Project Requirement
to
Software Engineering 1
Online Mental Health Support System
Submitted to:
Charlie Baguio
Submitted by:
Rosila Mae Estrada
Arianne Frontal
Verna Geñoso
Department of Computer Science
Block B
Jose Rizal Memorial State University
Project Title: Online Mental Health Support System
1. CONTEXT (Needs Assessment & Stakeholders)
Objective:
To develop a centralized and accessible system that provides mental health support
through self-assessment tools, chat with mental health professionals, and curated resources for
users experiencing mental stress or mental health concerns.
Tools & Techniques Used:
• User Stories
✓ As a student, I want to chat with a mental health counselor so I can receive guidance.
✓ As a user, I want to take a mental health assessment so I can understand my condition.
✓ As a psychologist, I want to view patient history so I can give informed advice.
Figure 1. Online Mental Health Support System Context Diagram
Figure 1. Online Mental Health Support System Context Diagram. In the Online
Mental Health Support System, users begin by registering or logging in, which grants them
access to various mental health services while ensuring secure authentication through the User
database. The system then directs them to the Self-Assessment Module, where they answer
predefined questions assessing their mental health condition, with responses recorded in the
Assessment database. These responses are analyzed using predefined metrics in the
Assessment Processing & Recommendations phase, generating personalized recommendations
stored in the Recommendation database, guiding users toward either self-help resources or
professional counseling. If counseling is needed, users can schedule an appointment or initiate
a real-time chat session via the Scheduling & Chat System, with appointments stored in the
Counseling Sessions database and chat interactions logged in the Chat database for reference.
Additionally, users can access mental health resources through the Resource Accessibility &
Information Hub, where articles, coping strategies, and self-help tools are personalized based
on their assessment results, sourced from the Resources database. After utilizing the system,
users provide feedback in the User Feedback & Continuous Support stage, helping refine future
interactions and improve the platform's effectiveness, with insights stored in the Feedback
database. Follow-up support mechanisms ensure continuous mental health monitoring by
referencing past assessments, counseling sessions, and user interactions, establishing a
structured, responsive system tailored to individual needs.
• Story Map
User Goal: Accessible Mental Health Support
Activities:
Register/Login,Access Mental Health Assessment Book Counseling Session
Chat with Professional Browse Mental Health Resources
Figure 2. Mental Health Assessment And Intervention Flowchart
Figure 6. Mental Health Assessment And Intervention Flowchart. The arrows in the diagram
guide the flow of user interaction within the system, ensuring a structured process for mental
health assistance. Here’s how they connect:
1. User Registration & Login → Self-Assessment Module
➢ Users first register or log in to access the platform.
➢ The system directs them to a self-assessment, where they answer
predefined questions to evaluate their mental health condition.
2. Self-Assessment Module → Assessment Processing & Recommendations
➢ Once the assessment is completed, the system processes the responses
using predefined metrics.
➢ Users are given recommendations, which may include self-help resources
or professional counseling.
3. Assessment Processing & Recommendations → Scheduling & Chat System
➢ If a user needs counseling, they are directed to schedule an appointment or
start a chat session with a professional.
➢ Real-time chat support is available for urgent concerns.
4. Scheduling & Chat System → Resource Accessibility & Information Hub
➢ Alongside counseling, users can browse curated mental health resources
like articles, coping strategies, and self-help tools.
➢ The system offers personalized suggestions based on assessment results.
5. Resource Accessibility & Information Hub → User Feedback & Continuous
Support
➢ Once users engage with support, they are encouraged to provide feedback
on their experience.
➢ Follow-up support ensures continuous mental health monitoring.
• Use Case Diagram
Actors: User, Counselor, Admin
Use Cases: Register, Take Assessment, Schedule Appointment, Chat, Upload Resources
Figure 3. Online Mental Health Support System Case Diagram
Figure 3. Online Mental Health Support System Case Diagram. The Case Diagram for the
Online Mental Health Support System illustrates how different actors interact with key system
functionalities. The primary actors include users, mental health professionals, and system
administrators. Users engage with essential features such as registration, self-assessment,
recommendation generation, counseling session scheduling, chat support, and resource access.
Mental health professionals oversee counseling sessions, manage real-time chat interactions,
and provide tailored guidance based on user assessments. Meanwhile, system administrators
ensure smooth platform operations by handling authentication, data security, and content
updates. Each use case represents a critical system function, where users initiate actions such
as self-assessments that lead to recommendations, enabling them to schedule counseling
sessions or access mental health resources. Professionals, in turn, provide support through
counseling and chat systems, ensuring users receive appropriate mental health assistance. The
relationships in the diagram depict these interactions, demonstrating how users transition
between system components based on their needs. The feedback mechanism closes the loop,
allowing users to share their experiences and contributing to ongoing system improvements.
This structured approach ensures a comprehensive support system tailored to users' mental
health needs while maintaining an efficient flow of information across various entities.
2. INPUT (Planning & Design Resources)
System Design Components:
• Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)
Tables: Users, Assessments, Sessions, Chats, Resources, Counselors
Figure 4. Online Mental Health Support System Entity-Relationship Diagram
Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) for the Online Mental Health Support System:
1. User – Represents individuals accessing the platform. Each user has attributes such as
ID, name, email, and password for authentication.
2. Assessment – Stores self-assessment responses submitted by users. It includes
questions and predefined metrics for evaluation.
3. Recommendation – Holds personalized suggestions based on assessment results.
Recommendations guide users toward self-help resources or professional counseling.
4. Counseling Session – Represents scheduled counseling appointments between users
and mental health professionals. Includes details like session date, time, and assigned
counselor.
5. Chat – Facilitates real-time interactions between users and professionals. Chat
messages are stored for reference.
6. Resource – Contains curated mental health articles, coping strategies, and tools
accessible to users.
7. Feedback – Stores user reviews and ratings regarding their experience with counseling,
assessments, and resources.
8. Admin – Manages the system, ensuring smooth operation, security, and content
updates.
The Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) of the Online Mental Health Support
System outlines how each entity interacts to facilitate seamless mental health assistance. The
User initiates the system's workflow by registering and providing personal information, which
is stored for authentication. Users then engage with the Assessment module, where responses
are recorded and analyzed using predefined Metrics to generate Recommendations tailored to
their needs. If further support is required, users schedule a Counseling Session, which is linked
to a Schedule to track appointments with mental health professionals. Alternatively, users can
access real-time support through the Chat System, where conversations are logged in the Chat
Database for reference. The system also integrates a Resource Hub, where users can browse
articles, coping strategies, and self-help tools curated for their mental health journey. After
utilizing these services, users provide Feedback, which is stored and analyzed to generate
Insights that refine future system improvements. The Admin oversees all entities, managing
security, data integrity, and platform functionality to ensure users receive effective support.
• Class Diagrams: Classes: User, Assessment, Session, Chat, Resource, Counselor
Figure 5. Class Diagram for the Online Mental Health Support System
The Class Diagram for the Online Mental Health Support System defines key
entities and their interactions. The User is the central entity, accessing services like
Assessment, which processes responses to generate Recommendations. Based on these, users
can schedule Counseling Sessions, managed by the Schedule class, or engage in Chat Sessions,
stored in the Chat Log for future reference. The system also includes a Resource Hub, offering
curated mental health materials, while Feedback helps refine services by gathering user
experiences. Admins oversee system security and maintenance, ensuring seamless operations.
These connections establish a structured workflow that supports personalized mental health
assistance.
• Wireframes/Prototypes: Interfaces for Login/Register, Dashboard, Assessment Page,
Chat Interface, Admin Panel
Figure 6. Wireframes/Prototypes of the Online Mental Health Support System
The illustration represents the wireframes/prototypes of the Online Mental Health Support
System, showcasing the structural framework for user interactions, system functionalities, and
data flow.
1. User Interface Design
➢ The wireframe outlines key user interactions, including Authentication,
Assessment, Counseling Session, Chat Support, and Resource Access.
➢ Each section is strategically positioned to ensure intuitive navigation, helping
users move seamlessly between self-assessment, recommendations, and direct
mental health support.
2. System Flow & Navigation
➢ The prototype emphasizes how users transition between different
functionalities. For example, after an Assessment, predefined Metrics analyze
responses to generate Recommendations linked to relevant Resources.
➢ If users require professional assistance, they can schedule a Counseling Session,
recorded in the Schedule for tracking, or initiate a Chat Session, logged in the
Chat Log for future reference.
3. Data Structure & Interaction
➢ The wireframe ensures smooth integration between various entities. User
Feedback contributes to system improvement by generating Insights that refine
recommendations and counseling strategies.
➢ The Admin Dashboard oversees system operations, monitoring authentication,
counseling schedules, and user activity for security and efficiency.
• System Architectural Design: 3-Tier Architecture (Frontend, Backend, Database)
• Gantt Chart: Sample Timeline with Sprints
Figure 7. Agile Gantt Chart of the Online Mental Health Support System
Figure 7. Agile Gantt Chart of the Online Mental Health Support System. This Agile Gantt
Chart represents the structured development cycle for the Online Mental Health Support
System, ensuring adaptability and continuous improvement.
How This Illustration Works:
1. Agile Phases
➢ The circular Agile diagram illustrates the key phases: Plan, Design, Develop,
Test, Release, and Feedback.
➢ Each phase aligns with Agile principles, ensuring iterative refinement based on
user input and evolving system requirements.
2. Gantt Chart Timeline (One Year)
➢ The timeline maps Processes 01 to 09 across January to December, showing
their duration and overlap using color-coded bars.
➢ Processes run concurrently or sequentially, depending on dependencies and
sprint planning, allowing flexibility in execution.
Relation to the Online Mental Health Support System:
➢ The system undergoes a structured yet adaptive development cycle, ensuring
features like Assessments, Counseling, Chat Support, and Resource
Management evolve efficiently.
➢ Agile iterations ensure that user feedback drives improvements, keeping the
system responsive to mental health needs.
➢ The chart provides clarity on milestone tracking, ensuring smooth collaboration
and timely delivery of essential functionalities.
• Database Models: Normalized schema ensuring data integrity
3. PROCESS (Execution & Development)
Agile Sprint Planning:
• - Sprint 1: User Registration/Login
• - Sprint 2: Mental Health Self-Assessment
• - Sprint 3: Chat Integration & Booking System
• - Sprint 4: Admin Resource Management & Feedback Analysis
Figure 8. CIPP ↔ Agile Phases ↔ Mechanisms Used
Figure 8. CIPP ↔ Agile Phases ↔ Mechanisms Used. Here’s a refined version of the
diagram filled with relevant content based on the "Online Mental Health Support System":
1. CONTEXT:
➢ Identified need for accessible mental health support.
➢ Stakeholders: Users, Counselors, Admins.
➢ User Stories: Chat with professionals, take assessments, browse resources.
2. INPUT:
➢ System Design Components: ERD, Class Diagrams, Wireframes.
➢ Architectural Design: 3-Tier (Frontend, Backend, Database).
➢ Planning Resources: Gantt Chart, Sprint Timeline.
3. PROCESS:
➢ Agile Sprint Execution: Registration/Login, Assessments, Counseling,
Resource Management.
➢ Development Tools: Activity Diagrams, Sequence Diagrams, State Diagrams.
➢ User Interaction Mechanisms: Chat System, Appointment Scheduling.
4. PRODUCT:
➢ User Acceptance Testing (UAT) conducted with students and professionals.
➢ Feedback & Evaluation: Surveys, Sprint Reviews.
➢ CIPP Framework Results: Improved accessibility, structured support system.
Tools Used:
• Activity Diagrams: Booking Session, Taking Assessment, Joining a Chat Room
• Sequence Diagrams: User → Assessment → Counselor, User → Chat → Counselor
Figure 9. Sequence Diagram of Online Mental Health Support System
Figure 9. Sequence Diagram of Online Mental Health Support System. The illustration
represents the workflow of the Online Mental Health Support System, following a
structured process to guide users through various support mechanisms. The process begins with
the self-assessment phase, where users answer mental health-related questions. Based on their
responses, the system analyzes the data and transitions to the recommendation phase,
providing tailored guidance. Users can then choose to access mental health resources or
proceed to counseling scheduling for professional support. If immediate assistance is needed,
they can enter the chat support phase, where real-time conversations with mental health
professionals occur. The system also incorporates a feedback mechanism, allowing users to
provide insights that help refine and improve the support services. The arrows in the diagram
indicate the logical flow between these phases, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly
experience. This structured approach enhances accessibility and effectiveness in delivering
mental health support.
• State Diagrams: Session Status, Chat Status
Figure 10. State Diagram of Online Mental Health Support System
This State Diagram represents the workflow and transitions in the Online Mental Health
Support System, visually illustrating how different system states change based on user
interactions.
Explanation of the State Diagram:
1. User Registration & Authentication
➢ The system begins in the Idle State, awaiting user actions.
➢ Users enter credentials, transitioning to the Authentication State, where login
validation occurs.
➢ Upon successful authentication, the system moves to the Active User State,
granting access to services.
2. Assessment & Recommendation Process
➢ Users initiate an Assessment, transitioning the system to the Assessment State,
where responses are collected.
➢ Once completed, the system evaluates responses, generating a Recommendation
State, providing tailored mental health guidance.
3. Counseling & Chat Support
➢ Users can schedule a Counseling Session, changing the system state to Session
Scheduled.
➢ If immediate support is needed, users enter the Chat State, where conversations
with professionals occur in real time.
4. Resource Access & Feedback Collection
➢ Users navigate to Resource Access State, browsing mental health articles and
tools.
➢ Upon completing interactions, users enter the Feedback State, submitting
ratings and reviews to refine system improvements.
5. System Maintenance & Admin Management
➢ The Admin State oversees transitions, ensuring security and content
management.
➢ When a session ends or a user logs out, the system resets to the Idle State,
awaiting new interactions.
➢
• Agile Artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlogs, Sprint Burndown Charts
Figure 11. Agile Phases
4. PRODUCT (Evaluation & Output)
Metrics and Evaluation:
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Conducted with students and mental health
professionals
• Feedback Collection: Surveys and Interviews during sprint reviews and retrospectives
• Final CIPP Evaluation:
Figure 12. CIPP Evaluation Model
- Context: Identified need for accessible support
- Input: Designed with appropriate resources and architecture
- Process: Developed using Agile methodologies
- Product: Delivered a system that improves mental health support accessibility and
interaction.
CIPP Framework
CONTEXT INPUT PROCESS PRODUCT
➢ Identified need ➢ Agile Sprint ➢ User Acceptance
➢ System Design
for accessible Execution: Testing (UAT)
Components:
mental health Registration/Login, conducted with
ERD, Class
support. Assessments, students and
Diagrams,
Counseling, professionals.
Wireframes.
➢ Stakeholders: Resource
Users, Management. ➢ Feedback &
➢ Architectural
Counselors, Evaluation:
Design: 3-Tier
Admins. ➢ Development Tools: Surveys, Sprint
➢ system. (Frontend,
Activity Diagrams, Reviews.
Backend,
➢ User Stories: Sequence Diagrams,
Database).
Chat with State Diagrams. ➢ CIPP Framework
professionals, Results:
➢ Planning
take ➢ User Interaction Improved
Resources:
assessments, Mechanisms: Chat accessibility,
Gantt Chart,
browse System, structured
Sprint Timeline.
resources. Appointment support system.
Scheduling.
Figure 13. CIPP Framework