A number of studies have shown a considerable increase in anxiety and depression during the pandemic. In June 2021 the Office of the Auditor General of Norway issued a report pointing out serious deficiencies in municipal mental health services and long waiting lists for obtaining help.
Digital opportunities for mental health care
At the same time, studies show that apps and online services can lower the threshold for seeking help for mental health problems and that the results achieved can be just as good as the help obtained from meeting a psychologist in his/her office. At the same time they can increase the capacity of the health service and ensure that more people receive help.
Digital mental health care
- Makes use of videos, Internet treatment, sensors and virtual assistants
- Can lower the threshold for users, increase capacity and improve services
- Requires quality assurance and incentives if it is to include front line treatment
