The e-Mental Health Center, The Netherlands
E-Mental Health Innovation and Transnational Implementation Platform North West Europe (EMEN) project focuses on advancing digital mental health solutions in the North West Europe region. It aims to develop and implement innovative e-mental health tools to improve access to mental health services. EMEN collaborates with various partners across Europe to foster innovation and knowledge exchange in the field of mental health technology. The project seeks to address barriers to implementing e-mental health solutions and aims to create sustainable models for their integration into existing healthcare systems. EMEN targets diverse stakeholders including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service users to facilitate the adoption of digital mental health interventions. Through its activities, EMEN aims to enhance mental health outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals in the North West Europe region.
e-mental health innovation and transnational implementation platform North West Europe (eMEN)
At the start of the eMEN project in 2016, the average use across the Netherlands, France, Germany, UK, Belgium and Ireland was 8%, which is low compared to other healthcare sectors; with the lowest use in FR (less than 1%) and the highest in the Netherlands (15%). Unmet needs were also high, with an EU average of 6.8%. At the end of the project, the average use of e-mental health products will have increased by 7%, to 15%. eMEN therefore directly contributes to North West Europe’s economic performance and innovation capacity: reducing healthcare costs, better care and access to prevention and treatment and increased growth of eHealth SMEs.
User testimonials for SAM, minddistrict.com and Ehealth highlight benefits such as symptom reduction, improved coping skills, and positive self-image. Some experienced significant improvements quickly through personally crafted online environments, reducing the need for in-person care and facilitating remote access to support without long referrals.