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What practitioners say The impact is perhaps best illustrated by practitioner feedback “After the eMHPrac training, I felt confident recommending digital tools. Now it’s just part of what I do with clients.” – Occupational Therapist “I had no idea how much online support was available until I did the GP modules. In one day I shared THIS WAY UP with a pain patient, PANDA with a new mum, and the BRAVE program with a 15-year old and her mother. It’s now a core part of my practice.” – Regional GP different support options for clients. Please keep doing your work!” – Service Manager & Psychologist “I see this massive shift in staff when they realise there are so many
Blended care models Training practitioners to confidently combine digital and face-to-face care.
and is increasingly recognised internationally as a model for culturally responsive digital mental health. (See separate article on page 56) Challenges on the ground Despite its successes, eMHPrac has also faced the barriers that are common across health systems globally: Overwhelm and misinformation Clinicians and consumers alike struggle with the sheer volume of apps and programs available. Many lack evidence, while social media often promotes unsafe or misleading options. Digital divide Equity of access remains a challenge for older adults, people with complex needs, or those in rural or remote areas.
AI and new technologies Preparing the workforce to
navigate the promise and risks of AI, and ensuring clinicians can guide clients through an evolving digital landscape. Organisational change Supporting health services to embed digital tools into policies, procedures, and everyday workflow. Embedding in education Incorporating digital mental health into tertiary curricula and practitioner competencies is vital for long-term sustainability. Conclusion The eMHPrac experience shows how coordinated national action can build practitioner capability, drive referrals, and embed digital options into routine care. It also highlights the importance of trusted resources, cultural responsiveness, and partnerships that extend impact across the system. Internationally, these lessons are highly transferable. By combining practitioner training, organisational change, and policy alignment, health systems everywhere can better harness digital tools to meet rising demand and workforce pressures.
Organisational readiness For digital tools to embed
sustainably, management support, policy alignment, and supervision frameworks are essential. Perceptions of digital care Some practitioners still view digital tools as impersonal. eMHPrac’s message is clear: digital care does not replace human connection; it can enhance it. Looking ahead Looking to the future, eMHPrac sees several priorities that echo international needs: Expanding reach With over half a million registered health practitioners in Australia, many are yet to be trained. Rural, remote, and emerging workforces such as paramedics, peer support workers, and workplace wellbeing staff represent opportunities for high-impact expansion.
With the right training, infrastructure, and policy
alignment, digital mental health will play a vital role in creating a more accessible, equitable, and sustainable mental health system worldwide.
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