Twelve months in, Orygen’s digital mental health service MOST has received 1,590 referrals with 836 young people going on to take up the service, adding effective, evidence-based digital support to the youth mental health system right across WA.
MOST, available to young people aged 12 to 25, offers access to self-directed therapeutic content, a safe moderated online community, peer workers with lived experience of mental health challenges, careers counselling and one-on-one clinical support in partnership with the care they receive through their headspace centre.
The benefit of MOST’s blended care model is it supports young people at all stages of care and increases access to support, particularly for those waiting for face-face appointments. In the last quarter, 71 per cent of young people using MOST in WA were waiting for face-to-face care.
Orygen Digital Clinical Implementation Lead WA, Alex Nicol, said MOST allows young people to take a consistent digital service with them throughout their journey to broaden the support they receive and help them recover.
“With thanks to WA Primary Health Alliance’s early support, young people in WA can access MOST via all headspace services and in select general practices.”
“We’re excited to see MOST rollout across WA services more fully in the coming year, and that upcoming Australian Government funding will soon support WA young people to access MOST directly themselves.”
“This makes MOST a ‘digital backbone’ of the youth mental health system in WA, where young people can take a consistent digital service with them throughout their journey to broaden the support they receive and help them recover. As a result, WA is leading the way with system-wide digital transformation, and we are excited to see it deepen and grow over time.”
MOST’s safe, moderated online community
MOST’s online community supports young people in a safe, digital environment. Through the MOST community, young people can connect with peer workers clinicians and each other to share their experiences, relate to one another and receive support from the MOST team.
The top five themes the MOST Community are talking about right now:
- Struggling with sleep and establishing sleep hygiene and healthy rest routines.
- Living with OCD-related thoughts and experiences.
- Navigating life changes (relationships, moving, study, work) and finding stability.
- Feeling anxious about attending appointments or being vulnerable with others.
- Managing physical health challenges alongside mental health support.
How headspace Karratha is using MOST
MOST provides an additional layer of support for young people in the Pilbara, bolstering face-to-face care and providing a valuable resource for headspace Karratha staff. headspace Karratha is using MOST:
- For new referrals and during the intake process, particularly at times when there is a wait for an initial appointment.
- By referring young people engaged in face-to-face support for additional support between sessions.
- When young people are discharged from the service for continuity of care and ongoing support.
- For young people in the wider Pilbara region who are unable to access regular face-to- face support.
This activity has been supported by funding from WA Primary Health Alliance through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.