Several scientific studies conducted throughout the world have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for treating mood, personality and anxiety disorders. According to Matsumoto et al. (2018), a significant improvement was observed in clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder or social anxiety disorder after 16 sessions of online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In fact, over 80% of participants mentioned a preference for online therapy as opposed to face-to-face CBT. Another study reported a significant reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress for participants who received CBT either online or face-to-face, with no significant difference observed between the two (Stubbings et al., 2013).
Earlier this year, a systematic review of 17 different scientific investigations was conducted, indicating that online therapy, specifically electronically-delivered CBT, can be even more effective than face-to-face therapy when it comes to reducing the severity of depression symptoms (Luo et al., 2020). Convenience, time flexibility and lower overall cost have been mentioned as some of the reasons why clients might prefer online therapy over face-to-face therapy.
Furthermore, previous studies have demonstrated that online therapy delivered to clients with anxiety and/or depression living in remote areas was highly effective in improving their overall emotional functioning (Griffiths et al., 2006). Those living in more remote areas can easily receive the support they need, at the same time reducing both the cost and stress that comes with travel. Being able to engage in therapy from the warmth and comfort of home is no doubt one of the greatest advantages of online therapy. People generally find solace in being in their own sacred space with their furniture, blankets, or their beloved pets.
Some might simply find it impossible to visit a clinic to seek help, be it for mobility reasons, a fear of being discriminated against or other barriers of access. With technology granting us the privilege of receiving mental health services from the comfort of our home, these vulnerable groups will be able to access the support and assistance they need.
To sum up, mental health services can be much more accessible than they are made out to be. There is no surprise that interest in telemental health has been growing, even becoming a necessity in these unsure times. Online therapy ensures that clients are able to get the support they need, anytime and anywhere.
References
Griffiths, L., Blignault, I., & Yellowlees, P. (2006). Telemedicine as a means of delivering cognitive-behavioural therapy to rural and remote mental health clients. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12(3), 136-140.
Luo, C., Sanger, N., Singhal, N., Pattrick, K., Shams, I., Shahid, H., … & Puckering, M. (2020). A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine, 100442.
Matsumoto, K., Sutoh, C., Asano, K., Seki, Y., Urao, Y., Yokoo, M., … & Nagata, S. (2018). Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy with real-time therapist support via videoconference for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder: pilot single-arm trial. Journal of medical Internet research, 20(12), e12091.
Stubbings, D. R., Rees, C. S., Roberts, L. D., & Kane, R. T. (2013). Comparing In-Person to Videoconference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15(11), e258. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2564Open document settings
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