Telemedicine in Mental Health Care: Therapists' Perspectives on Remote Appointments.

Abstract

Objective: The use of telemedicine has soared in recent years. In this study, the authors explored perspectives of Israeli mental health professionals on the use of telemedicine for mental health services.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 mental health professionals recruited from a health maintenance organization (HMO) in Israel's public health system. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed in an iterative method to code and identify themes and categories.

Results: Most of the participants viewed telemedicine positively, as a way to enable care when in-person visits were not possible, and favored its implementation alongside in-person visits. The providers agreed that video appointments were superior to telephone appointments. Difficulties raised included technical and privacy issues; benefits included the ability to see patients in their home environments. The therapists who set minimal guidelines for video appointments found the process to be effective; those who did not set guidelines found that their patients were less focused. The participants felt that they could effectively connect with their patients via video, particularly once a relationship had been established in person. Whereas some of the providers had received training specific to telemedicine, others had learned on the job.

Conclusions: The results highlighted the growing acceptance and effectiveness of telemedicine in facilitating continuity of mental health care, particularly when combined with in-person appointments. HMOs may consider a hybrid model, offering telemedicine to patients who may benefit from it. Continued training and support for providers is crucial to optimize delivery of mental health care via telemedicine.