Date of Submission

2023

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department Chair

Jessica Kendorski, PhD, BCBA-D

First Advisor

Richard Allen, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D

Second Advisor

Meredith Weber, PhD, ABPP, NCSP

Third Advisor

Jean-Pierre Assouad, PsyD

Abstract

Due to the demands of an ongoing pandemic, telehealth services have become increasingly popular particularly in the field of psychology. Teletherapy services are used on a regular basis by healthcare professionals and studies on teletherapy use in adults have shown that it is efficacious, convenient, and practical. However, prior to this study, there was a significant gap in literature about the use of teletherapy in children and adolescents. This study aimed to fill this gap in literature by providing data on how parents perceive teletherapy when compared to in-person therapy for their children. The data for this study was collected through a qualitative survey of parents whose children have utilized both in-person therapy services and teletherapy services. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and indicated that parents perceive teletherapy to be as effective as in-person therapy. Additionally, parents rated it high for ease of use and convenience. However, technological challenges and attentional challenges were considered to be negative factors associated with teletherapy. Despite these barriers, the majority of parents indicated that they would continue to use teletherapy services.

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