Is phone therapy effective?

By Irada Yunusova

When people think of therapy they often picture an individual lying on a couch while the therapist sits in a chair repeatedly asking, "And how did that make you feel?" However, therapy in the 21st century has taken on many different forms, including phone therapy. With telepsychology, an individual speaks to his therapist over the phone, and is able to stay in the comfort of his own home. Although some people question the efficacy of phone therapy, new research now suggests that phone therapy may be equally or even more effective than face-to-face therapy for mild and moderate disorders.

Researchers at University of Cambridge studied over 39,000 British adults who had mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders. These individuals were treated through England's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies program, which is a national program meant to increase people's access to low-intensity, non-medical therapies. When comparing individuals who received cognitive behavioral-based therapy over the phone  to those who received it in-person, the results indicated that phone therapy for most non-severe symptoms was as effective as face-to-face therapy; in some cases it was even more effective.  

Telepsychology is also a useful tool for reaching patients who may have difficulty utilizing in-person therapy. Underserved populations in rural areas or in minority groups may have greater access to phone therapy. Additionally, the study found that phone therapy was 36 percent less expensive per session than in-person therapy, so more people may be able to seek out treatment.

For therapists considering phone therapy sessions, it is important to consider patient's confidentiality, what to do in emergency situations, and how to provide telehealth services across jurisdiction. Although this new form of treatment may create new complications, many therapists believe that the pros outweigh the cons.

References: Monitor on Psychology, January 2013.