Telehealth in the Federal Bureau of Prisons: Inmates' perceptions

Nationally, correctional psychologists are being asked to use behavioral telehealth interventions with mentally ill inmates. Beyond anecdotal stories, no information is available on which inmates might be best suited for such interventions. This article examines inmates' (N = 75) satisfaction with telehealth consultations, reporting initial satisfaction with the consultation process, more comfort with the process over time, and a willingness to return for follow-up. Inmates with thought disorders and inmates with mood disorders were satisfied with telehealth, but difficulties were noted when inmates became frustrated and angry. These difficulties may be accommodated by technological upgrades and spending more time preparing inmates for consultation.