Psychiatric Treatment Conducted via Telemedicine Versus In-Person Modality in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

School-Based Tele-Behavioral Health: A Scoping Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Telehealth utilization exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, including within school-based health programs. School-based tele-behavioral health can help programs overcome barriers of access to care, but the current state and effectiveness of such programs are unknown.

METHODS

A scoping literature review was conducted. Studies were included if they described in-school behavioral health services delivered via telehealth for children ages 5 to 18. From the included studies, population, location, setting, intervention, telehealth modality, clinician type, and outcomes assessed were extracted.

FINDINGS

Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. All described psychotherapy or medication management delivered by psychologists (n = 7) and/or psychiatrists (n = 11). Treatment included psychotherapy (N = 8), psychiatric consultation (N = 7), medication management (N = 4), crisis stabilization (N = 1), and caregiver education (N = 1). Eight studies provide qualitative or quantitative outcomes, with 4 examining clinical effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limited findings in the literature, school-based tele-behavioral health is feasible, effective, and acceptable for delivery of behavioral health care to children and adolescents.