Acceptance and Use of Telepsychology from the Clients Perspective: Questionnaire Study to Document Perceived Advantages and Barriers

Abstract

Background: Telepsychology is increasingly being incorporated in clinical practice, being offered in many psychotherapy centers, especially after the impact of the pandemic. However, there seems to be a remarkable discrepancy between the offer, or interest in, and real-world uptake of e-mental health interventions among the population. A critical precondition is clients willingness to accept and use telepsychology, although this issue has thus far been overlooked in research. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine people s acceptance and use of telepsychology by adopting an extended model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) that integrates perceived telepsychology advantages and barriers, usefulness perceptions, behavioral intention, and telepsychology use. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 514 participants. Structural equation models were computed to test a mediation model. Results: Results supported the UTAUT model to explain participants acceptance and use of telepsychology. They showed a causal chain in which perceived telepsychology advantages and barriers were related to telepsychology use through the perceived usefulness of and intention to use telepsychology. Conclusions: Telepsychology use may be explained according to the UTAUT model when coupled with participants perceptions of telepsychology advantages and barriers. Mental health stakeholders could consider these factors in order to increase the acceptance and use of telepsychology.