ABSTRACT
Attempts to control COVID-19 pushed mental health providers to offer remote services to engage clients. This article discusses transitions in a student-led behavioral health clinic and has three aims: explore experiences transitioning to telehealth services, examine client mental health and quality of life outcomes, and compare client engagement through no-show and cancellation rates. This study is an evaluation and used a nonexperimental design. Data were collected from clinic students and faculty (n=21) and from clients (n=46). Data were analyzed using directed content analysis and univariate descriptive statistics. Students and faculty encountered few barriers moving services to telehealth. During a pandemic, client symptoms remained stable. No-show and cancellation rates declined following telehealth. Implications for student-led clinics and training are discussed.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes on contributors
Kelli E. Canada
Kelli E. Canada, PhD, LCSW, is an associate professor at the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Social Work.
Danielle Easter
Danielle Easter, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker teaching as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Social Work. Anthony Banks, LMSW, is a current PhD student enrolled at the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Social Work.