A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF ONLINE COUNSELLING PLATFORMS IN IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN YUNNAN PROVINCE, CHINA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61841/9dv5sy16Keywords:
Mental health policy in China, Enhancement of health systems, Online counselling, mental health professionals.Abstract
To address mental health concerns, there is a growing desire for therapies that are easily accessible, scalable, and cost-effective. This demand is especially prevalent in rural and underserved areas. The primary purpose of this research is to determine whether or not online counselling platforms have the potential to contribute to the improvement of mental health care in the province of Yunnan in China. Despite the fact that this province is home to a diverse population, the demand for mental health treatments is currently exceeding the provision of those services. By conducting a demographic analysis of the province, one can gain insight into the ways in which digital counselling services influence accessibility, user happiness, and the therapeutic benefits they offer. The researcher’s surveyed individuals working in the field of mental health, as well as users of the platform and officials for the community health department, using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The results of the five online counselling platforms that are utilised the most in Yunnan were presented, with an emphasis placed on participation, mental health strategies, and hurdles to usage. When it comes to mental health treatments that can be accessed online, the figures indicate that younger generations and people living in more rural areas have a better chance of success. Customers who were satisfied with the product to varied degrees frequently commended it for three reasons: the ease with which it could be used, the fact that it allowed them to remain anonymous, and the amelioration of social humiliation. Among the many issues that need to be addressed, there is a lack of information regarding technical advancements, insufficient platform regulation, low-quality services, concerns over privacy, and a lack of information. These are only a few of the numerous problems that need to be solved, but there are many more others.
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