Incorporating telehealth into health service psychology training: A mixed-method study of student perspectives

Abstract

Objective Telehealth is increasingly recognized as an avenue for enhancing psychologists’ capacities to meet the mental health needs of a diverse and underserved (due to barriers e.g., distance, transportation) public. The present study sought to inform training in telepsychology (i.e., telehealth delivery of psychological services) by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of doctoral students who have already been involved in such training. Method A total of 19 predoctoral students from two universities, with at least some experience in telepsychology training, provided their perspectives on two complementary research questions: (1) How do students perceive their level of competence in various domains of telepsychology?; and (2) What are students’ perspectives on the process of telepsychology competency development during their doctoral training? Results The results of our study provide early evidence that doctoral trainees are able to develop telepsychology competencies and suggest that a supportive, training-oriented environment and fit between telepsychology and existing programmatic areas of emphasis are likely key to success. Conclusions Continued efforts to enhance training in providing telepsychology services should focus on how to best define, measure, and promote competency development in this emerging specialty area.

Evaluating the Implementation of a Mental Health App for Overseas Filipino Workers in Macao China: A Mixed-Methods Study of Stakeholders’ Perspectives

“…Interview audio-recordings were transcribed by the e-helper who did the interview within 2 weeks from the interview then sent to the clinical supervisor and research coordinators. Following a Rapid Evaluation and Assessment Method ( 35 ) that was used in a similar evaluation study ( 36 ), the lead author with a doctoral degree in psychology and mixed-method research experience read each transcript and summarized the information into a table for each participant using a deductive content analysis approach (i.e., promotional channel and initial expectation). This summary table was sent to other research team members and clinical supervisors for iterative analysis and discussion using an inductive content analysis method, in which the interpretation focused on the explicit data given by the participants ( 37 , 38 ).…”

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“…Postdoctoral students performing telepsychology faced technical difficulties and inadequate connectivity. They also had difficulty deciding whether to provide services to a client unsuitable for outpatient telepsychology, but they had few other options (Dopp et al 2021). Telepsychology group training was not without its challenges, and mainly family interruptions were more common than inperson training.…”

Online conferencing platforms as operational tools by health professionals: A pilot study

“…Telehealth has also benefited the psychology profession, where treatment includes diagnostic interviews, assessment and supervision (Dopp et al, 2021). Telehealth can provide mental health services online and help address the feelings of isolation, anxiety, exhaustion and depression experienced by patients.…”