Learning About the Current State of Digital Mental Health Interventions for Canadian Youth to Inform Future...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Youth Mental Health
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened demand for youth mental health services in Canada.
• Disruptions to traditional care necessitate remote support through digital mental health interventions.
• Understanding the selection and use of these digital tools across Canada is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify web-based programs, apps, and websites for youth mental health in Canada.
• To determine criteria and decision-making processes used by Canadian jurisdictions for selecting digital mental health resources.
• To explore emerging trends and innovations in youth digital mental health.

Main Methods:

• A national jurisdictional scan involving literature reviews (academic and grey), stakeholder interviews, and social media analysis (Twitter).
• Review of academic and grey literature.
• Interviews with 16 stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, and youth organizations.
• Social media review of 2184 tweets over 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• 66 web-based resources and apps were identified for Canadian youth.
• Limited use of decision-making frameworks was noted; however, clinicians agreed on criteria like evidence base and cultural relevance.
• Emerging trends include AI, digital phenotyping, personalized therapy, and regional chat services, alongside pandemic impacts on access to care.

Conclusions:

• Concerns exist regarding the sustainability of digital mental health interventions post-pandemic.
• There is a need for youth mental health services to better incorporate youth experiences and preferences into digital interventions.