"Southern Californian Clinicians’ Perspectives of Online Treatment for " by Sandra Mcintyre

Date of Conferral

1-27-2025

Degree

Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)

School

Human Services

Advisor

Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

Treatment for eating disorders in adolescents is constantly changing and improving. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a major transition to telehealth treatment. Studies on the efficacy and experience of telehealth have mainly focused on clients and families, leaving out clinician perspectives. Little research has also been done on how telehealth can be improved on now that it is more commonly used. Lewin’s field theory formed the framework for this qualitative study to explore clinicians’ suggestions to improve telehealth treatment for eating disorders. Ten specialized mental health clinicians provided data collected using two sequenced questionnaires. Analysis of the data showed that all clinicians are utilizing telehealth when treating adolescents with eating disorders and feel that it is effective but also feel that in-person treatment cannot be replaced. Clinicians recommended systemic improvements to licensing and practice across state lines as well as technological advancements to increase the efficacy and accessibility of telehealth care. Clinically, participants identified that they could work toward setting strong boundaries and expectations prior to and during sessions, preparing for difficult scenarios, and continuing their own education on best practices when utilizing telehealth modalities. This study contributes to social change by highlighting the current drawbacks to telehealth treatment and proposing changes that can minimize these drawbacks. The use of telehealth will only increase in the future, and it will be important to fully understand how to maximize its benefits to provide the best possible care for clients.

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