Therapists need to offer the most effective online therapy possible. During the coronavirus outbreak, and after in-person meetings become possible again, we need to consider when, how, and if on-line sessions offer a better solution for some clients.
The evidence points to many benefits to meeting with your therapist online for some clients. Not only does your client save travel time going to and from your office, but some clients may feel more comfortable talking from their own home or office.
Concerned about the effect of the coronavirus on your community and your practice? We are too. We can help you grow your practice during this period and beyond.
Online therapy sessions from home or office can have tangible benefits
Not everyone opens up in the same way. For some clients, the environment of your office may be less conducive to effective therapy than meeting with you online from a quiet place in their own home. For other clients, it may be easier for them to apply skills learned in therapy to their everyday life when the therapeutic environment is their own work or home.
Prepare your practice for online sessions with these practical steps to make your therapy practice COVID-19 ready (and beyond).
How effective is online therapy for your clients?
Fortunately, there is a body of published academic research investigating the efficacy of online therapy. Additionally, researchers have developed best practice guidelines for online psychotherapy (1). Multiple studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have found that online therapy is as beneficial as in-person therapy for an array of mental health challenges.
In a systematic review of 29 studies, researchers found that online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for major depression was as effective as in-office face to face therapy (2). Studies have also demonstrated efficacy for online therapy for panic disorder, agoraphobia, and anxiety (3,4)
Online therapy and interventions have been shown to be effective for gambling addiction, alcohol abuse, and other substance abuse disorders (5). A systematic review measuring online therapies for people struggling with Fibromyalgia found that participants experienced improved mood and lower levels of disability (6).
Confidentiality and privacy in online therapy
Confidentiality is just as important in online therapy as in more traditional forms of treatment delivery. If you are considering online therapy, make sure you are using secure, private, HIPAA-compliant platforms for communicating with your therapist. Click here for a complimentary consultation for how you can build your practice while delivering secure online therapy.
When you can’t meet in person
Online therapy via Zoom, doxy.me, and other secure platforms offers access to emotional support and trained mental health professionals when you cannot or will not meet in person. Online therapy gives you access to treatment that you might not have otherwise.
If you have questions about promoting effective online therapy to your current or potential clients, reach out for a complimentary consult. We have proven success and affordable solutions that work.
References
- Campbell, L. F., Millán, F. A., & Martin, J. N. (2018). A telepsychology casebook: Using technology ethically and effectively in your professional practice. American Psychological Association.
- Ahern, E., Kinsella, S., & Semkovska, M. (2018). Clinical efficacy and economic evaluation of online cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research, 18(1), 25-41.
- Bouchard, S., Payeur, R., Rivard, V., Allard, M., Paquin, B., Renaud, P., & Goyer, L. (2004). Cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia in videoconference: Preliminary results. CyberPsychologu & Behavior, 3(6).
- Nordgren, L. B., Hedman, E., Etienne, J., Bodin, J., Kadowaki, Å., Eriksson, S., … & Carlbring, P. (2014). Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of individually tailored Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders in a primary care population: a randomized controlled trial. Behaviour research and therapy, 59, 1-11.
- Giroux, I., Goulet, A., Mercier, J. Jacques, C., Bouchard, S. (2017). Online and mobile interventions for problem gambling, alcohol, and drugs: A systematic review.
- Bernardy, K., Klose, P., Welsch, P., & Häuser, W. (2019). Efficacy, acceptability and safety of Internet‐delivered psychological therapies for fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pain, 23(1), 3-14.