Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Provider Assessment of Telehealth Effectiveness for Adult and Adolescent Service Provision During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study examined behavioral health clinician perceptions at the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding their preparedness, training, and effectiveness in delivering telehealth to adults and adolescents in substance use and mental health settings. Methods: Data were collected through an anonymous online survey of 241 behavioral health practitioners in Pennsylvania from November 17, 2020, to January 3, 2021. Quantitative descriptive and qualitative analyses on survey results are presented. Results: Clinicians believed they were effective in their delivery of therapeutic services through telehealth modalities. However, they noted key training needs for delivering telehealth. Results indicate greater difficulty in delivering telehealth to adolescent clients and those with substance use. Practitioners indicate that telehealth allows greater access to treatment. Conclusions: Researchers recommend increasing training for practitioners and conducting training for patients. Policies should be reconsidered and address the changing landscape of behavioral health service provision.