Saint Mary’s University (SMU) proudly congratulates Mrs. Pearl Via S. Coballes and her co-authors for their latest international research publication in a Scopus-indexed Q3 journal, further strengthening the University’s commitment to research excellence and impactful scholarship.

Mrs. Coballes, together with Kristine Ann L. Israel, Leslie Doris M. Divina, Joman J. Baliton, and Faridah Kristi C. Wetherick, co-authored the research article entitled “Bridging the Gap: Student Accessibility, Willingness, and Preferences for Telemental Health Services in the School Setting,” published in the Journal of Educational, Cultural and Psychological Studies (ECPS). 

The study examines students’ accessibility, willingness, and preferences regarding telemental health (TMH) services in school settings, particularly within low-resource contexts. Using a concurrent convergent mixed-methods design, the researchers surveyed 717 college students and conducted focus group discussions with students and counselors from two private schools in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.

The findings reveal that while telemental health services remain underutilized, a substantial proportion of students are willing to access these services when key barriers such as cost, trust, privacy, and accessibility are addressed. The study further highlights the importance of family support, positive experiences with mental health services, and institutionally endorsed and culturally responsive approaches in promoting the uptake of school-based telemental health services.

By providing empirical evidence on students’ needs, preferences, and willingness to engage with technology-enabled mental health services, the study contributes to the growing body of research on student well-being, digital health, and innovative approaches to school-based mental health support.

This publication highlights the growing research contribution of Saint Mary’s University and its researchers to international scholarship. It likewise reflects the University’s commitment to conducting relevant, evidence-based research that responds to emerging educational and social concerns and contributes to the well-being of students and communities.

The University Research Center warmly congratulates Mrs. Coballes and her co-authors for this research achievement and looks forward to more scholarly contributions that advance knowledge, promote innovation, and address pressing challenges in education and mental health.

Citation

Coballes, P. V. S., Israel, K. A. L., Divina, L. D. M., Baliton, J. J., & Wetherick, F. K. C. (2026). Bridging the gap: Student accessibility, willingness, and preferences for telemental health services in the school setting. Journal of Educational, Cultural and Psychological Studies (ECPS), (33). https://doi.org/10.7358/ecps-2026-033-coba

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Written by: University Research Center