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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

  1. CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CCBT computerised cognitive behavioural therapy, IPT interpersonal therapy, LGBTQ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, RCT randomised controlled trial