COVID‐19 pandemic‐related transition to telehealth in child and adolescent mental health

• Published date: 01 February 2022
• Author: Leslie K. Moorman
• Date: 01 February 2022
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12588

LESSONS FROM THE FIELD

COVID-19 pandemic-related transition to telehealth

in child and adolescent mental health

Leslie K. Moorman

Family Science and Human Development,

Montclair State University, Montclair,

New Jersey, USA

Correspondence

Leslie K. Moorman, Family Science and

Human Development, Montclair State

University, University Hall, Room 4144,

1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.

Email: moormanl1@montclair.edu

Abstract

Introduction: This article explores one mental health comp-

any’s urgent response to the global COVID-19 pandemic,

and the multifaceted implications of quickly transitioning

to telehealth services.

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to share information

with interdisciplinary professionals about the planning, imple-

mentation, and results of transitioning to telehealth services

during a pandemic.

Procedures: We compiled practice-related data regarding

company attendance rates and customer and employee sat-

isfaction with telehealth. Data include feedback from more

than 40 clinicians and 60 families.

Results: The data suggest there are both benefits and limita-

tions to engaging in telehealth services within a mental health

company. Attendance rates increased dramatically, engage-

ment improved with adolescents but proved challenging with

the younger children. Telehealth helped overcome many typi-

cal barriers to mental health treatment. Concerns remain

regarding confidentiality, assessment of abuse and neglect,

and ability to read nonverbal social cues.

Conclusion: Families and practitioners experienced the conve-

nience and benefits of telehealth but also expressed concerns

over certain limitations. Finding a responsible way to incorpo-

rate telehealth into practice postpandemic is a priority for men-

tal health practitioners, both now and in the immediate future.

KEYWORDS

Covid-19, outpatient mental health, telehealth

INTRODUCTION

As the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Cooperative Counseling Services (CCS), a child

and adolescent mental health company in New Jersey and an emerging scholar pursuing my

Received: 18 May 2020Revised: 8 November 2020Accepted: 20 February 2021

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12588

© 2021 National Council on Family Relations.

Family Relations. 2022;71:7–17.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare 7