Expanding Access to Mental Health: Evaluating the Potential of a Serious Mental Health Game for Adolescents

Digital technologies are important for expanding access to mental health support in low-resource settings. The current study tests the feasibility of a blended learning mental health intervention that was implemented for adolescents in Lebanon (<i>N</i> = 1,234), most of whom were Syrian refugees. The intervention features a digital game called The Helping Hand, which teaches adolescents how to respond to psychosocial challenges healthily and develop effective coping strategies. The blended learning intervention was tested using a single-arm, non-blinded, mixed-methods approach, through the analysis of pre-post questionnaires and key informant interviews. Results showed that the intervention was well accepted and popular among participating adolescents and the team that implemented it. After completing the intervention, adolescents showed a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms and a significant increase in overall well-being. The feasibility and potential impact observed in this study demonstrate the benefits of continuing to refine and expand digital interventions that improve access to mental health support for vulnerable populations.