The potential of telemental health in improving access to mental health services in Lebanon: Analysis of barriers, opportunities, and recommendations

Abstract

Mental Health Disorders (MHD) represent a serious public health issue in Lebanon. While MHDs are highly prevalent, access to Mental Health Services (MHS) is considerably low. Telemental Health (TMH) may mitigate this gap by remotely delivering MHS using information and communications technologies. TMH has not yet been adequately explored in Lebanon. We analyze the potential of TMH to improve MHS access and highlight implementation barriers and opportunities on patient, clinician, and systemic levels. TMH provides direct solutions to patient, clinician, and systemic challenges. TMH implementation has its own barriers, including lack of research and training on TMH and financial, technological, and infrastructural limitations. However, the usefulness, adaptability and scalability of TMH, the expressed interest in telehealth by the Ministry of Public Health and the growing global momentum around TMH are opportunities for adoption in Lebanon. Partnerships between CBOs, private, and governmental institutions are essential to develop, implement, and sustain TMH programs.