Paving the Path for Tele–Mental Health Services: Transitions in a Student-Led Behavioral Health Clinic During COVID-19

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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.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work is, in part, supported by a Richard Wallace Faculty Incentive grant through the University of Missouri Alumni Association.

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.