College Student Preferences of Telepsychiatry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Objective

To identify differences in preferences related to telepsychiatry among college students who have and have not been diagnosed with a mental health condition in the last year.

Participants

Students (n = 537) at a medium-sized Midwestern university (Mage = 21 years; 71% female).

Methods

A quantitative, causal-comparative design using an adapted version of the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Differences in preferences among groups were analyzed by chi-square and Cramer’s V analyses with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Students did not differ in their preferences or perceptions (confidentiality, time, cost, effectiveness) of face-to-face in-person compared to telecommunication treatment environments despite their mental health history. A majority of students (76%) would prefer seeing their regular provider if using telepsychiatry in the future.

Conclusions

Implementing a higher education telepsychiatry model, especially within college health centers, could help students’ access much-needed services while breaking down barriers such as transportation and wait lists.

Print ISSN

0744-8481

Publication Title

Journal of American College Health

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2021.1908305

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