Development and initial validation of the treatment barrier index scale: A content validity study

Distance delivery systems are being developed to increase access to mental health care. Although development is progressing rapidly, there has been little work delineating the differences between distance and face-to-face interventions from the participants viewpoint. This article describes scale development and a content validity study of the Treatment Barrier Index (TBI). The TBI scale has acceptable content validity (Content Validity Index = 0.96). The TBI scale will be used to examine delivery system differences. Evidence of the differences between systems may help to inform delivery system designs, ensuring that participant needs are met by enhancing access to evidence-based care.