Clinical and Information Services Needed by Telemental Health Providers

Purpose: To identify clinical and informational services that telemental health (TMH) providers need to be more successful in their practice.

Methods: In February–March 2021, 472 TMH providers completed a cross-sectional survey. Providers indicated the degree to which they need clinical (e.g., build therapeutic alliances) and informational (e.g., learn about regulatory changes) services. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine differences in needs according to when telemedicine was adopted.

Results: TMH providers neutrally-to-somewhat agreed they could benefit from clinical (M = 3.24; standard deviation [SD] = 0.78) and informational (M = 3.66; SD = 0.82) services. Prepandemic TMH providers reported a greater need for services that help them cultivate relationships with patients, monitor health conditions, and to remain updated about reimbursement processes.

Conclusion: All TMH providers could benefit from information about the latest trends and best practices in telemedicine. Prepandemic providers could benefit most from policy-related updates and patient-engagement services.