This report summarises recent research on online mental health care for young people, including research on efficacy and key issues associated with providing counselling and advice via the Internet. It then focuses on the Kooth online counselling model, developed by XenZone. Using data provided by Kooth, the report examines the demographics of those using online mental health support; the patterns of service usage; and client feedback and initial outcomes monitoring. The research also conducted interviews and analysed local data from three Kooth services in Hertfordshire, Plymouth and Halton. It found that in all three areas young people appreciated the anonymity, confidentiality, accessibility and control offered by online counselling. Local commissioners also valued the data about service use and that the service could reach groups that were not always accessing traditional services. Despite the benefits, the commissioners all acknowledged the need for a blended approach so that face-to-face support was available for those young people who did not want to receive counselling online. The report concludes by outlining what further research could be undertaken to evaluate the impact of blending online support with a traditional face-to-face mental health service.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report summarises recent research on online mental health care for young people, including research on efficacy and key issues associated with providing counselling and advice via the Internet. It then focuses on the Kooth online counselling model, developed by XenZone. Using data provided by Kooth, the report examines the demographics of those using online mental health support; the patterns of service usage; and client feedback and initial outcomes monitoring. The research also conducted interviews and analysed local data from three Kooth services in Hertfordshire, Plymouth and Halton. It found that in all three areas young people appreciated the anonymity, confidentiality, accessibility and control offered by online counselling. Local commissioners also valued the data about service use and that the service could reach groups that were not always accessing traditional services. Despite the benefits, the commissioners all acknowledged the need for a blended approach so that face-to-face support was available for those young people who did not want to receive counselling online. The report concludes by outlining what further research could be undertaken to evaluate the impact of blending online support with a traditional face-to-face mental health service.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
young people, mental health care, online services, counselling, advice services, evaluation, internet, mental health problems, mental health services;
An evaluation of the Belhaven residential care project, which provides mental health treatment in a local residential care home to reduce the risk of referral to mental health inpatient services (CAMHS) and breakdown of educational and care arrangements for young people. Referrals to the service come from young people’s social workers at Suffolk County Council. During the evaluation period 5 young people accessed Belhaven services. Due to the small numbers of children accessing the service, the report does not provide conclusions about the effectiveness of the services, but looks at its impact to date and progress concerning its implementation. The evaluation found evidence that the service led to fewer episodes of hospitalisation for 3 young people, and to avoidance of admission to CAMHS inpatient service in at least one case; positive outcomes in relation to education; positive improvements in mental and emotional health and wellbeing; and improved relationships with family and friends for some young people. The report makes recommendations for the future development of the service.
(Edited publisher abstract)
An evaluation of the Belhaven residential care project, which provides mental health treatment in a local residential care home to reduce the risk of referral to mental health inpatient services (CAMHS) and breakdown of educational and care arrangements for young people. Referrals to the service come from young people’s social workers at Suffolk County Council. During the evaluation period 5 young people accessed Belhaven services. Due to the small numbers of children accessing the service, the report does not provide conclusions about the effectiveness of the services, but looks at its impact to date and progress concerning its implementation. The evaluation found evidence that the service led to fewer episodes of hospitalisation for 3 young people, and to avoidance of admission to CAMHS inpatient service in at least one case; positive outcomes in relation to education; positive improvements in mental and emotional health and wellbeing; and improved relationships with family and friends for some young people. The report makes recommendations for the future development of the service.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
looked after children, mental health problems, residential child care, mental health care, prevention, education, hospital admission, child and adolescent mental health services, evaluation, early intervention;