E-mental health on-campus: College students' views of online help-seeking

Third level students in Ireland are highly likely to use the internet when seeking mental health information and support. This study deconstructed the concept of online help-seeking by exploring students' views of e-mental health and their likelihood of availing of e-mental health. Over 5,000 students responded to an online survey, and four focus groups were hosted with students. Although the majority of survey respondents (85%) reported being likely to search for mental health information online, a lower proportion reported being likely to avail of online support (whether peer or professional support). Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents indicated a preference for speaking with someone in person about their feelings; however, one-quarter reported being more likely to use online supports than face-to-face supports, if offered by their college's counselling service. Results demonstrate the value of colleges providing quality online mental health information to students (as information endorsed by their colleges was perceived as more trustworthy); results also highlight the need to further explore the potential role of online supports on-campus, through continued consultation with students.