4073. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health whether there are plans to expand or develop HSE-led digital mental health supports for young people, particularly those who experience difficulties accessing or attending in-person counselling services; the effectiveness of existing digital mental health programmes in improving outcomes for young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59102/26]

The range of digital mental health services delivered by, or on behalf of, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is extensive and covers both specialist and non-specialist (lower level) mental health support. To adapt and improve accessibility of our services, the HSE and many of its funded partners has successfully fast-tracked new digital health services including innovative online, text and phone supports. Many of these have been in development for some time, as part of a range of digital mental health service developments.

In terms of overall approach, there has been an increased focus on prevention and early intervention to provide more timely support across the population and reduce the requirement in as far as possible for specialist, secondary services. Where specialist services are required, there is a renewed focus on improving access, coordination and continuity of care. The initiatives detailed below are being guided and driven by the National Implementation Monitoring Committee and the HSE Implementation Group for ‘Sharing the Vision’.

For young people, the HSE continues to work with the youth organisation SpunOut to provide accessible online mental health information, advice and signposting. At the request of the Department of Health, SpunOut and the HSE developed the Navigator Tool, a dynamic online signposting service for young people aged 16 to 34. The tool, which delivers on a Programme for Government commitment, was created to help address the challenges many young people face when seeking mental health support, including stigma, limited awareness of available services, and difficulty navigating a fragmented system.

The Navigator Tool provides anonymous, immediate and personalised access to mental health information, resources and services through a mobile-first, web-based platform. It helps fill a significant gap by bringing tailored mental health supports together in one national online resource. For many young people, it is an important first step in identifying and accessing the services available to them.

The HSE also funds SpunOut's Text About It service, which provides free, 24/7 emotional support to anyone experiencing distress or crisis. The service connects individuals with trained and supervised volunteers through a confidential text-based conversation.

The HSE also funds the following range of digital mental health supports, all accessible by young people:

• MyMind delivers online counselling sessions (phone and video).

• ISPCC offer free digital programmes, developed by Silvercloud and based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, aimed at reducing anxiety for children and young people, as well as digital programmes for parents and carers around managing their own anxiety while supporting their anxious child or teenager.

• Turn2me offers free online talk therapy for adults and online support groups for young people age 12 to 17 and adults.

• Jigsaw provides live chat and online support with trained therapists to young people aged 12 to 25. Additionally, Jigsaw offers free online courses on youth mental health, aimed at young people, parents and professionals.

The HSE has developed a free, easy-to-access online programme called ‘Balancing Stress’ to support people across Ireland in managing everyday stress. The programme offers six self-directed online video sessions covering key topics including managing stress, worry, anxiety, low mood, and relationship stress. The programme, developed by HSE Health and Wellbeing, together with HSE Psychology, was launched in May 2025.

The HSE funds SilverCloud (for young people 18+) to offer guided online mental health programmes based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Access requires a referral from a GP, Primary Care Psychology, Counselling in Primary Care, a Community Mental Health Team, or Jigsaw. Participants complete the programme at their own pace over approximately 6 to 8 weeks, learning CBT techniques to support their mental health and wellbeing. A trained SilverCloud supporter provides weekly online check-ins during this period, and users can continue to access the course materials after completion.

In addition to information resources, mental health promotion and self-help options, more formalised, person-centred services (for those with more mild to moderate difficulties) are also delivered by HSE-funded agencies, and through GP and Primary Care services. Services provided include online counselling, peer support, telephone helplines and text-based support.

As part of this question relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.