Logging into therapy: Adolescent perceptions of online therapies for mental health problems

Abstract

Objectives: This study describes adolescent attitudes towards online therapies and explores the factors that predict these attitudes. Method: Australian adolescents (N = 217) were surveyed on their knowledge of, attitudes towards (including perceived problems, perceived benefits, and perceived helpfulness), recommended availability of, and intentions to use online therapies. In addition, demographic and clinical factors, factors relating to technology use, adolescents' mental health attitudes, and personality traits were also measured. Results: The findings suggested that 72.0% of adolescents would access an online therapy if they experienced a mental health problem and 31.9% would choose an online therapy over traditional face-to-face support. The most valued benefits of these programs included alleviation of stigma and increased accessibility. Knowledge of online therapies was found to positively predict perceived helpfulness and intended uptake. Conclusions: This study provides insight into adolescent attitudes towards online therapies and highlights the need to investigate strategies for increasing uptake.