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 interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.