Introduction to eLuma's Teletherapy Survey
As the demand for student mental health services rises, K-12 school leaders face increasing challenges in providing adequate support. Staffing shortages, budget constraints, and logistical hurdles often hinder the delivery of effective in-person therapy.
Special education departments also face these challenges, including a lack of qualified therapists to meet the demand for surging special education referrals. Many schools are exploring teletherapy as a viable alternative to address these issues. Still, they have concerns about its efficacy, affordability, and practicality as a solution to student mental health or related services needs.
To help K-12 leaders understand how peers use and view teletherapy services, we surveyed over 100 school administrators with varying responsibilities of student services on teletherapy usage in their districts. The results offer valuable insights into the current sentiment towards teletherapy in K-12 schools, revealing its benefits and areas for improvement.
Teletherapy Survey Overview
The survey gathered responses from more than 100 qualified participants, including Directors of Counseling, Counseling Coordinators, Directors of Special Education, Student Services Coordinators, and other key decision-makers across various regions in the United States. The participants represent diverse school sizes, levels of affluence, and urbanicity, providing a comprehensive view of teletherapy’s impact.
Key Findings of eLuma’s Teletherapy Survey
Overall Satisfaction
- Virtual therapy received a slightly higher average satisfaction score (3.8) compared to in-person therapy (3.78).
- 81.5% of respondents stated that virtual therapy is equal to or better than in-person therapy, with 39.5% rating it as better and 42% as equal.
Benefits and Advantages
- Addressing Staffing Shortages: 64.4% of respondents noted that virtual therapy effectively addresses staffing shortages.
- Flexible Scheduling: 62.1% highlighted flexibility in scheduling as a significant advantage.
- Increased Efficiency: 60.9% reported improved efficiency in service delivery.
- Improved Collaboration: 50.6% observed better collaboration among staff.
- Student Engagement: 37.9% mentioned improved student engagement.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
- Affordability and Value: Virtual therapy scored lower in affordability and value than in-person therapy.
- Ease of Facilitation: Schools are still adjusting to the teletherapy model, and some cited challenges in facilitation.
Regional and Demographic Insights
- Urban Districts: Urban respondents were the most satisfied with virtual therapy, with an average rating of 4.28 and a Net Promoter Score of 8.9.
- Rural Districts: Rural respondents were most likely to state that virtual therapy helped address the lack of qualified local clinicians.
- Less-Affluent Districts: These districts showed higher satisfaction with virtual therapy, particularly in addressing staffing shortages and staff burnout.
Implications for K-12 School Leaders
The survey results underscore the potential of teletherapy to alleviate critical challenges faced by K-12 schools. Here are some key takeaways for school leaders:
- Addressing Staffing Shortages: Teletherapy provides access to a broader pool of qualified professionals, which is particularly beneficial for rural and less-affluent districts struggling with staffing issues.
- Enhancing Flexibility and Efficiency: Teletherapy’s flexibility in scheduling and increased efficiency of service delivery make it a practical solution for schools looking to optimize their resources and effectively support student needs.
- Adapting to Teletherapy: While there are initial challenges in adapting to teletherapy, schools can overcome these with proper vendor support and training. Emphasizing the convenience and reliability of virtual services can help ease the transition.
- Focusing on Student Engagement: Improving student engagement remains a priority. Schools should seek teletherapy providers that offer engaging and interactive sessions to maximize student outcomes.
Conclusion
Teletherapy presents a promising alternative to in-person therapy for K-12 schools, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in student mental health services.
The positive sentiment reflected in the survey results highlights its potential to become a permanent fixture in school-based support systems.
By leveraging teletherapy’s benefits, school leaders can ensure that every student receives the necessary care and support, regardless of location or budget constraints.
Can you keep up with demand?
If you’re considering teletherapy for your school, eLuma offers a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the unique needs of your students and staff. Contact us today to learn more about how our virtual therapy services can help you provide high-quality, efficient, and accessible support to your students.
