Young people are now able to access support through a live chat option on mental health website The Lowdown.
The Auckland-based website, which targets depression among young New Zealanders, already allows people to contact counsellors by email and text messaging.
The live chat option, which was launched last week, allowed people to talk to a Lowdown team member online for 30 minutes on Monday and Wednesday evenings, between 5pm and 9pm, manager Dylan Norton said.
The service was initially promoted to previous users of the website's services to allow staff to gauge demand and put in place resources to manage it.
"The goal is to offer different technologies to young people to access support," Mr Norton said.
A computer with speakers, a microphone or headset and a reasonable Internet connection were required.
The counsellor could be seen via a video connection, but the person accessing it remained anonymous. If a speaker and microphone were unavailable, a live chatroom function was.
The service would focus on the same type of support already provided, based around advice and self-help options.
The technology also allowed "online training" modules to be developed, Mr Norton said.
While still in the early stages, between six and 12 modules were expected to be developed to help young people learn to deal with depression.
Teaching structured techniques of problem solving was one example, he said. "They can come and get some support and then we can offer them a range of different modules that they might find useful.
"They can choose what they would like to work on."
While reaction to the live chat option was still being gauged, the website as a whole had proved successful. "The response we get from young people is fantastic," Mr Norton said.
In the period from July 1, 2008, to December 31, 2008, the Lowdown team had provided support to 332 email addresses and 950 cellphones, he said.
Of those, 124 people from Otago sent 3687 text messages to the team and 36 people sent 106 emails.
To book a live chat session, or for more information, email skills@thelowdown.co.nz. For other services and information, visit www.lowdown.co.nz or free text 5626.
