Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Derek Rohde

Abstract

One of the challenges brought on by the recent COVID-19 pandemic has been the promotion and use of telehealth services. While recent data from Medicare has depicted an increase in this new service delivery modality (over 4,000%), there has been a stark disparity in the use of telehealth services in lower socioeconomic demographics, such as rural and underrepresented communities, and among Medicare recipients. Equitable, consistent, and optimal service expansion of the telehealth modality requires therapists and leaders of behavioral health organizations to develop and deploy creative tactics to remedy this disparity. In this case study, leaders of Miss Emma's Behavioral Health Center (MEBHC; pseudonym) explored the challenges mentioned above in availing this innovative pathway to behavioral health wellness in low-use and socioeconomic communities in their locus of control. In addition to validating the overall efficacy of behavioral telehealth solutions, this study uncovered the barriers to increased engagement of members in low socioeconomic and underserved demographics in the mid-Atlantic region of the east coast. A critical outcome of the study was the development of MEBHC strategies to create and increase access to existing and new clients, thus potentially reducing the disparities and inequities in providing behavioral health services to clients with mental health challenges. These validated strategies and tactics can then be replicated and availed to clients and potential clients in other demographics and markets in various U.S. regions leading to positive social change. Core values extracted from the Baldrige performance excellence framework were used to assess and evaluate solutions gleaned from MEBHC leadership, individually, and as a team.

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