Examining the impact of e-mental health in problem gambling

摘要: Low-intensity interventions delivered by a professional variously replicate traditional talk therapy and may involve counselling, support, information or referral. In Australia, the most frequent types of etherapy accessed by gamblers is chat and email counselling provided by Gambling Help Online. Gamblers also access self-help information provided on the Gambling Help Online website, brief selfhelp modules as well as community peer support forums.These low-intensity and self-help options have been offered to gamblers for more than 5 years in Australia but there has not as yet been any longer-term evaluation. The exponential growth of emental health in Australia has meant few services have been evaluated due to the speed of growth in a short time period. This is challenging for gambling treatment as well as the mental health field more broadly, as practice is moving faster than the evidence base can be established. Research involving Gambling Help Online service users reveal strong usage, preference and satisfaction as well as distress reduction and improved confidence, but there is currently no research on whether this positive impact is sustained beyond the single session.