Development of a Technology-Based Intervention to Improve Help-Seeking in Distressed Non-Treatment-Seeking Young Adults With Common Mental Health Concerns

Background There is a dearth of interventions aimed at improving help-seeking for common mental health concerns among distressed young adults, particularly in the urban Indian context. Availability of cost-effective, targeted intervention for improving appropriate help-seeking can pave the way for reducing the treatment gap. This could prove especially beneficial in low-resource settings. This study describes the guiding principles, underlying theory, and development process of a simple technology-based help-seeking intervention for distressed non-treatment-seeking young adults. Methods Several models of professional help-seeking behavior were examined to ascertain a suitable theoretical framework for the development of the intervention to enable help-seeking among distressed non-treatment-seeking young adults. Pilot work was carried out before the development, along with content validation of the intervention by field experts. Results Help-seeking intervention was developed based on the preferences of young adults and literature review. Eight core intervention components and one optional component were developed, which were built on selected theoretical frameworks. These components have been postulated to enhance awareness of common mental health problems, the utility of self-help, and support of significant others, and to increase the skills to understand when it may be appropriate to step up to professional help-seeking. Conclusion Help-seeking interventions delivered beyond the traditional clinic and hospital setups prove useful as low-intensity interventions acting as gateways to seek mainstream mental health services. Further research will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention in reducing perceived barriers and enhancing inclination to seek professional help and help-seeking behavior among distressed non-treatment-seeking young adults.