New commentary out in University of Sydney News & Opinion — “Youth mental health decline — how digital tools could help close the youth mental health care gap in Western Sydney”
I’m delighted that this piece, based on our recent JMIR publication, is now featured in the University’s News & Opinion outlet. It showcases how digital mental health technologies — such as online therapy, assessments, evidence-based resources, and care coordination — can complement traditional services to reduce the prevalence of distress, emergency visits, and hospitalisations among young people in Western Sydney.
Access the article
🔗 Read the commentary in University of Sydney News & Opinion:
https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/09/30/youth-mental-health-decline-how-digital-tools-could-help-close-the-care-gap-in-western-sydney.html
Our system dynamics modelling suggests that digital technologies could achieve impacts comparable to doubling the growth rate of in-person mental health services, helping to close the gap while the workforce and infrastructure catch up.
Summary
Dr Hosseini, research fellow at the Brain and Mind Centre, said the region was studied because it reflects the broader challenges facing youth mental health across the country.
“Western Sydney is a hotspot for youth mental health issues, and it’s clear the current system isn’t keeping up,” said Dr Hosseini.
“Digital tools give us a way to reach more young people faster, especially those who might not otherwise get help.”
“Digital tools give us a way to reach more young people faster, especially those who might not otherwise get help.”
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Associate Professor Jo-An Occhipinti, senior author and Right Care, First Time, Where You Live Program lead at the Brain and Mind Centre, said: “This research highlights the importance of looking at the whole system, not just a single solution.
“By testing different scenarios through modelling, we can see how innovations like digital supports fit alongside traditional care and where they can have the greatest impact.
“It’s about giving policymakers the clarity to make choices today that will shape a stronger, more sustainable system for the future.”
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Professor Ian Hickie, Co-Director of Health and Policy at the Brain and Mind Centre, added: “We now have the opportunity to rapidly advance the delivery of high-quality, personalised and effective mental health services to many more young people.
“The combination of new digital technologies and more specialised face-to-face services, working complementary to one another, is now best practice in youth mental health.
“It’s important to say this is not about increasing access to simple apps or unsupervised self-care, but about making sure that those in the greatest need can quickly access sophisticated care that makes a real difference.”
🔗 Read the full article published in JMIR: https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e71256
➡️ If you work in mental health policy, service delivery, digital health design, or youth wellbeing — I’d love to talk about how we can translate these findings into action.
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