By Beyond Blue
The University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) launched eCliPSE in 2023, a digital initiative designed to provide immediate, 24/7 access to free, evidence-based clinical treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and trauma.
Supported by Beyond Blue, and developed in collaboration with the NSW Ministry of Health, the National Health and Medical Research Council and Ramsey Health Foundation, eCliPSE offers free access to online resources, screening tools, and treatments for people experiencing mental health and substance use issues.
Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, CEO of HMRI and co-developer of eCliPSE said that suicide prevention requires a whole-of-community approach.
“Current mental health services continue to be under pressure.
“Evidence-based, practitioner-developed, online resources provide a wonderful supplement to face-to-face services,” she said.
The platform aims to offer a real-time solution to Australia's growing mental health needs, and while it’s not a replacement for human interaction; it complements existing mental health services.
Alcohol and other drug use has been shown to significantly increase the risk of both suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
“Alcohol use and intoxication factor in 16.1% of suicides.1 Illicit drug use contributes to 23% of healthy life lost due to suicide and self-harm in males, and 11% in females2,” Professor Kay-Lambkin said.
“We know protective factors include social support and connectedness and, importantly, engaging in treatment and accessing help. Online programs and communities form a vital part in that treatment pathway.”
The 2024 Australian Burden of Disease Study found that between 2003 to 2022, the overall burden decreased by 10% however mental health and substance use disorders saw a 31% increase.
eCliPSE is live across New South Wales and offers an alternative way for people to seek help for mental health concerns and substance use, while aiming to make mental health care more accessible and timely for all Australians.
The platform can be accessed via its website or mobile app.
For more information, visit eclipse.org.au/about-eclipse
Notes
- 1
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia, 2022. Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics; 2022. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health
- 2
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Burden of Disease Studies–Suicide & Self-inflicted Injuries. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Available from: Burden of disease studies–suicide & self-inflicted injuries - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Subscribe to eNews
Keep up to date and sign up to the Life in Mind eNews, sharing some of the latest news and research in suicide prevention.