Abstract
Changing technology, and the pervasive demand created by a greater need in the population for access to mental health interventions, has led to the development of technologies that are shifting the traditional way in which therapy is provided. This study investigated the efficacy of a behavioral couples therapy program conducted via videoconferencing, as compared to face-to-face. There were 60 participants, in couples, ranging in age from 21 to 69 years old. Couples had been in a relationship for between 1 to 49 years. The 30 couples were randomly allocated to the face-to-face or videoconferencing group. They all took part in Couple CARE—a couples behavioral education program which promotes self-change in order to increase relationship satisfaction. The six session manualized intervention was offered in an identical manner to all clients, in each condition. Data analysis was based on several questionnaires completed by each couple at pre, post and 3-months follow-up. Results showed that therapeutic alliance ratings did not differ between groups, but increased significantly over time for both groups. Additionally, the results indicated improvements in relationship satisfaction, mental health, and all other outcome scores over time, which did not differ based on condition. This study uniquely contributes to the literature exploring the use of technology to provide therapy. Specifically, the study provides evidence for couples therapy via videoconferencing as a viable alternative to face-to-face interventions, especially for those couples who may not have access to the treatment they require. It is anticipated that the results of this study will contribute to the field of online therapy, and add to fostering confidence in agencies to allow expansion of services conducted via videoconferencing.
Highlights
The Use of Technology in Mental Health ServicesHistorically, psychological therapy has been conducted face to face, and rarely with the assistance of technology (Lungu and Sun, 2016)
The use of technology to provide mental health services is valuable in Australia, where wide distances present a challenge for people living in rural and remote areas to access services (Richardson et al, 2009)
Online therapy is a branch of tele-psychotherapy, which consists of mental health services that are provided through the use of the internet (Rees and Haythornthwaite, 2004)
Summary
The Use of Technology in Mental Health ServicesHistorically, psychological therapy has been conducted face to face, and rarely with the assistance of technology (Lungu and Sun, 2016). The Use of Technology in Mental Health Services. The rising need for access to mental health services, as well as the increased availability of the internet, have led to the development of new avenues through which psychological services can be delivered The use of technology to provide mental health services is valuable in Australia, where wide distances present a challenge for people living in rural and remote areas to access services (Richardson et al, 2009). Tele-psychotherapy refers to therapy which is conducted at a distance, in contrast to the traditional face-to-face interaction in a therapist’s office (Oberkirch, 2002). Online therapy is a branch of tele-psychotherapy, which consists of mental health services that are provided through the use of the internet (Rees and Haythornthwaite, 2004). Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of such interventions, the main argument against using these forms of therapy has remained, being that the absence of verbal cues in these simplistic forms hinders the effectiveness of the therapy (Griffiths and Christensen, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
