Guidelines for Establishing a Telemental Health Program to Provide Evidence-Based Therapy for Trauma-Exposed Children and Families
Date
2014
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Psychological services
Abstract
While similar rates of traumatic experiences exist in both rural and urban settings, mental health
resources available to those living in rural areas are often scarce. Limited resources pose a
problem for children and families living in rural areas, and several barriers to service access and
utilization exist including reduced anonymity, few “after-hours” services, decreased availability of
evidence-based treatments, few specialty clinics, and expenses associated with travel, taking time
off work, and provision of childcare. As a solution, the authors discuss the utility, use, and set-up
of a telemental health program through an existing community outreach program. Suggestions for
establishing a telemental health clinic are presented along guidelines for the delivery of traumafocused, cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) via telemental health videoconferencing
technology. Specific guidelines discussed include (1) establishing and utilizing community
partnerships, (2) Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), (3) equipment setup and technological
resources, (4) videoconferencing software, (5) physical setup, (6) clinic administration, (7) service
reimbursement and start-up costs, (8) therapy delivery modifications, and (9) delivering culturally
competent services to rural and remote areas.
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Keywords
telemedicine, telemental health, barriers to treatment, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, underserved communities, rural areas, therapy
Citation
Jones, A. M., Shealy, K. M., Reid-Quiñones, K., Moreland, A. D., Davidson, T. M., López, C. M., ... & de Arellano, M. A. (2014). Guidelines for establishing a telemental health program to provide evidence-based therapy for trauma-exposed children and families. Psychological services, 11(4), 398.