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Web-based depression screening and psychiatric consultation for college students: a feasibility and acceptability
Aya Williams1, Rachel Larocca1, Trina Chang1
1Massachusetts General Hospital Depression Clinical and Research Program, One Bowdoin Square 6th floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Summary
Web-based screening and psychiatric consultations via Skype are feasible for college students experiencing depression. Participants found this method acceptable and useful for understanding their mental health.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Telemedicine
- Higher Education
Background:
- Rising depression rates impact college students' well-being.
- Need for accessible mental health services in higher education.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess feasibility and acceptability of web-based screening and consultation for depressed college students.
- Evaluate the use of Skype for psychiatric consultations.
Main Methods:
- Online screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
- Web-based psychiatric consultations offered via Skype for positive screens or suicidal ideation.
- Satisfaction questionnaire to assess acceptability of the method.
Main Results:
- 972 students screened online; 285 tested positive for depression.
- 17 students completed Skype consultations.
- 76.4% found the consultation useful; 88.2% believed videoconferencing is effective for psychiatric care.
Conclusions:
- Online technologies can deliver depression screening and psychiatric consultation to college students.
- Participating students reported positive experiences with web-based mental health services.
- Future research should address participation barriers and data confidentiality in videoconferencing platforms.
