TELETHERAPY

WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE SAY?

Research has consistently demonstrated that teletherapy (video and phone) is as effective as treatment received in-person(1,2). In fact, teletherapy has shown to be an effective way of engaging in psychotherapy across the spectrum of psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, among many others. It has been consistently shown that people who participate in teletherapy are able to maintain much of the progress made in therapy long after therapy has ended in a comparable way to those who participate in traditional in-person therapy(1).


Teletherapy can be beneficial but can also present with significant drawbacks in specific situations. It is important that you consider your individual situation before making the decision of how best to participate in therapy. Below are some guidelines that may be helpful to you.

BENEFITS OF TELETHERAPY

Teletherapy has been found to offer a number of benefits over traditional in-person treatment:

  • People who have trouble accessing a physical office, either because of health, emotional, or transportation difficulties may have greater access to much needed treatment.
  • Convenience – there is no need to commute, sit in a waiting room, and miss valuable appointment time with unexpected lateness. In addition, typically there is more flexibility in scheduling appointments.
  • Confidentiality can be greater; for example, there is less chance that you may see someone that you know in your therapists’ waiting room.
  • You may have greater access to individuals who are specialized or have a specialty practice.

DRAWBACKS OF TELETHERAPY

Teletherapy may be inappropriate compared to in-person services in the following situations:

  • If you struggle with certain difficulties, such as suicidality or psychosis.
  • If you experience significant technological difficulties or problems with a stable internet connection.
  • If you are not able to have a fully confidential space. This can impact what you feel comfortable sharing in therapy, which can undermine your participation and experience in therapy.

 

Citations

¹Backhaus, A., Agha, Z., Maglione, M.L., Repp, A., Ross, B., Zuest, D., Rice-Thorp, N.M., Lohr, J., Thorp, S.R. (2012). Videoconferencing psychotherapy: A systematic review. Psychological Services, 9, 111-131.

²Kline, A.C., Cooper, A.A., Rytwinksi, N.K., Feeny, N.C. (2018). Long-term efficacy of psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review, 59, 30-40.