Table 4.

Examples of qualitative responses.

Questions and categories		Sample responses
Patients’ perception of the TMHa format
	Positive attitudes toward the format and program	“I thought it was nice… I don’t mind the telehealth format. It was a lot organized. Each group was timed very well. I thought it was very pleasant for the most part” “I was really happy with it. In fact I still use telehealth to communicate with my other providers. This is really good. I am really thankful and grateful for it.”
	Increased access to treatment	“I am glad I had the option to continue receiving treatment via telehealth during COVID” “I think it was really good especially because I live in Michigan so it would be challenging to find a different program.”
	Treatment was effective and beneficial	“I thought it was weird starting off but actually it was still just like being in a room full of people. Honestly, I think it saved my life.” “So that is the positive of video format to use the skills immediately in my home environment.”
	Increased social support	“it was good to see other people over video” “It’s nice to see everyone while still feeling safe.”
	Preferred in-person format	“For me it is easier to do it in person. I think I would get more out of the program if it is in person.” “I very much prefer face to face. It felt more welcoming. With video you can only answer the questions. there couldn’t really be a discussion like if we have face to face and sitting in the same room.”
	Technological issues	“It was just hard to log on sometimes.” “A few times I was disconnected but that could have been on my end”
	Negative attitudes towards the format and program	“I didn’t like it. I don’t like video format.”
Most valuable part of the TMH format and the program
	Social support	“Being able to still see other patients in group via Zoom.” “You get to interact with everyone still just like when you are in person.”
	Learning coping skills	“It gave me tools to overcome depression and anxiety. It gave you the tools, it just you have to learn and use it.” “You learned so much. It’s not like information overload. I’m someone who learns that way. The coping skills and being able to be honest were phenomenal.”
	The convenience that TMH offers	“The flexibility that we could do it from anywhere.” “Just being able to continue receiving therapy and not being cut off because of COVID. It is good to have it as an option.”
	No valuable experience	“I didn’t really value the program because it was in the video format.”
Recommendations for future improvement
	Improvement on the technology or TMH delivery process	“Using more of the Zoom features such as the whiteboard.” “There are ways where you could have people type on the screen, I would actually use that feature more on Zoom.”
	Improvement on therapy materials	“I found a few easy things that will make the binder easier, maybe some tabs to find things [easier]” “Maybe just making sure that we get the binder and number the pages. Or maybe give the blank copy of the materials. Maybe improving the structure of the binder. And maybe to be able to send the powerpoint and all the learning tools.”
	Improvement on therapeutic process or delivery	“Maybe allow for more collaboration among the patients. They did that though in DBT group but maybe a bit more.” “The provider should be organized and know what they are teaching and explaining. Other than that they didn’t see any real issue.”
	Offering in-person format	“I do wish it could be in person.”
	No further recommendations	“No, I like everything about the video format.” “No. I don’t think so.”

^aTMH: telemental health.