Telemental Health: Digital Disruption and the Opportunity to Expand Care

Abstract

Telemental health, which involves clinicians connecting remotely to patients via teleconferencing, has seen growing interest. In addition to providing in-home treatment, this technology allows specialists to provide care in remote and underserved areas. Current research suggests that both patients and clinicians are satisfied with telemental health services and that it is comparable in terms of quality to in-person care. Nonetheless, concerns still exist regarding its effects on the role of clinicians and the care they provide.

Keywords: mobile technology; telemedicine; telemental health; telepsychiatry; video conferencing.