Postdeployment Behavioral Health Screening: Face-to-Face Versus Virtual Behavioral Health Interviews

As part of the Europe Regional Medical Command Telemedicine Program, 307 Army service members were surveyed shortly after a one-year deployment to Iraq regarding their preferences for behavioral health (BH) services either virtually (VTC) or in-person. Modality preferences were explored by examining BH symptoms, satisfaction rates, stigma, barriers to care, and preferences for future use. Although there were no significant differences in satisfaction between the two modalities, differences were reported in future preferences. Further, those with higher levels of depression and anxiety were more likely to express a preference for face-to-face services rather than VTC.