Data from: Adult experts’ perceptions of telemental health for youth: a Delphi study

Objectives: Our objectives were to measure experts’ opinions and develop
consensus via the Delphi process on the barriers, applications, and
concerns associated with telemental health (TMH) for youth. Materials and
methods: We delivered 3 online surveys over 2 months in Summer, 2016–2025
adult experts, including adults who experienced youth depression or
suicidality, parents of youth with lived experience, and professionals (ie
youth mental health researchers, clinicians/staff, or educators). We used
the Delphi method to construct Likert and open-ended questions, developing
expert consensus over 3 iterative surveys on the barriers and benefits of
TMH for youth. Results: Adult experts identified stigma and knowledge
barriers to youth mental health care. Although TMH is perceived as
beneficial for screening, education, follow-up, and emotional support, no
single delivery method (eg websites or instant messaging) was deemed
universally beneficial. Discussion: Adults are the developers,
administrators, and gatekeepers of youth mental health care. Although
adult experts see potential for TMH to supplement traditional therapy via
familiar technologies, there is no consensus on the technologies by which
TMH should be delivered. However, there is consensus that family members
and friends provide potential pathways to care; thus, an online TMH
toolkit for youth would be beneficial for both caretakers and
practitioners. Conclusion: Telemental health may not overcome barriers for
crisis management but adult experts agreed that TMH had potential benefits
for youth. Health care organizations should conduct research and provide
training and education to youth caretakers and practitioners on potential
barriers and benefits of TMH technologies for youth.