Psychologists are texting with patients in the bush to try and take better mental health care to isolated parts of Australia.
The program, which is a joint initiative between Virtual Psychologist and Aussie Helpers, is designed to offer people free, personalised assistance on a device most have in their pocket all day — their mobile phone.
Founder of fundraising organisation Aussie Helpers, Brian Egan, said he hoped it offered people an outlet to seek help without needing to leave their property.
"People can text this number from anywhere in Australia and talk to psychologists right away," he said.
"They won't be talking to a robot, they'll be talking to a clinical psychologist … [and] they can remain completely anonymous."
Head psychologist at online mental health hub Virtual Psychologist, Dervla Loughnane, said the text line provided a chance for farmers and graziers to reach out for a variety of mental health issues.
"We can cover anything from depression, anxiety, suicide, grief and loss, domestic violence, loneliness, sleep issues," she said.
"There's nothing too big and nothing too small."
Bridging the gap in the bush
Cloncurry jillaroo Zoe Hayes lost her mother to suicide when she was 17 years old.
After growing up in Perth, Ms Hayes has been working on cattle stations since her mother's death more than five years ago, and said while the camaraderie and family atmosphere had helped her recover, living in the bush could be tough for others.
"I think our industry is the biggest gamble and people invest their whole lives in it," she said.
"When things don't go to plan, or when Mother Nature doesn't play the game, it dramatically affects the mental state of owners, managers and staff members."
Ms Hayes said she could see the merit in allowing people to speak to a psychologist in a non-traditional way.
"I know myself I am guilty of sitting behind Facebook or text messages and it's less confronting and less daunting," she said.
"I think it sounds like a great network or service for people who might be a bit intimidated by calling and confronting a helpline, or even reaching out to someone they are close with."
Texting will suit some but not all, experts say
The text line is one of the first of its kind set up in Australia.
University of Queensland School of Medicine researcher Matthew Bambling said there were restrictions to mental health services being offered in a telehealth setting, but in a rural context it was generally a positive experience for patients.
"There are some limitations [such as] is there sufficient internet coverage? Is it powerful enough?" he said.
"Will the mobile phone network promote a good flow of online or phone-based applications? Are the physical resources adequate?
"The other issue is some people prefer face-to-face interventions … but there's research that shows for most people it's quite acceptable, and some research even shows some people prefer that than seeing someone face-to-face.
"It's been touted as a really important area to develop, because the online mental health has great advantages for people in isolation. Distances are not such a problem with text-based services."
People who would like to access the Virtual Psychologist counselling text line can send a text to 0488 807 266.
If you are having issues with mental health or know someone who is, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
