Kisely SR. More smoke and mirrors: Fifteen further reasons to doubt the effectiveness of headspace.
Australas Psychiatry 2023;
31:282-291. [PMID:
37022312 PMCID:
PMC10251450 DOI:
10.1177/10398562231167683]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Commentary on the debate concerning the effectiveness of headspace, including the most recent independent evaluation of its services.
CONCLUSIONS
The available evaluations indicate that headspace does not deliver therapy of adequate duration that results in clinically significant improvement. Most evaluations have used either short-term process measures or uncontrolled satisfaction surveys, and where there have been data on outcomes using standardised instruments, findings have been disappointing. Costs are poorly quantified and probably underestimated. Even so, headspace as a primary care intervention costs twice as much as a mental health consultation by a general practitioner and, depending on the assumptions, may not be cost effective.
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