Abstract
Internet-based mental health services increase rapidly. However, national surveys are incomplete and the consequences for
such services are poorly discussed. This study describes characteristics of 60 Internet-based mental health services in Norway
and Sweden and discusses their social consequences. More than half of the services were offered by voluntary organisations
and targeted towards young people. Professionals answered service users’ questions in 60% of the services. Eight major themes
were identified. These characteristics may indicate a shift in the delivery of mental health services in both countries, and
imply changes in the understanding of mental health.
such services are poorly discussed. This study describes characteristics of 60 Internet-based mental health services in Norway
and Sweden and discusses their social consequences. More than half of the services were offered by voluntary organisations
and targeted towards young people. Professionals answered service users’ questions in 60% of the services. Eight major themes
were identified. These characteristics may indicate a shift in the delivery of mental health services in both countries, and
imply changes in the understanding of mental health.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-011-0388-2
- Authors
- Anders Johan W. Andersen, Department of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Box 509, 4898 Grimstad, Norway
- Tommy Svensson, Nordic School of Public Health, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X