Table 1 Key characteristics of identified web-based support systems
From: A review of web-based support systems for students in higher education
| System | Country available | Target group | Psychological difficulties addressed | Psychological technique/intervention used | Additional features | Funding | Mode of delivery | Available as an app | Availability to UK HE students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systems that were designed for use by HE students | |||||||||
| CALM | Ireland | HE students | Depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, substance abuse and study skills |
CBT Mindfulness |
(a) Insomnia relief: sleep hygiene and stimulus control techniques (b) Drink and drug wise: tools to help with substance abuse (c) Podcasts covering topics such as diet and exercise | Cost to be covered by HE institution | Interactive multimedia—series of ebooks and colourful worksheets | No | Currently only available at certain HE institutions |
| MePlusMe | UK | HE students | Anxiety, stress, depression, low mood, general wellbeing, study skills |
CBT Mindfulness | Self-directed skills training via personalized packages of techniques in 2D animated videos | To be confirmed | Multimedia, video, audio, and text | No | Not currently available |
| Mindful Kiwi | UK | HE students | Stress, health and wellbeing, study skills, and relationships | Mindfulness | 8 weeks of therapy sessions (online or face to face) | Free | Topic focused guided meditations and group discussions | No | Not currently available |
| PLUS | UK | HE students | Depression, anxiety, self-esteem, perfectionism, substance abuse, eating disorders | CBT | Focused modules with text-based exercises | To be confirmed | Text-based modules with photographs and illustrations | No | Not currently available |
| Students Against Depression | UK | HE students | Depression, anxiety and suicide | CBT |
(a) On campus peer-support programs (b) Blogging | Free | Non-linear text-based modules | No | Currently only available at certain HE institutions |
| theDesk | Australia | HE students | Stress, study and time management problems, mental and physical wellbeing |
Mindfulness Relaxation | Relationship and health issues | Free | Multimedia modules with video and text | No | Available—registration needed |
| Systems that were designed for use by general population or other groups | |||||||||
| Beating the Blues | UK | General public | Depression and anxiety | CBT | 8 weeks of online therapy sessions | Requires GP referral | Text-based information and homework | No | Available through primary care physician referral or private subscription |
| Big White Wall | UK | General public | Depression, anxiety, and stress | CBT |
(a) Advice about abuse, bullying, relationships and lifestyle (b) Peer group support | Free via NHS referral or paid subscription | Text-based information, and community support | Yes | Available through primary care physician referral or private subscription |
| e-couch | Australia | General public | Depression, generalised anxiety/worry, social anxiety, relationship breakdown, and loss/grief |
CBT IPT |
(a) Advice on relaxation and physical activities (b) Self-help toolkit (c) Research platform (d) Internet support groups | Free | Free choice between 5 text-based modules | No | Available |
| FearFighter™ | UK | General public | Panic and phobia | CBT | 9 weeks of online therapy sessions | Packages available, starting at £129 | 9 linear sessions, text-based exercises | Yes | Available through paid subscription |
| Living life to the full | UK | General public | Depression, anxiety and stress | CBT |
(a) 5 weeks of online sessions with recommended self-help books (b) Moderated forum | Free | Text-based sessions, audio and small group discussions | No | Available |
| MoodGym | Australia | General public, mainly aimed at young people | Depression and anxiety | CBT | Assertiveness and inter-personal skills training | Free | Linear sequence of 5 modules, text-based sessions | No | Available |
| NHS Silvercloud | UK | General public | Depression, anxiety, stress and eating disorders |
CBT Mindfulness |
(a) Interactive journaling (b) Mood and lifestyle charting (c) Social community (d) Dedicated supporter to monitor progress, and provide guidance | Free via NHS referral | Multimedia interactive modules (text, video and audio clips) | Yes | Available through primary care physician referral |
| ReachOut.com |
Australia Ireland USA | Young people (15–25 years old) | Depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse and study skills | CBT |
(a) LGBTQ issues (b) Self-help tool (c) Moderated forum | Free | Text-based information, videos and community engagement | Yes | Available |
| Superbetter.com | USA | General public | Physical, social and mental wellbeing |
Positive psychology Behaviour change | Physical and social skills (starting from basics, such as drinking more water) | Free | Video game, modules unlocked by completion of tasks within the game | Yes | Available |
| UBalancer | Australia | General public | Anxiety, stress, feeling overwhelmed, study and time management |
Coaching Mindfulness | Sleeping pattern improvement | Subscription required | Structured coaching telephone calls, plus text-based supporting information | No | Not currently available |