The roles of mental health literacy and social media in shaping college students’ intentions to use teletherapy services

<b>Background:</b>This study examines how mental health literacy and social media use for health information influence intentions to use teletherapy among college students. Using the theory of planned behavior, the present study also explores how these relationships are mediated by attitudes toward teletherapy, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.<b>Methods:</b>Data were collected through an online survey with 143 college students. We conducted a series of hierarchical regression analyses and a path analysis using structural equation modeling to test hypotheses.<b>Results:</b>The results indicate that mental health literacy is a stronger predictor of intentions to use teletherapy than social media use. While social media use directly affects intentions to use teletherapy, the influence of mental health literacy is mediated by students' attitudes toward teletherapy and subjective norms.The overall results highlight the importance of mental health literacy as a key antecedent to positive attitudes toward teletherapy and favorable perceptions of supportive surroundings.<b>Discussion:</b>The findings suggest that health centers at higher education institutions should adopt a more proactive approach through social media to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and educates students on available care options.