Telemental Health in Today's Rural Health System

Authors

David Lambert PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center
John A. Gale MS, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Anush Yousefian Hansen MS, MA, University of Southern MaineFollow
Zachariah T. Croll BA, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
David Hartley PhD, MHA, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

12-2013

Keywords

Telemental Health, mental health care, health care access, rural health, MRHRC

Abstract

Telemental health has long been promoted in rural areas to address chronic access barriers to mental health care. While support and enthusiasm for telemental health in rural areas remains quite high, we lack a clear picture of the reality of telemental health in rural areas, compared to its promise. This Research & Policy Brief reports on the first part of our study—the online survey of 53 telemental health programs—and describes the organizational setting, services provided, and the staff mix of these programs. We draw from our telephone interviews with 23 of these programs to help describe the organizational context of telemental health programs.

Comments

Policy Brief No. 51

Grant Number

CA#U1CRH03716

Recommended Citation

Lambert, D., Gale, J., Hansen, A. Y., Croll, Z., & Hartley, D. (2013). Telemental health in today's rural health system. (Research & Policy Brief PB-51). Portland, ME: University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center.