The developers of new online treatments for young people with mental illness say the therapies have the potential to reduce levels of depression across the country.
Clinicians and researchers from the University of Auckland are now testing a 3D animated internet game for adolescents, which they hope will be in use next year.
The latest development in the technology was presented at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Congress in Auckland on Monday.
An associate professor at the university's School of Medicine, Sally Merry, says using the internet as well as mobile phones is a way to treat those who do not like accessing formal help.
At the moment, Dr Merry says, 80% of people with depression never get any treatment.
