Digital Mental Health: Bridging Gaps in Adolescent Mental Health Services
摘要
Adolescence (11- to 19-year-olds) is a pivotal stage of growth, filled with rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. During this period, many young individuals experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. Despite the increasing prevalence of these issues, access to timely and effective mental health services remains a significant barrier. Digital mental health, which encompasses digital tools and platforms designed to deliver mental healthcare, has emerged as a promising solution to bridge these gaps in recent years. This chapter explores the role of digital mental health in addressing the challenges within adolescent mental health services, examining its benefits, limitations, and future directions. Further, this chapter explores how digital mental health tools are making mental health support more accessible and affordable. While these innovations offer great potential, they also come with challenges, keeping users engaged, ensuring they are backed by scientific research and clinical trials, and addressing ethical concerns around privacy and AI-driven care.