Telepsychology outcome research with children and adolescents: A review of the literature.

Abstract

Using technology as a service medium has been touted as a potentially feasible and effective alternative and/or adjunct to in-person services. The telepsychology literature has given less attention to children and adolescents in comparison to adults. This review provides a summary and critique of the empirical research focused on psychological services provided to children and adolescents using three technology media (i.e., videoconferencing, Internet, and telephone). The evidentiary support for providing services with each of these media for a range of concerns is encouraging. The quantity and quality of research, however, both need to be enhanced to better understand how technology mediates the provision of youth services, as well as to elevate telepsychology within professional psychology. Future research and its subsequent impact on policy and practice are considered.

Teleneuropsychology: Evidence for Video Teleconference-Based Neuropsychological Assessment

“…An important area for further development is the application of teleneuropsychology and telepsychology to children, wherein very little research has been done (e.g., see Sloan, Reese, & McClellan, 2012). Teleneuropsychology services require additional considerations for implementation in research and clinical settings, although initial guidelines and practice recommendations now exist (e.g., see American Psychological Association, 2013; Turvey et al, 2013; Grosch et al, 2012), and the future appears bright for the application of neuropsychological procedures in the rapidly evolving telehealthcare scene.…”

Telecare as Institutional Interaction: Checking up on the Client and Creating Continuity

“…An important question is how telecare services, such as Home Screen, would function and if it would be appropriate in contexts that comprise a great deal of institutional control and assessment; for example in child protection. Alternatively, the suitability of telecare when working with young people deserves discussion (Slone, Reese & McClellan, 2012). For them, Home Screen is likely to present a familiar mode of communication.…”

Web-Based Parent Training Intervention With Telephone Coaching for Disruptive Behavior in 4-Year-Old Children in Real-World Practice: Implementation Study (Preprint)

“…Technology-based interventions can also remove the barriers associated with the face-to-face interventions and enable people to seek help for mental health problems without fear of being stigmatized [6,28,29]. From the families' point of view, technology can offer faster and more flexible services without the need for transport, juggling work schedules, arranging childcare or the practical cost of accessing services.…”