Patient Preferences for Telemental Health Care in a Federally Qualified Health Center

Objective: This cross-sectional study evaluated whether preferences for attending mental health visits virtually or in-person vary by demographics and identified factors influencing these preferences among federally qualified health center (FQHC) patients. Methods: FQHC patients (N = 350) completed a satisfaction survey of their mental health care experiences in 2022. Demographic data were obtained from the electronic health record. Fisher's Exact tests were used to determine whether modality preferences (phone, video, or in-person) varied across demographic factors. Open-ended comments were qualitatively evaluated using an inductive approach to identify themes related to modality preferences. Results: Modality preferences varied by age and language (p's <0.02) but not race and gender (p's >0.36). Reasons for modality preferences fell within six themes: (1) convenience, (2) connection, (3) transportation/accessibility, (4) health concerns, (5) caretaking responsibilities, and (6) technology. Conclusion: These findings clarify the reasons FQHC patients prefer telemental health care and identify gaps in its usage.