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Digital mental health offers new ways to expand access and provide timely, flexible support. F or this potential to be realised, health practitioners must feel confident in knowing what
government-funded initiative can build practitioner confidence and capability to use digital tools safely and effectively. About eMHPrac Established in 2013 and funded by the Australian Department of Health, eMHPrac is a national consortium led by Queensland University of Technology in partnership with the Black Dog Institute, the University Centre for Rural Health (University of Sydney), the Menzies School of Health Research, and Edith Cowan University’s Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.
tools are safe, evidence-based, and appropriate, and how to integrate them into their everyday practice. Patients or clients often arrive with questions about apps, programs, or online support they’ve heard about, and practitioners need the skills to guide them toward credible, effective options. Without this capability, opportunities to provide accessible and timely support can be missed. Implementing digital options in practice is not always straightforward. Practitioners face barriers such as limited time, uncertainty about the effectiveness of digital tools for different client groups, and the challenge of embedding these options into busy workflows. Building workforce readiness through training, resources, and organisational support is essential to ensure digital tools are used
The program bridges the gap between the availability of
evidence-based digital services and their practical uptake by frontline practitioners. Its work focuses on three core areas: Promotion and training Delivering workshops, webinars, modules, podcasts, and awareness activities tailored to professional needs and time constraints. Resources and directories Providing practitioner-friendly guides, digital directories, and case-based training materials, both online and in print.
Heidi Sturk Director, e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac), Queensland University of Technology Australia
effectively and sustainably alongside face-to-face care.
emhprac.org.au emhprac eMHprac emhprac_aus
Australia’s e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) program offers an internationally significant example of how a coordinated,
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