As of writing, about 20% of Australians have, or have struggled with, a mental health condition, but a worrying number of people do not seek treatment for their mental health concerns, as many as 54% by some estimates.

No one is saying that everyone needs to talk to a therapist–there aren't enough therapists for starters–but this large group of the population doesn’t need to struggle alone, and outcomes are significantly improved if care and support can be accessed in the early stages.

The Widening Gap

It’s no exaggeration to say there is a global shortage of mental health providers, whether that's psychologists, counsellors, specialist doctors, nurses, carers and everyone in between. Luckily, Australia is starting to train more mental health professionals with flexible programmes like a Master of Counselling online. But there is still a shortfall, one that technology is starting to fill.

Part of this solution lies in redefining what care looks like, talking to a therapist via telehealth appointments, using apps to reframe negative cognitions, or talking to a specialised chatbot are all valid forms of care. Are they the same as talking to a therapist in a comfy chair? No, and they never will be, but that simply isn't a model that is keeping up with demand.

Early Interventions Matter

About half of all mental health conditions have their onset before 14, that's not to say they are diagnosed before 18, or should be, problems like personality disorders are rarely diagnosed in adolescence, because, well, what's just part of the developmental process and what's actually personality? On the other hand, for neurodevelopmental conditions, like Autism Spectrum Disorder, diagnosis early in childhood can make a huge difference.

The bottom line: for most psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions, the earlier they are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. The recent Australian national health review found that 21.5% of people 18-58 years old had a mental health disorder for 12 months or more, and of that 21.5%, 17.2% were suffering from an anxiety disorder. That number is almost double for people aged 16 to 24 at 38.8%.

These are complex problems that can start young and last for a significant amount of time, especially if left untreated.

Telehealth and Virtual Consultations: Expanding Reach

By now, many of us have experienced a telehealth doctor's appointment, whether you prefer to talk to a doctor remotely, use one of the many apps or websites to order birth control, or already use a remote mental health provider like BetterHelp. 

While the convenience is obvious, what’s often overlooked is the way telehealth reduces the social and emotional barriers to seeking help. For people with anxiety, mobility issues, or trauma-related conditions, leaving the house, let alone waiting in a stuffy clinical office, can be a challenge in itself. Virtual care allows anyone to access support without that added pressure, and for many, this lowers the threshold for asking for help in the first place - something that can make all the difference.

Beyond just convenience, virtual consultations offer continuity. People can keep the same therapist even if they move, travel, or face lockdowns—something that became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. This consistency supports better outcomes and reduces the disruption caused by life events. It also allows practitioners to offer shorter, more flexible check-ins and frees up time to see more patients overall. For a system under pressure, that kind of efficiency is a game-changer.

Mental Health Apps for Support Anywhere

You don't always have to talk with someone directly to get help; there are a range of apps that help with things like anxiety conditions, depression, sleep, stress and even suicidal ideation. Here are just a few examples of the many platforms out there:

Headspace

This app markets itself as a meditation and mindfulness platform to help with stress and anxiety. Users can access ‘courses’ that are groups of guided meditations centred around different topics. You can choose between different voices to suit whatever you find soothing, and there are plenty of guided sleep meditations. Studies on Headspace found that users had an average 23.52% drop in stress levels after using the app a few times a week for around half an hour each time.

Calm

This is another popular mindfulness app that uses guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep stories to reduce anxiety and improve focus. Calm even has celebrity narrators like Matthew McConaughey (who wouldn't find his voice relaxing?). The app is designed to help users relax and unwind, especially useful for those struggling with sleep or chronic stress.

BeyondNow

Developed by Beyond Blue and Monash University, this is a suicide safety planning app. It lets users create a personalised safety plan to guide them through tough moments. It also helps to identify early warning signs, remove potential risks, find healthy distractions, and recall what gives you strength and support.

MindDoc

This app has been developed by psychologists to monitor and stay on top of mild to moderate mental health challenges. It lets you check in every day to track how you feel and gives you feedback as to when it is a good time to take action.

The Challenges of Digital Care

Digital care models are new, and they will take time to be better integrated into the healthcare system. Access to technology is not equal, and not everyone will find a space where they are comfortable enough to open up. But the gap must be filled, and there are plenty of digital tools ready to fill it.

For some people, in-person connection is a must, and that’s valid too. The key is to offer options - not replacements - so people can get support in a way that works for them, whether that’s face-to-face, on the phone, or through a screen.

A digital First Future?

These tools raise questions about where the first point of access for care should be. It has been shown that the easier care is to access care, the more people will get it. So, can we use telehealth to screen patients and direct them toward the right level of care? Or should initial consultations be in person, with a family doctor or carer?

For secondary care, the answer is clearer: digital tools can supplement for some, and replace for others, traditional in-person appointments. The fact that so many bright minds have created tools to help indicates a bright future, where care is available to all those who need it.