, in a way that other services cannot.

Highlights

BackgroundYoung people experience a high burden of disease attributable to mental ill-health, with approximately one in four young people experiencing a mental health problem every year [1]
A longitudinal study was conducted over a 12-week period to explore whether participating in a brief, unstructured digital intervention would be associated with changes in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide risk
Digital mental health interventions can address barriers to access and provide services to young people in need at a population level, and there is growing evidence that they are effective in improving mental health outcomes among youth

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundYoung people experience a high burden of disease attributable to mental ill-health, with approximately one in four young people (aged 15-24 years) experiencing a mental health problem every year [1]. There is limited capacity within the current mental health service system to meet the demands associated with youth mental health problems in a timely manner, and many young people are going without vital support [8]. A desire for autonomy in the help-seeking process and a preference for self-reliance are salient barriers for young people [10,14,15]. Despite improvements in the provision of mental health services, the rates of service utilization among young people remain suboptimal, and there are still considerable barriers to seeking help. Digital mental health services can overcome a number of barriers and connect young people requiring support; the evidence base of digital interventions is limited

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion