The Australian Government has announced $5.3 million in funding for e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac), a national program led by QUT to raise awareness and strengthen health practitioners' knowledge and use of digital mental health services.
The funding, announced in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, will enable eMHPrac to continue and expand its role in supporting Australian health practitioners to confidently integrate safe, evidence-based digital mental health services into routine care, and to support the delivery of a digital-first mental health solution for Australian healthcare workers.
eMHPrac is delivered by QUT in partnership with a national consortium including Menzies School of Health Research and the University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney.
The program also supports WellMob, a nationally recognised online library of culturally responsive digital mental health resources that underpins eMHPrac's commitment to culturally safe practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Director of eMHPrac Heidi Sturk said the funding recognised the essential role of workforce capability in achieving Australia's broader mental health reform agenda.
"Digital mental health services are now a core part of Australia's mental health system, but they are only effective if health practitioners understand how to safely recommend and integrate them into care," Ms Sturk said.
"This funding allows eMHPrac to continue supporting health practitioners with practical, evidence-based training and resources, while also responding to emerging priorities such as digital-first care models, workforce wellbeing, and the growing impact of new technologies including AI."
The investment will support national education activities, including webinars, training modules, podcasts, and targeted resources, with a strong focus on accessibility for practitioners in rural and remote areas, culturally safe practice, and supporting workforce groups facing high levels of stress and demand.
"This is an important investment in both mental health reform and workforce sustainability," Ms Sturk said.
"By equipping health practitioners with the skills and confidence to use digital mental health tools effectively, we can improve access to care for Australians and better support the health professionals who provide it."
Since its establishment in 2013, eMHPrac has played a critical role in building workforce capability across general practice, allied health, nursing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, and community-based settings.
The program provides education, free training, curated resources, and implementation support to help health practitioners navigate the rapidly growing digital mental health landscape.
