Telemental health

Abstract

Technology affects many aspects of daily life, and healthcare is no exception. Telecommunications systems make it possible to deliver healthcare at a distance, virtually connecting patients and providers. This method of healthcare service delivery, generally referred to as telemedicine, is increasingly used for a wide range of medical applications. As mental healthcare relies predominantly on conversation and observation, telemental health has been one of the most popular applications for telemedicine. Telemental health has particular relevance to meeting the mental healthcare needs of adolescents in a time of limited and maldistributed resources. Beyond increasing access, teens may prefer this approach to receiving care as it appeals to their integration of digital media into their lives and provides a level of anonymity and control not appreciated in traditional models of care. This chapter reviews the legal, regulatory, technical, and clinical aspects of telemental health practice with youth.