FAQ

How do the raters know that a website or mobile application works?

Raters are trained in the evaluation of the scientific literature. They discuss the programs and they verify the ratings by at least two raters independently assigning ranks, and then discussing if the ratings are discrepant.

How do I know if an internet support group will help me?

There is very little scientific evidence surrounding the use of internet support groups – so we have not included ratings in our reviews. However, we have included important details about each support group, to help you decide if you think it will be suitable for you. Reviews give a description of the support group, provide information about the level and type of moderation, and give details about the host agency and any accreditation status.

How can I get access to closed sites?

You can try contacting the developer of the site using the link we provide to the site.

How do I list a website, mobile application or internet support group so it can be included on Beacon?

What do the smiley faces mean?

See the Smiley Rating System page.

How can I be involved in scientific trials of websites?

A number of trials will be available at any one time. Contact the email link on each program. If you are interested in joining a research register please contact us.

How has data collected through Beacon been disseminated?

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Christensen, H., Murray, K., Calear, A. L., Bennett, K., Bennett, A. & Griffiths, K. M. (2010). Beacon: a web portal to high-quality mental health websites for use by health professionals and the public. Medical Journal of Australia, 192(11): S40-S44.

Full text available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/192_11_070610/chr10830_fm.html

Conference Poster Presentations

Moller, C., Murray, K., Calear, A., Farrer, L., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K., Bennett, K., & Bennett, A. (2011, April). Beacon: An online portal of mental and physical e-health applications. Poster session presented at the fifth meeting of the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions, Sydney, Australia.
Beacon - An online portal of mental and physical e-health applications.pdf

Murray, K., Calear, A., Moller, C., Farrer, L., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K., Bennett, K., & Bennett, A. (2011, October). Beacon: A database of online applications for mental and physical health. Poster session presented at the 46th annual Australian Psychological Society Conference, Canberra, Australia.

What are the exact search terms you look for when locating research about websites and mobile applications?

Search terms

#1: m-health OR m-therapy OR mhealth OR mtherapy OR “cellular phone”OR “cell phone”OR mobile OR SMS OR “text messag*”OR “video messag*”OR MMS OR “multimedia messag*”OR smart-phone OR smartphone OR iphone OR i-phone OR online OR web OR e-therapy OR etherapy OR internet OR e-health OR ehealth OR cyber OR www OR “virtual clinic”

#2: intervention OR CBT OR “cognitive behavior therapy” OR “cognitive behaviour therapy”OR “cognitive behavioral therapy”OR “cognitive behavioural therapy” OR “self help” OR treatment OR prevent* OR educat* OR bibliotherapy OR “self-guided” OR promot*OR “self-monitor”OR “self-manag*”OR monitor* OR IPT OR “interpersonal therapy”OR psychodynamic OR psychoanaly* OR motivat* OR interview*

Search Strategy

#1 AND #2