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In this edition:
- New funding for digital mental health services released
- eMHPrac’s updated website
- Black Dog Institute’s new Health Professional Hub
- National Close the Gap Day
- Head to Health is now Medicare Mental Health
- Webinar from Black Dog Institute on complex mental health
- Read our recent blogs on mental health nurses, the eMHPrac website and climate change
- See the eMHPrac team at these upcoming conferences
- Read the latest dMH research articles
- This month’s featured service: PANDA
Australian Government Funding for Digital Mental Health Services Released
The Australian Government has allocated $135.2 million to expand free digital mental health supports. This funding will enable 12 services to offer online care tailored for a range of groups including new parents, younger Australians, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This funding has supported a new digital program for culturally and linguistically diverse communities from THIS WAY UP. Other notable initiatives include a national launch of Orygen’s MOST and rollout of DadBooster for fathers experiencing perinatal mental health concerns. Stay tuned to eMHPrac for timely updates on these initiatives as they evolve.
Have you seen eMHPrac’s Updated Website?
eMHPrac have just updated their website with all new features to help health practitioners find the best digital mental health resources and services to enhance their practice. With new search features, health practitioners can use the eMHPrac dMH Directory to find the right resource and services for their clients or patients, filtering by resource type, topic, or audience and for specific functions. Explore the new library of Practitioner Resources to find resources to share with clients, enhance their own understanding of digital mental health, and learn ways to integrate these services into practice.
Black Dog Institute’s Updated Health Professional Resource & Education Hub is now live
We’re excited to announce that Black Dog Institute’s Health Professional Resource & Education Hub is now live on a new, improved platform. This update provides enhanced features and an improved user-experience.
Once logged in, you’ll have access to a wide range of Black Dog Institute’s evidence-informed online resources, including:
- e-Mental Health in Practice content
- Training modules
- Webinars
- Podcasts
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Black Dog Institute team at education.admin@blackdog.org.au. We are confident that the new platform will provide you with a better overall experience.
National Close the Gap Day – March 20
Understanding Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) is key to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The SEWB model of care is a more holistic and integrated approach to support your First Nations client, recognising culture, Country, and community as central to their wellbeing.
This National Close the Gap Day let’s commit to deepening our understanding and embracing frameworks that truly support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing. Check out the resource sheet on Understanding Social and Emotional Wellbeing, or scroll through the Social and Emotional Wellbeing portal in the Training Resources tab on the WellMob landing page. To support this shift, the WellMob website offers a wealth of culturally relevant resources to help workers integrate SEWB approaches into their practice.
Visit WellMob to explore SEWB resources today!
Head to Health is Now Medicare Mental Health
The Australian Government is rebranding the national Head to Health website and services to Medicare Mental Health, aligning with other trusted health services. As part of this change, the website has been updated with a new look, including a refreshed logo and colours. Despite these changes, the website continues to provide access to crisis support, helplines, digital mental health programs, and clinician-supported therapy.
As part of these changes, Head to Health Centres will also be renamed Medicare Mental Health Centres, with 61 centres planned across Australia by mid-2026.
Webinar from Black Dog Institute
“Supporting Complex Mental Health Beyond Traditional Care”
When: Online, Thur 27 March 12:30-1:00pm AEDT and 6:00-6:30pm AEDT
People with mental health challenges, particularly those with complex needs, often require more support than conventional health services can provide. But where can they turn for additional help? In this insightful webinar, Dr. Jan Orman is joined by Rachel Green, CEO of SANE Australia, to explore the power of digital mental health services and online psychosocial support.
Learn about Guided Recovery programs, moderated, clinically governed online communities, and other accredited services that provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals and their families. These services, offered by trusted organizations like SANE Australia, can be an invaluable complement to primary care, offering more accessible and targeted support than unmonitored social media groups.
Join us to discover how these innovative solutions can empower those living with mental health challenges and their carers, providing the extra layer of support they need to thrive.
“How mental health nurses are using digital resources to support recover”
Reflecting on the vital contributions of mental health nurses and sharing some of the unique ways they can use digital mental health in their work.
“What’s new with the eMHPrac website?”
Learn about how some of the new changes we’ve made to the eMHPrac website can aid in your use of digital mental health.
“Being Well Blogs: Living in interesting times”
Dr Jan Orman discusses our changing climate and the affect it can have on our mental wellbeing.
Catch us at these upcoming conferences
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference
24-26 March 2025, Gold Coast, QLD
Presentation and Trade Exhibit
Bright Minds, Bright Futures: Enhancing Child and Adolescent Wellbeing
See eMHPrac’s Director Heidi Sturk present and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.
8th National Social & Emotional Wellbeing Forum
25-28 March 2025, Melbourne, VIC
Presentation and Trade Exhibit
Fostering resilience and providing holistic pathways to wellbeing for First Nations People.
See eMHPrac’s Director Heidi Sturk and WellMob’s Director David Edwards present and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.
APS Festival of Psychology
16-18 May 2025, Gold Coast, QLD
Trade Exhibit
Prepare for an inspiring exploration into the world of Psychology at the 2025 APS Festival of Psychology.
Visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.
National Suicide Prevention Conference
20-22 May 2025, Perth, WA
Trade Exhibit
The National Conference presents a unique opportunity to bring the brightest minds together and latest thinking to promote excellence in suicide prevention.
Visit the eMHPrac team at their trade exhibit.
What we’ve been reading
Lindsay, J. A., McGowan, N. M., Henning, T., Harriss, E., & Saunders, K. E. (2024). Digital Interventions for Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of medical Internet research, 26, e54941.
Evaluating a targeted support program for mental health carers: a randomised controlled trial
itzgeraldson, E., Fitzpatrick, S., Dizon, J., & Kay-Lambkin, F. (2024). Evaluating a targeted support program for mental health carers: a randomised controlled trial. Advances in Mental Health, 22(3), 781-802.
Peng, R., Li, X., Guo, Y., Ning, H., Huang, J., Jiang, D., … & Liu, Q. (2024). Barriers and facilitators to acceptance and implementation of eMental-health intervention among older adults: a qualitative systematic review. Digital Health, 10, 20552076241234628.
Our featured service… PANDA
About PANDA
This month our featured service is PANDA – a free perinatal mental health phone helpline and online information service for new and expecting parents. Their resources are informed by evidence-based mental healthcare and lived experience, to support perinatal mental health and wellbeing.
Read our blog delving into PANDA here.
About the author
