Does Online Therapy Work?
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in psychological distress worldwide, including elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. At the same time, the number of patients seeking therapy from the comfort and security of their own homes has skyrocketed.
Thus, even though the technology for online therapy has been around for many years, it took a world-changing event (the pandemic) to make internet-based therapy so highly sought-after by patients and therapists alike.
But does it really work? Are the effects the same as face-to-face therapy?
Evidence from science
According to recent research, online therapy works, and the effects are similar to in-person sessions. Different types of online therapy have emerged, including self-help, which is patient-guided, and therapist-guided, such as text-based, voice or video call sessions. Therapist-guided online therapy is superior to self-help, internet-based therapy; however, both therapies could be considered viable options 1.
A meta-analysis is a study that combines the results of multiple studies. For example, in 2018, a meta-analysis compared the effectiveness of online and in-person therapy for various psychiatric disorders, including depression and several types of anxiety, with a total of 20 studies and 1418 participants.
The study examined Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches patients to change negative emotions by altering their thoughts about problems, fears, and experiences 2. This study found that online CBT and face-to-face treatment produced equivalent overall effects 3.
In addition, it seems that adherence to online therapy is even effective for populations with serious mental illnesses, which are inherently challenging. For example, research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that, in 816 participants, there was no difference in adherence to treatment between populations with and without a serious mental illness 4.
In a review of 18 studies, another research study showed that online therapy is a trustworthy alternative and can effectively treat common mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. It has been observed that, similar to traditional in-person therapy, better outcomes are linked with more sessions and effective management of patients' expectations. On the other hand, the effectiveness of online therapy may be reduced due to low familiarity with web-based communication tools and technical issues 5.
The bottom line
Considering the current situation of caution and the need for social distancing that the world still faces, online therapy seems to be a viable, effective and trustworthy alternative to face-to-face therapy.
Research has focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and more information is needed about the effectiveness of online therapy from different psychological approaches.
As we emerge from this pandemic, online therapy might be here to stay as people continue with online treatment for practical reasons (comfort, security and no commute time).
Considering the evidence of the success of online therapy, face-to-face sessions may become a matter of choice rather than the norm.
If this is the case for you, make sure to have a good connection!
FAQ
What is online therapy, and how does it differ from traditional in-person therapy?
Online therapy, teletherapy or e-therapy involves providing psychological support and services through the Internet. It includes various formats like text, voice, and video calls. While it offers the same professional guidance as in-person therapy, it is conducted remotely, offering flexibility and accessibility.
How effective is online therapy compared to traditional face-to-face sessions?
Research, including meta-analyses, has shown that online therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is as effective as in-person therapy for treating various psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Can online therapy be suitable for serious mental illnesses?
Studies have found that online therapy can be effective even for individuals with serious mental illnesses. Adherence to treatment and outcomes have been comparable to those in face-to-face therapy.
What are the different types of online therapy available?
Online therapy comes in several forms, including self-help, which is patient-guided, and therapist-guided sessions that can be text-based or involve voice or video calls.
Is therapist-guided online therapy better than self-guided therapy?
While both forms are viable, therapist-guided online therapy is superior to self-help and internet-based therapy, offering more structured support and professional guidance.
What factors can affect the effectiveness of online therapy?
The effectiveness of online therapy can be influenced by factors such as the number of sessions, effective management of patient expectations, familiarity with web-based communication tools, and technical issues.
What should I consider before starting online therapy?
Before starting online therapy, consider your comfort with technology, privacy, and a reliable internet connection, and identify a licensed and experienced therapist who offers services suited to your needs.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the adoption of online therapy?
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demand for online therapy due to the need for social distancing, comfort, and security. It has accelerated the acceptance and utilization of teletherapy services.
Will online therapy continue to be popular post-pandemic?
Online therapy will likely continue to be a popular option post-pandemic due to its convenience, no requirement for commute time, and proven effectiveness. It may become a preferred choice for many, alongside traditional therapy methods.
What should I do to prepare for an online therapy session?
To prepare for an online therapy session, ensure a good internet connection, a private and quiet space, and any necessary software or apps installed. Setting clear goals for what you hope to achieve through therapy is also helpful.
References
1. Al-Alawi M, McCall RK, Sultan A, Al Balushi N, Al-Mahrouqi T, Al Ghailani A, Al Sabti H, Al-Maniri A, Panchatcharam SM, Al Sinawi H. Efficacy of a Six-Week-Long Therapist-Guided Online Therapy Versus Self-help Internet-Based Therapy for COVID-19-Induced Anxiety and Depression : Open-label, Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health. 2021 Feb 12;8(2):e26683. doi: 10.2196/26683. PMID: 33512323; PMCID: PMC7886373.
2. Cherry K. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?. Verywellmind.com. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747 . Updated June 2020.
3. Carlbring P, Andersson G, Cuijpers P, Riper H, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behaviour therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders : an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. 2018; 47(1):1-8.
4. Miu AS, Vo HT, Palka JM, Glowacki CR, Robinson RJ. Teletherapy with serious mental illness populations during COVID-19 : telehealth conversion and engagement. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. 2020; 13:1-8.
5. Poletti B, Tagini S, Brugnera A, Parolin L, Pievani L, Ferrucci R, Compare A, Silani V. Telepsychotherapy: a leaflet for psychotherapists in the age of COVID-19 . A review of the evidence. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. 2020:1-6.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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