SafeWatch app revolutionises support for mental health workers

As Australia's mental health crisis intensifies, a new technology platform called SafeWatch has emerged to support mental health professionals. SafeWatch is an application grounded in the Village Approach to Wellbeing, which aims to help friends and colleagues provide essential support, care, and affection to those in need.

Since its launch earlier this year, SafeWatch has garnered considerable usage within the mental wellness profession. According to the developers, the app has become an essential tool for therapists and supervisors, aiding in self-care and community support.

SafeWatch features several functionalities tailored to the distinct challenges that mental health professionals encounter. The app's capabilities include:

- Mood Tracking: This monitors emotional states and helps identify patterns over time.

- Personalised Wellness Journey: Offers tailored recommendations based on individual mental health profiles.

- Village Care Network: Facilitates peer and supervisor support, fostering a supportive therapeutic community.

Carol-Anne Howlett, a psychotherapist and supervisor at The Red Chair Therapy, highlighted the app's significance. "SafeWatch is a vital tool for supporting supervisors and therapists, individually and collectively. The app, through the human element of the village, facilitates the recognition of the emotional challenges of our profession and provides effective support," she stated.

SafeWatch aims to provide ongoing support for mental health professionals, offering a safe space where practitioners can feel vulnerable and receive support when needed. Shane Muller, founder and CEO of SafeWatch, explained the app's mission. "We are transforming mental health care from traditional isolated treatment to integrated community support. Our secure platform empowers therapists to also prioritise their own wellbeing whilst they care for others," he said.

Muller further added, "Our mission with SafeWatch is to break down the barriers of isolation experienced in the mental health field. By leveraging technology and allowing for real-time visibility on how therapists feel, we're creating an ecosystem where therapists can personally and professionally thrive." He concluded by noting, "In an industry where the wellbeing of the caregiver is often overlooked, SafeWatch stands out by prioritising the mental health of those who dedicate their lives to helping others. Our platform ensures that no therapist has to navigate their personal challenges alone."

Addressing concerns surrounding data privacy, the developers of SafeWatch have incorporated blockchain and other distributed technologies to ensure the confidentiality of user data, a point of hesitancy for many professionals considering such platforms.

Recent statistics underline the urgency of the mental health crisis in Australia. In 2023, around 15% of Australians reported experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress. Additionally, 20% of Australians between the ages of 16-85 reported having a mental disorder in the previous 12 months. In 2022, there were 3,318 deaths by suicide, making it a leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-44.

"Working in private practice can be isolating, and confidentiality restricts us from sharing our daily challenges," Howlett noted. She added, "SafeWatch ensures comprehensive self-care by connecting therapists with supervisors and peers for continuous support."

Mental health clinics and private practices have reported improvements in staff wellbeing since integrating SafeWatch, leading to better client outcomes and a more positive working environment.

SafeWatch is currently available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.