Time-limited model of an evidence-based telemental health intervention in a graduate student mental health program

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of a time-limited, evidence-based telemental health (TMH) intervention delivered within a Graduate Student Mental Health program at a northeastern U.S. university between August 2022 and January 2023. Standard measures of depression and anxiety were collected at pre- and post-treatment and supplemented with electronic health record data for 28 participants who initiated and completed treatment. The program consisted of 12 weekly, 45-minute individual psychotherapy sessions delivered via a HIPAA-compliant virtual platform. Feasibility was assessed using enrollment and retention, and acceptability was assessed using engagement indicators, including attendance rates. Thirty-eight students initiated treatment, and 28 completed the program (73.6% retention), with an average attendance of 9.79 of 12 sessions (SD = 2.91). Significant pre-to post-treatment reductions were observed in depression scores, (M = 9.61, SD = 5.24) to M = 5.46, SD = 3.78); t (27) = 5.50, p = < .001), d = 1.04 and anxiety scores (M = 9.93, SD = 4.83) to M = 5.54, SD = 3.81); t (27) = 5.41, p = < .001), d = 1.02. These findings provide preliminary evidence that a time-limited TMH model may be a feasible and acceptable intervention for graduate students experiencing psychological distress; however, the small, self-selected, non-randomized sample and the absence of a control group limit conclusions about effectiveness and generalizability. In the context of substantial mental health needs and barriers to care in university settings, the results highlight the potential value of scalable TMH programs for expanding access to treatment among graduate students.