There is a growing need for high-quality evidence to support the efficacy of online counseling and peer support via social networking sites (SNSs) as an intervention to reduce mental health symptoms in young people. This article presents Phase 2 of Kids Helpline (KHL) Circles, which used mixed methods to assess the acceptability, safety, user experience, and mental health benefits of a purpose-built, counselor-facilitated SNS. Young people aged 13–25 years (n = 552) were recruited to participate in one of six 8-week “Circles.” Of those, 154 participants completed study surveys at three timepoints (baseline, midpoint, endpoint). Significant reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and general distress symptoms were reported at the midpoint of the intervention, with further significant reductions in depression and stress symptoms by the endpoint. More than half said that their mental health improved as a direct result of KHL Circles, and most felt less mental health stigma and would be more willing to seek help for mental health issues in the future. These results contribute to increasing the evidence base for SNS interventions to reduce mental health symptoms. Adjustments are necessary for the ongoing evolution of this service to ensure it is user-centered and scientifically rigorous.

中文翻译：

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通过定制的社交网络平台为年轻人提供在线团体咨询：儿童帮助热线圈子的第 2 阶段

越来越需要高质量的证据来支持通过社交网站 (SNS) 进行在线咨询和同伴支持的有效性，作为减少年轻人心理健康症状的干预措施。本文介绍了儿童帮助热线 (KHL) 圈子的第 2 阶段，它使用混合方法来评估专门构建的、由辅导员协助的 SNS 的可接受性、安全性、用户体验和心理健康益处。13-25 岁的年轻人（n = 552) 被招募参加六个为期 8 周的“圈子”之一。其中，154 名参与者在三个时间点（基线、中点、终点）完成了研究调查。据报道，在干预中期，抑郁、焦虑、压力和一般痛苦症状显着减少，到终点时抑郁和压力症状进一步显着减少。超过一半的人表示，由于 KHL 圈子的直接结果，他们的心理健康得到了改善，大多数人觉得心理健康的耻辱感减少了，并且更愿意在未来就心理健康问题寻求帮助。这些结果有助于增加 SNS 干预以减少心理健康症状的证据基础。这项服务的持续发展需要进行调整，以确保其以用户为中心且科学严谨。