Although Mental Health Literacy (MHL) has been a topic of substantial interest, measurement of this concept using a scale-based measure has been limited, including a lack of psychometric and methodologically robust scale-based measures of MHL. This study developed a new scale-based measure of MHL, the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), which assesses all attributes of MHL. Construction of the MHLS was done over three key stages, including measure development, pilot testing and assessment of psychometrics and methodological quality. The resulting measure is a 35 item, univariate scale that is easily administered and scored. Results showed significant differences in scores between mental health professionals and a community sample, as well as individuals with greater experience with mental health, and a significant positive relationship with help-seeking intentions. The MHLS also demonstrated good internal and test-retest reliability. Evaluation of the methodological quality of the MHLS indicated that it has substantial methodological advantages in comparison to existing scale-based measures of MHL. The MHLS can be used in assessing individual and population level differences in MHL and in determining the impact of programmes designed to improve MHL.

There are substantial limitations in current ability to measure MHL and there is significant scope for the development and evaluation of psychometrically robust measures that assess the relevant attributes of MHL. Further research could also focus on the adequacy of the current definition of MHL.

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There is considerable need to understand the current impact of COVID-19 on young people, particularly with regard to widespread global school closures and remote learning. This research provides an overview of school counselling use during a 5-week (April-May, 2020) remote learning (learning from home) for an Australia Prep to Grade 12 school, when compared with the same timeframe in the preceding two years. The data show a decrease in the number of students engaged in counselling in 2020, though a small increase in the frequency of session provided. The demographic data of those that did access counselling were comparable across the years. In addition, there were differences in the focus of sessions provided in 2020, including a decreased focus on mental health and an increased focus on personal issues. Practical discussion of these patterns is provided, as well as recommendations for ongoing reporting and exploration of the data.

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