Feds appoint e-mental health expert group

The federal government has appointed an expert group to oversee Australia’s first mental health online portal and virtual clinic.

The online services are underpinned by $48 million in funding over the next five years for telephone counselling, self-help and web-based support services to boost efforts in mental health prevention and early intervention.

“Online mental health services provide an alternative form of support or care for people who don’t want to, or don’t feel comfortable accessing traditional face to face services,” said minister for mental health and ageing, Mark Butler in a statement.

The minister also said online services have the potential to overcome distance, as well as financial and attitudinal barriers faced by Australians with mental health issues.

Committee members include social media expert Rachel de Sain, Associate Professor Judy Proudfoot, e-health director of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Gavin Andrews, director of the University of New South Wales School of Psychiatry at St Vincents Hospital.