The growth of e‑health services focused on mental health

Abstract

The paper brings an overview of services based on the use of information and communication technologies which are aimed at mental health. The current growth of e health presents many opportunities and challenges for public health. Provision of interventions targeting mental health and wellbeing is an important domain of the e health environment. In Poland, we also face a rapid development of online psychotherapy services called also e therapy. Other terms are also in use. Clear recommendations and regulations are needed to address the potential risks of such interventions. E-therapy has the potential to offer many benefits, both for patients and therapists. Available results from clinical trials support its further development. Depending on the types of conditions targeted by e-therapy and communication channels, the effectiveness of interventions may differ. However, accumulated evidence shows that e-therapy may be as effective as traditional mental care. On the other hand, the growing numbers of e services targeting mental health and psychological support results in higher risk of misconduct or malpractice.