Introduction to Telehealth in Psychological Services
摘要
Telepsychology, the provision of psychological services via telecommunication technologies, has evolved as a modern modality for mental health care. This chapter reviews the historical development, empirical efficacy, and practical implications of telepsychology. It integrates evidence from meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and emerging digital health research. Findings consistently demonstrate that telepsychology achieves clinical outcomes comparable to in-person psychotherapy across disorders and populations, while expanding accessibility for underserved groups. However, challenges persist regarding equity, technological barriers, cultural and linguistic adaptation, and ethical standards for privacy and competence. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed unprecedented adoption and regulatory flexibility, establishing telepsychology as a durable model of care. Future directions highlight integrative approaches that combine telehealth with virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and hybrid care models. Together, these innovations underscore telepsychology’s growing potential to enhance access, personalization, and continuity of care, provided that clinicians, policymakers, and researchers address its ethical, cultural, and technological complexities.