Supporting Youth Mental Health: Digital Interventions and Recommended Apps

At the recent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference a presentation from Heidi Sturk, a researcher at QUT and Director of eMHPrac, discussed the growing importance of digital mental health tools for young people and families. With an increase in service demand, particularly in remote communities and the strain of long waitlists for traditional therapy, digital platforms are becoming an essential resource for supporting youth wellbeing. The Youth Research Evidence Fact Sheet from eMHPrac is an invaluable resource for those considering digital intervention options.

Importantly, although many mental health apps are marketed to young people, only 2-5% of these apps are evidence-based. As a result, it is recommended that professionals and families be cautious when recommending apps for therapeutic use. Fortunately, eMHPrac has identified several digital tools with strong evidence backing their effectiveness.

Some recommended apps include:

• Sleep Ninja (for ages 12-16): This app is designed to improve sleep quality. Research shows it can reduce symptoms of insomnia and depression within 6 weeks of use.
• Mello (for ages 16-25): This app helps young people break free from rumination and cognitive distortions. Evidence suggests it can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
• The Brave Program (for ages 3-17): A digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) platform focused on reducing anxiety symptoms. The program is available online at Brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au.
• MOST by Orygen Digital (for ages 12-25): This platform supports adolescents in managing both depression and anxiety, with evidence showing significant improvement after 12 weeks of use. More information can be found at www.most.org.au.

This presentation highlighted the importance of choosing evidence-based digital tools to ensure effective mental health support for young people. As the demand for mental health services continues to grow, digital interventions provide a practical and accessible solution for fostering better mental health outcomes in our youth.

Additionally, the counselling team explores additional digital platforms that can support wellbeing experiences in conjunction with therapeutic interventions. The “Finch” Self-Care App, is one tool that has been gaining popularity for promoting mental wellbeing. As school-based clinicians, we often talk with students and parents about the importance of self-care. This app is an engaging, user-friendly platform that encourages young people to build consistent self-care habits, and research shows that developing a routine of foundational self-care can significantly reduce vulnerability to mental health challenges in the long term.

When it comes to maintaining mental wellbeing, consistency is key. Building a routine that includes regular practices of self-care (such as mindfulness, exercise, hydration, and quality sleep) helps young people feel more balanced, focused, and resilient. Over time, these small, daily actions can build a strong foundation for mental health, reducing the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and burnout. When young people prioritize self-care, they are better equipped to manage stress and regulate their emotions, leading to better long-term wellbeing.

What sets Finch apart is its engaging approach: users care for a virtual pet, which provides a fun and motivating way to track and improve mental health habits. The app offers customizable tasks, reminders, and mood trackers that encourage users to create routines that work for them. From setting up daily habits like drinking water or practicing mindfulness to tracking emotional progress, Finch makes self-care feel like an interactive and rewarding experience.

How to Use the Finch App:

1. Download the App: Available for free on iOS and Android devices.
2. Set Up Your Finch: Choose your virtual pet, which will grow and evolve as you complete self-care tasks.
3. Create Routines: Set personalized daily goals for things like meditation, exercise, or getting enough sleep.
4. Track Your Progress: Use the mood tracker to monitor how you're feeling each day and adjust your self-care routine accordingly.
5. Earn Rewards: As you complete tasks, you’ll earn points that can be used to unlock new items for your Finch pet, keeping the process fun and motivating.

Encouraging the use of apps like Finch can empower students to take ownership of their mental health and establish habits that contribute to a more balanced, positive lifestyle.

College Counsellors

Allison Flanagan
aflanagan@wmac.com.au

Tia Reardon
treardon@wmac.com.au