Turning challenge to opportunity: Clinical psychology investigations into contemporary mental health needs and care

Abstract

This special issue showcases clinical psychological research into contemporary mental health needs and mental health care, with important implications for understanding the impact of contemporary global macro-phenomena on mental health and consequently developing appropriate and effective mental health care and support. Parpoula & Anagnostopoulos investigate trends in Google searches for mental health professionals and treatments over the last 20 years, aiming to identify the impact of the economic crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic on help-seeking for mental health concerns in Greece. This type of research can inform the development of digital content regarding mental health problems and appropriate treatment and support options. Yotsidi and colleagues investigate systemic therapists’ views and experiences of the enforced transition from face-to-face to online therapy during the pandemic. The erosion of the boundaries of the professional therapeutic space during online therapy alters the therapeutic relationship, affecting differentially clients and therapists. Apostolidou et al investigate the associations between intimate partner violence and other risk factors in women visiting community sexually transmitted infections’ prevention and testing centres. The study highlights the potential of intersectional research, that addresses the cumulative adverse effects of several types of vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for appropriate mental health services. It is also a good example of user-led research. All three papers attempt to turn the challenges posed by contemporary global changes to opportunities for developing new ways of understanding and addressing mental health issues, pointing the way for more research in this direction.