College student preferences of telepsychiatry.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in preferences related to telepsychiatry among college students who have and have not been diagnosed with a mental health condition in the last year.

PARTICIPANTS: Students ( n  = 537) at a medium-sized Midwestern university ( M age = 21 years; 71% female).

METHODS: A quantitative, causal-comparative design using an adapted version of the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Differences in preferences among groups were analyzed by chi-square and Cramer's V analyses with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS: Students did not differ in their preferences or perceptions (confidentiality, time, cost, effectiveness) of face-to-face in-person compared to telecommunication treatment environments despite their mental health history. A majority of students (76%) would prefer seeing their regular provider if using telepsychiatry in the future.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a higher education telepsychiatry model, especially within college health centers, could help students' access much-needed services while breaking down barriers such as transportation and wait lists.