Are online mental health interventions for youth effective? A systematic review

Xiaoyun Zhou · Sisira Edirippulige · Xuejun Bai · Matthew Bambling

107 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare

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Digital Mental Health Interventions Mental Health Treatment and Access Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Abstract

Objectives This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of online mental health interventions for youth. Methods We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS) for the past 10 years to identify randomized controlled trials which have evaluated the use of telehealth interventions for young people with mental health problems. The included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias. Results Forty-five randomized controlled trials ( n = 13,291 participants) were eligible for this review. Most studies (35 trials) evaluated the use of web-based self-help platforms to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (14 trials), mindfulness (four trials), acceptance commitment therapy (five trials) and positive psychology (two trials). Mobile/computer applications were used to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (four trials) and coping strategies training (two trials). Web-based synchronous chat (one trial) was used to assist communication between counsellors and participants. Three studies used artificial intelligence-based conversational agents to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (two trials) and problem-solving-strategy training (one trial). Eighty-two percent ( n = 37) identified the participants as student population (i.e. university students, high school students). Sixty-four percent ( n = 29) of the telehealth interventions were found to be effective in managing depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia and improving quality of life when compared with control conditions. Conclusions Online mental health interventions were found to be effective in managing diverse mental health conditions among youth. Online self-help platforms were the most frequently used modality and artificial intelligence-based chatbots are merging as potential solutions. Future research is warranted to investigate the solutions to improve the retention rate and satisfaction of telehealth interventions among this population.

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References

2021Updating guidance for reporting systematic reviews: development of the PRISMA 2020 statement 2007Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature 2017Delivering Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Young Adults With Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Using a Fully Automated Conversational Agent (Woebot): A Randomized Controlled Trial 2019Chatbots and Conversational Agents in Mental Health: A Review of the Psychiatric Landscape 2012The effectiveness of SPARX, a computerised self help intervention for adolescents seeking help for depression: randomised controlled non-inferiority trial 2018Using Psychological Artificial Intelligence (Tess) to Relieve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Randomized Controlled Trial 2018Beyond the Trial: Systematic Review of Real-World Uptake and Engagement With Digital Self-Help Interventions for Depression, Low Mood, or Anxiety 2020Effectiveness and Safety of Using Chatbots to Improve Mental Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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2024Barriers to and facilitators of user engagement with web-based mental health interventions in young people: a systematic review 2025Updates on digital mental health interventions for children and young people: systematic overview of reviews 2024Outcomes of Best-Practice Guided Digital Mental Health Interventions for Youth and Young Adults with Emerging Symptoms: Part I. A Systematic Review of Socioemotional Outcomes and Recommendations

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