Teletherapy has been used for years, and more recently since the COVID-19 pandemic,
teletherapy has exploded; which leads to some questioning; is it effective as brick-and-
mortar face-to-face therapy?
Telehealth has been defined, for the purpose of this article, as the provision of
psychological services using telecommunication technologies.
The American Psychological Association has further defined telecommunication
technologies to include but is not limited to telephone, mobile devices, interactive
videoconferencing, email, chat, and Internet (e.g., self-help websites, blogs, and social
media (American Psychological Association. 2013).
In 2018, a few studies were conducted examining in person therapy vs teletherapy
within individuals with PTSD which ultimately exhibited that both services were found to
be equally effective (Turgoose, D., et al., Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Vol. 24,
No. 9, 2018). Another study, which examined individuals with OCD and the
effectiveness on video conferencing, found that telehealth was just as effective as in
person sessions when treating OCD (Vogel PA, et al., Behavior Research and therapy,
63, 162-168, 2014).
Similarly, David Mohr, PhD, Joyce Ho, PhD, and Jenna Duffecy, PhD, released a study
comparing 325 patients with major depressive disorder through cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT) delivered face-to-face to individuals vs telephone, and the study found
parallel outcomes illustrating almost no major differences in face-to-face vs teletherapy
(JAMA, Vol. 307, No. 21, 2012).
These are just a few studies which highlight that there is no major difference in
providing therapy through HIPAA compliant tele-video platforms versus in person
sessions.
Our practice at PA Behavioral Services utilizes HIPAA complaint technology along with
HIPAA compliant and encrypted electronic health records (EHR). We also ensure our
clinicians conduct hygiene checks and virtually assess the patient’s physical well-being.
We also offer informed consents on telehealth prior to meeting with each therapist as a
part of our intake process.
Here at PA Behavioral Services, we’ve seen that telehealth works firsthand and how it
can be as effective as face-to face therapy. We have experience in providing face to
face sessions as well as telehealth and feel strongly that the benefits of conducting
sessions virtually have not only been proven to be effective, but also allow our
clients/patients to be treated in an environment more conducive to their privacy and
treatments need.
References:
American Psychological Association. 2013. Professional Practice Guidelines. Retrieved
from https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/telepsychology
Mohr DC, Ho J, Duffecy J, et al. Effect of Telephone-Administered vs Face-to-face
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Adherence to Therapy and Depression Outcomes
Among Primary Care Patients: A Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2012;307(21):2278–2285.
doi:10.1001/jama.2012.5588
Turgoose D, Ashwick R, Murphy D. Systematic review of lessons learned from
delivering tele-therapy to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of
Telemedicine and Telecare. 2018;24(9):575-585. doi:10.1177/1357633X17730443
Vogel, P. A., Solem, S., Hagen, K., Moen, E. M., Launes, G., Håland, Å. T., Hansen, B.,
& Himle, J. A. (2014). A pilot randomized controlled trial of videoconference-assisted
treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behaviour research and therapy, 63,
162–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2014.10.007