eMental health: The next big thing? - Independent.ie

Private one-to-one therapy can be prohibitively expensive; public waiting lists can be six months long and overprescription of antidepressants can become an unfortunate yet inevitable consequence of a mental healthcare system in crisis. It's a serious problem and, according to Minister of State for Mental Health Jim Daly, it's a problem that requires a "radical" solution. Last year Daly announced that the HSE are rolling out an eMental health strategy to address the mental health services staff shortage. The support project will include an instant messaging active listening service and the piloting of online therapy initiatives - and it can all be accessed from the comfort of your sitting room. Ireland isn't the first country to embrace eMental health.