Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Mental Health
Date Submitted: Aug 28, 2025
Date Accepted: Dec 20, 2025
Effectiveness and experiences of online mental health peer support for young people: A systematic scoping review
ABSTRACT
Background:
The prevalence of mental health problems among young people is high and further increasing. Despite this considerable need, barriers remain to accessing and engaging with traditional mental health services. Online mental health peer support is increasingly popular among young people seeking help. However, research examining the effectiveness of online mental health peer support and user-centred experiences remains limited.
Objective:
This systematic scoping review aimed to synthesise research evidence on the effectiveness and experiences of online mental health peer support for young people, and to explore the possible role of its different components.
Methods:
The IBSS, SSCI, Scopus, PsycINFO, Medline and Social Policy and Practice databases were searched by title and abstract. Retrieved studies (n=8327) were double screened and 38 articles met the criteria to be included in the review. Studies were included if they focused on young people, aged up to and including 25 years; and the intervention was online peer support primarily aimed at supporting mental health.
Results:
This review summarised evidence on clinical outcomes, personal recovery outcomes (including social connectedness and other personal recovery outcomes), and multidimensional experiences of online mental health peer support.
Conclusions:
Overall, we found a positive impact of online mental health support on clinical and personal recovery outcomes. However, findings for personal experiences were mixed. Experiences are influenced by safety, anonymity, and the quality of peer interactions. These insights can inform its role alongside traditional services, attractive platform design and safeguarding. Future research should further explore the integration of online peer support, traditional services and various digital platforms to better address young people’s mental health needs.
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Copyright
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