ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS: A TELEHEALTH APPROACH FOR RURAL YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The rural young adults between 18 and 25 years are still among the most underserved groups in the systems of global mental health with compounded stigma, provider shortages, geographic isolation, and limited digital infrastructure. The literature review will focus on the importance of telehealth as a tool of increasing access to mental health among this population based on five empirical studies published between the years 2020 and 2024. The study was a synthesis of evidence on qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and conceptual research studies carried out in the United States, Australia, and other global locations using a structured review methodology. The evidence points to the constant moderate to high effectiveness of telehealth interventions in the form of video consultations, smartphone-based applications, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT), and telepsychiatry in terms of minimizing the level of depressive symptoms and improving access to services among rural young adults. Telehealth was discovered to minimize transportation obstacles, enhance adherence to appointments as well as greater parental involvement where applicable. Nevertheless, as the evidence also indicates, there are essential constraints as telehealth itself is not enough when dealing with people with complex neurodevelopmental models. The lack of effective digital connectivity weakens the coverage of services, and the relationship aspects of therapy are more problematic to build in remote modalities. Irrespective of the modality of delivery, stigma, lack of mental health literacy, and confidentiality issues continue to be key impediments to help-seeking among this group of people. It is concluded that telehealth has a high potential as a supplementary approach in the framework of a blended care model of rural young adults but should be supported by structural investments in digital infrastructure, workforce training, and anti-stigmatization efforts.