Griffith and Lysn partner in digital mental health research

Important research into the use of digital mental health tools and resilience during and post COVID will be the focus of a new partnership between Griffith University and Lysn, one of Australia’s leading digital mental health companies.

It is hoped the research partnership will progress innovation in the mental health sector and improve the delivery of mental health services to those who need them.

The research will be co-ordinated by Social Marketing @ Griffith (SMG), part of Griffith Business School and considered the world’s largest university-based social marketing centre, with more than 40 research staff.

Associate Professor Sameer Deshpande

SMG Managing Director, Associate Professor Sameer Deshpande, believes the partnership will deliver benefits to both the mental health sector, and society as a whole.

“The collaboration between Griffith and Lysn will enable us to conduct and publish research that explores perceptions of telehealth users toward digital mental health services and behaviour change strategies that increases meaningful engagement and uptake,” he said.

“Better utilisation of services will ensure better mental health among users, which is a serious challenge that Australia is currently facing.

“This kind of collaboration with a community partner adds to an impressive list of Social Marketing at Griffith partnerships carrying out socially critical research to deliver effective behaviour change initiatives that address Queensland and Australia’s immediate and important challenges.”

Lysn CEO Tahnee Clark says mental health issues are made worse by stigma, long wait times, challenges trying to find the best-fit professional in a specific area as well as other barriers to accessing services.

“Digital mental health should alleviate many of the barriers to accessibility, quality and affordability,” she said.

“Using a systematic review approach, in depth interviews and quantitative surveys, our collaborative studies aim to understand the benefits and barriers to utilising digital mental health services.”