Stage 1: Needs Identification

"The goal of Step 1 is to really step back and do an overall assessment of the needs, particularly of the community where you plan to begin a telemental health service.  The needs identification is an ongoing series of dialogues at the level of local organizations that you may interface with, the medical professionals that you will need to collaborate with, and the community members that you will serve. 

The first step of this is to conduct a needs assessment.  It helps you identify the target population, what the disease or disorder of interest may be in that community, as well as the disease or disorder of interest for you and your organization.  Alternatively, one may consider opening up a telemental health clinic that tries to target all mental health services in a community.  Obviously, identifying the community or communities that you intend to serve is critical in this early stage."