Disparities in access to digital and traditional mental health services across sociodemographic groups in Australia

Abstrakt

Background: Digital mental health services are emerging as viable mental health support options, but uptake in Australia remains low. This study aims to describe both access to traditional mental health services and digital mental health services in Australia, stratified by key sociodemographic factors. Methods: Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2020–2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing were analysed. Population subgroups were identified based on sociodemographic variables, including sex, gender, age, culturally and linguistically diverse, sexual orientation, Indigenous status, geographic remoteness, history of incarceration and military service. Results: The highest prevalence of mental health conditions was observed among younger individuals, non-heterosexual populations and those experiencing unemployment or homelessness. These groups also demonstrated the highest levels of engagement with both digital mental health services and mental health services. Culturally and linguistically diverse individuals showed lower prevalence and lower access to both mental health services and digital mental health services compared with non-culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Education, income and household characteristics showed no consistent patterns, while employment and study status were associated with variation in service use, with higher access observed among students and unemployed individuals. Conclusion: Access to mental health services and digital mental health services varies across sociodemographic groups. For several populations, digital mental health services access could not be estimated, highlighting important data gaps. Further research is needed to understand access patterns and potential barriers.