Keywords

Telepsychiatry; Indian-American; Caregiver; Parent; Adolescent

Abstract

Adolescent mental health concerns have risen sharply in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in mental health care access, with telehealth having become a central mode of care delivery. With adolescent telehealth, caregiver involvement has shown to improve treatment adherence and outcomes. Little is known, however, about how Indian American caregivers experience and navigate their adolescent’s virtual mental health care. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions, expectations, and attitudes of Indian American family caregivers regarding adolescent telepsychiatry and caregivers’ involvement. In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with Indian American caregivers of adolescents who completed at least one telepsychiatry visit within the previous 12 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed through a qualitative, thematic approach. Interviewees indicated that telepsychiatry was initially necessary for access and continues to be convenient for care. Caregivers reported tensions surrounding adolescent confidentiality and identified home privacy constraints as affecting adolescent openness and session confidentiality. Participants described telehealth as less emotionally personal than in-person care. In addition, a fear of community stigma hinders the caregiver’s desire to seek out additional avenues of support. Caregivers emphasized concerns about being excluded from clinical decision-making, but transparent communication and structured inclusion (such as beginning and ending sessions with caregivers present) strengthened trust in providers. These findings highlight the complex intersection of culture, technology, and family dynamics in Indian American adolescent telepsychiatry, and underscore the need for culturally responsive practices that balance adolescent autonomy with meaningful caregiver involvement.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Miller, Ann

College

College of Sciences

Department

Nicholson School of Communicarion

Thesis Discipline

Communications

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

5 years

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright