Utilising telemental health in a paediatric outpatient psychology clinic: Therapeutic alliance and outcomes

Abstract

The benefits of telehealth for both patients and clinicians are well established, but little is known about patient therapeutic alliance with telehealth for mental health (TMH) services. In the present study, 50 paediatric patients participated in rating therapeutic alliance after receiving psychological services via videoconferencing or in person. Results indicated paediatric patients rated a high level of therapeutic alliance following psychological services provided through either modality. TMH resulted in higher show rates and allowed access to care for paediatric patients who may have otherwise gone unserved due to a variety of factors. Overall, results support that TMH was well received by paediatric patients and suggest it is an effective modality for providing mental health services to paediatric patients who would otherwise not have access to care due to barriers.