Electronic Communication, Telehealth, and Social Media
Explosive growth of communication technologies and increased ubiquity of Internet access in both urban and rural communities and particularly in youth have occurred. Coupled with concerns regarding limitations to traditional service provision models, researchers and practitioners are looking to affordable, acceptable technologies to expand the reach of evidence-based care and reduce barriers to intervention and unmet need in areas with few providers. This chapter describes the present literature on use of video teleconferencing, web-based programs, social media, and smartphone apps to enhance mental health intervention delivery, psychiatric assessment, and training and supervision. The strengths of the various delivery methods are discussed for providing empirically supported mental healthcare, focusing on implications related to science and practice with children and families. Outlined also are current limitations, risks, and challenges to technology-mediated services, including the significant gaps in the evidence base underlying these technologies and the legal, ethical, and safety issues that remain.