Improving access to mental health care through telemental health services during and after COVID-19
Official title: Provision of high quality telemental health care during COVID-19 and beyond
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10993085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how phone and video mental health services can help Veterans get the care they need, and it wants to find out which method works best for different situations, so that all Veterans can receive the best support possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2HX003427-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans seeking mental health care who may face barriers to traditional in-person appointments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to telecommunication devices or who prefer in-person care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how telemental health (TMH) services, delivered via phone or video, can enhance access to mental health care for Veterans. It aims to identify the quality differences between phone, video, and in-person care, especially for complex cases and different types of appointments. By analyzing patient preferences and the effectiveness of these modalities, the research seeks to inform better mental health care delivery methods. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Veterans receive the most effective care possible, regardless of their circumstances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health care access and quality for Veterans, making it easier for them to receive the support they need.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telehealth approaches can effectively increase access to care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Connolly, Samantha L — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Connolly, Samantha L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.