Telemental Health Through a Racial Justice and Health Equity Lens

Abstract

Telehealth has become an increasingly popular method of delivery of health-related services. Under the umbrella of telehealth lies telemental health (TMH). Although this type of modality has been around for quite some time, it was not until the arrival of Covid-19 during 2020-2021 that the United States healthcare system began to fully accept, embrace, and implement TMH. Due to public health restrictions related to Covid-19, in person therapy and other social services were prohibited (or restricted) thus relying on TMH. This article discusses the link between a racial justice lens, minority stress theory, health equity and identifies barriers/challenges in telemental health that do not reflect equity in health for racial minorities including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Latinx communities, and all communities of color.

Keywords: Health Equity, Mental Health, Racial Justice, Telehealth, Telemental Health, Social Work

JEL Classification: I14