The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated sudden and radical changes in the mental health service delivery system, as strict physical distancing and lockdown measures were imposed in the early phases of the pandemic. With an unprecedented rise in consumption of mental health services, coupled with lockdown restrictions, practitioners were forced to transfer their face-to-face mental health services to online services. To understand the implications of this drastic change for mental health service delivery, and to improve the online care offerings, a case of a mental health practitioner who offer probono mental health services to diverse clientele in the African region and beyond is presented. Findings indicate that technological and usability problems pose a significant challenge, as do difficulties to establish rapport with clients. Moreover, not all mental health issues and treatment forms are equally amenable to online interaction. However, the practitioner was positive about the effectiveness of treatment, and reported flexibility, a lower threshold for contact, and lack of travel time as advantages. His most prominent needs concern better technological, organizational, and logistical support. In addition, current results inform future research on the improvement of e-mental health technologies.
Maziti, EmmanuelChigevenga, Rosemary
Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development
Year of publication: 2024Date of RADAR deposit: 2024-08-01