The growth of e-health services focused on mental health
The growth of e-health services focused on mental health

Summary/Abstract: The paper brings an overview of services based on the use of information and communication technologies which are aimed at mental health. The current growth of e health presents many opportunities and challenges for public health. Provision of interventions targeting mental health and wellbeing is an important domain of the e health environment. In Poland, we also face a rapid development of online psychotherapy services called also e therapy. Other terms are also in use. Clear recommendations and regulations are needed to address the potential risks of such interventions. E-therapy has the potential to offer many benefits, both for patients and therapists. Available results from clinical trials support its further development. Depending on the types of conditions targeted by e-therapy and communication channels, the effectiveness of interventions may differ. However, accumulated evidence shows that e-therapy may be as effective as traditional mental care. On the other hand, the growing numbers of e services targeting mental health and psychological support results in higher risk of misconduct or malpractice.

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