School-based tele-behavioral health interventions are generally acceptable to patients and families and show promise for improving behavioral health outcomes and access to care.
Background
The U. S. is facing a youth behavioral health crisis, yet many children and youth lack access to appropriate care, and behavioral health conditions are frequently undertreated. School-based tele-behavioral health is one strategy for enhancing behavioral health access for underserved populations as it can help overcome access barriers, such as provider shortages and transportation challenges. This scoping review sought to understand key characteristics, effectiveness, and implementation facilitators/barriers of school-based tele-behavioral health programs.
Findings
Tele-behavioral health programs support a range of behavioral health services, including patient assessments, consultation, therapy, and medication management. This review of 18 studies found that eight included qualitative or quantitative intervention outcomes. Overall, included studies found high levels of patient and family satisfaction with telehealth. The review also found some evidence of improved behavioral health outcomes, such as quantitative and qualitative reductions in targeted behaviors, reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms, and reduced depression symptoms. One study found evidence of more timely access to care (i.e., reduced time to follow up, and increased rate of follow-up within 30 days) for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. More high-quality research on program outcomes and factors impacting effective implementation is needed.
Program/Policy Takeaways
School-based tele-behavioral health is a feasible and acceptable solution for increasing access to care, and there is some evidence that such programs support improved health outcomes. Policymakers may consider how to support schools and providers in implementing and sustaining school-based tele-behavioral health programs to increase access to youth behavioral health services.
