INTRODUCTION It is widely recognized that mental illness affects a significant proportion of the population; however, it is complicated to determine the exact numbers. This problem can be attributed to issues such as changing definitions of mental illness as well as difficulties in classifying, diagnosing and reporting mental disorders. Limitations to adequate mental health services, including social stigma, cultural incompatibility between patients and providers, language barriers, lack of insurance, and logistical barriers. Furthermore, significant differences in socioeconomic status, lifestyle behaviors, and access to care have led to health disparities between rural and urban communities (Institute of Medicine, 2004). According to Sulzbacher et al., many families living in rural areas do not have the financial, social, or psychological resources to travel to distant urban centers to obtain adequate care, particularly for a chronic mental health problem. There is also evidence to suggest that mental illness in rural areas is almost as high as among people in metropolitan areas. However, accessibility to mental health services and professionals in rural areas is extremely low compared to major cities and metropolitan areas. Such barriers can impede the diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of mental illnesses and have also been instrumental in the development and improvement of telepsychiatry and e-mental health models. Telepsychiatry Telepsychiatry has been used for many years and is highly regarded as an area where the use of telemedicine has been successful. was successful. It has been defined as “The provision of health care and the exchange of health information for the purpose of providing remote psychiatric services” (Woo… middle of document… 7). Diagnostic reliability of telepsychiatry in American Indian veterans. American Journal of Psychiatry, Shore, J. H., Hilty, D. M., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2007). Guidelines for emergency management in telepsychiatry. General Hospital Psychiatry, 29, 199–206. Shore, J. H., Savin, D., Novins, D., & Manson, S. M. (2006). Cultural aspects of telepsychiatry. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12, 116–121.Starling, J., & Foley, S. (2006). From pilot to permanent service: ten years of pediatric telepsychiatry. Journal of Telemedicine and Telehealth, 12, S80–S82. Sulzbacher, S., Vallin, T., & Waetzig, E. Z. (2006). Telepsychiatry improves pediatric behavioral health care in rural communities. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12, 285-288. Wootten R., Yellowless P. and McLaren P. (2003) Telepsychiatry and electronic mental health. Royal Society of Medical Press Ltd, London.