This Way Up is a leading Australian online mental health platform developed through a collaboration between St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). It offers clinically proven, evidence-based programs designed to help Australians better understand and manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Backed by mental health professionals and supported by research, This Way Up provides self-paced online mental health support that’s affordable, accessible, and highly relevant to everyday life.
Background and Development
Founded through a joint effort between mental health researchers and clinical psychologists, This Way Up was built to bridge the gap between mental health services and those who struggle to access in-person therapy—especially in rural or remote areas.
Mission and Vision
The platform’s core mission is to empower Australians to take control of their mental wellbeing by providing affordable, remote mental health support that is both evidence-based and easy to access.
Who Can Benefit from This Way Up?
This Way Up is suitable for a wide range of people across Australia, particularly employees, first-time workers, and adults aged 20 to 50. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, or just seeking tools to better manage your wellbeing, the platform offers support that is both personalised and effective.
Support for Employees
Modern workplaces can be high-pressure environments. This Way Up offers specific programs targeting workplace stress, adjustment to new roles, and emotional regulation. These resources can support employees coping with job transitions, remote work challenges, or returning from mental health leave.
Help for First-Time Workers
Young Australians entering the workforce for the first time may encounter challenges such as imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, or workplace social pressures. This Way Up provides tailored support to help first-time employees build resilience and confidence.
Programs and Courses Offered
All of This Way Up’s programs are online, modular, and self-guided, allowing users to proceed at their own pace. Most programs follow Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, which have been shown in clinical studies to effectively manage mental health conditions.
Popular courses include support for:
- Generalised Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress Management
- Mindfulness
- Resilience
- Insomnia
Anxiety and Depression Courses
These flagship courses are grounded in CBT, offering structured lessons and exercises that help users identify and challenge negative thought patterns. They are designed for people with mild to moderate symptoms, with the option for clinician oversight if needed.
Resilience and Mindfulness
These courses are ideal for people looking to strengthen their mental resilience or manage emotional reactivity, helping users cultivate long-term habits that support psychological wellbeing.
Workplace Wellbeing Programs
This Way Up also provides targeted workplace wellbeing programs. These are suitable for organisations and individuals, supporting employee mental health through stress reduction, emotional intelligence, and work-life balance training.
How Does This Way Up Work?
Getting started is simple. The process is designed to reduce barriers to care and enable people to begin improving their mental health immediately.
- Self-assessment – Begin with a short questionnaire to identify suitable programs.
- Course selection – Choose from a variety of mental health topics.
- Enrolment – Many courses are free; others require a small fee. Doctor referrals may allow access to additional options.
- Progress tracking – Users follow lessons weekly, complete exercises, and track mood changes.
- Clinician support (optional) – For those who prefer guidance, clinicians can supervise progress.
Access and Enrollment
Some programs are completely free, while others are Medicare-supported or available at low cost with a referral. Users can register directly, or be referred by a GP or mental health professional.
Online Delivery and Platform Features
The platform features interactive modules, downloadable worksheets, video and audio tools, and a user dashboard for tracking progress; all accessible via desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
Benefits of Using This Way Up
This Way Up combines the best of digital convenience with the assurance of clinical effectiveness. For many Australians, it provides a bridge between no support and formal therapy.
Clinical Effectiveness
Multiple peer-reviewed studies support This Way Up’s positive impact on anxiety, depression, and overall mental wellbeing. Its CBT-based courses are aligned with national treatment standards and are regularly updated by professionals.
Accessibility and Cost
With nationwide access and low or no-cost programs, This Way Up offers inclusive mental health care for all Australians. It’s especially beneficial for those in rural areas or without regular access to therapy.
How This Way Up Supports Workplace Mental Health
Workplace mental health is increasingly seen as a core business priority. This Way Up offers tools to strengthen employee wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and support positive work environments.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Integration
Organisations can incorporate This Way Up into their Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), providing employees with anonymous, self-directed resources that reinforce HR-led wellness strategies.
Skills Development for Professional Growth
Courses such as resilience and stress management help workers not only cope but grow professionally. By improving emotional regulation, employees are better equipped for leadership, collaboration, and decision-making.
How to Get Started with This Way Up
Taking the first step towards better mental health is easy with This Way Up. Here’s how to begin:
- Visit thiswayup.org.au.
- Create a free account.
- Complete the self-assessment.
- Choose the course that fits your needs.
- Set clear personal goals.
- Start learning and practising weekly.
Finding the Right Course
Each course includes a description, target audience, and focus area. This helps you match your current challenges with the most suitable program, whether it’s anxiety, sleep, or workplace stress.
Tips for Success
- Set aside regular time each week.
- Keep a digital or physical journal.
- Engage with the interactive tools.
- If possible, involve a clinician or support person.
Comparing This Way Up with Other Mental Health Support Options
While many Australians are familiar with helplines and in-person therapy, This Way Up offers a middle ground between self-care and clinical support.
Online Therapy vs. Self-Guided Programs
Unlike live telehealth therapy, This Way Up’s self-guided model is ideal for those who prefer independence, affordability, and flexibility—without sacrificing evidence-based support.
Final Thoughts: Why This Way Up is a Game-Changer
This Way Up offers a new era of mental health care in Australia; accessible, affordable, clinically backed, and genuinely helpful.
Whether you’re a young professional entering the workforce, an employee managing burnout, or someone seeking support without stigma, This Way Up provides practical tools that work.
There’s no need to wait for a referral or a crisis. Start today, explore the programs, and take meaningful steps toward mental wellness.
FAQ
What is This Way Up?
This Way Up is an Australian online platform offering evidence-based mental health programs developed by St Vincent’s Hospital and UNSW.
How much do This Way Up programs cost?
Many programs are free. Others are low-cost or claimable via Medicare with a doctor’s referral.
Is This Way Up free for Australians?
Yes, some courses are free to access, especially through referrals or partnerships.
Can I access This Way Up without a referral?
Yes, you can enrol directly on the website without a referral.
Is This Way Up legitimate and evidence-based?
Yes, it is clinically developed, peer-reviewed, and widely recommended by mental health professionals.
What mental health issues does This Way Up cover?
Topics include anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, resilience, and workplace wellbeing.
How do I sign up for This Way Up courses?
Visit thiswayup.org.au, create an account, and choose a course.
Are This Way Up courses covered by Medicare?
Some are eligible for Medicare rebates with a GP referral.
Is This Way Up suitable for workplace mental health programs?
Yes, it’s ideal for corporate wellness initiatives and can be included in EAPs.
How long do This Way Up courses usually take?
Courses generally span 6–8 weeks, with one lesson per week.
Key Points:
- This Way Up is an evidence-based Australian mental health platform.
- Offers online, self-guided or clinician-supported programs.
- Focused on affordability, accessibility, and clinical success.
- Ideal for employees, first-time workers, and adults aged 20s to 50s.
- Programs include support for anxiety, depression, stress, resilience, and more.