HOW INNOVATION DRIVES INCLUSION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF ONLINE PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION

Abstract

"The current pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s psychophysical health with repercussions on the job dimension, leading to high levels of dissatisfaction and fear for the future. Online interventions have become very popular especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, in fact many psychologists and patients switched from face-to-face to online sessions to continue their psychological therapies. The scientific literature has shown strong evidence for online psychotherapy, with this application being used both as an alternative to traditional healthcare and as an enhancement of face-to-face treatment. Many studies highlight that online therapy, and the quality of therapeutic alliance seem to be equivalent in both modalities. There are additional barriers such as public stigma, cultural and language barriers, geographic isolation in rural areas and social isolation, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and online psychology interventions allow inclusion as they enable to involve many people who need psychological support, as well as to continue the psychological paths interrupted by the pandemic. A study was conducted to specifically analyze the implications that online psychology has on today's society. Through a structured interview, 23 psychologists were questioned with the aim to investigate different thematic areas relating to online psychological interventions. A qualitative analysis was conducted using the Atlas.ti software. All participants were part of a platform specifically designed for the provision of psychological services, managed by a structure registered with the NHS. One purpose of the study was to investigate psychologists' perceptions of online psychology rather than traditional therapy. Some limitations comprise the small sample of psychologists which may not be generalizable to the population at large. Further, another limitation is related to the digital divide ? the cultural bias inherent in accessing the Internet and all information and services that exist online as well as the lack of awareness of how the Internet can be used in a functional way. An interesting future discussion for counseling psychologists may be explored: blending online therapy into regular face-to-face sessions. In fact, the scientific literature shows that the combination between these two modalities has potential in secondary mental health care. The existing literature and the study we have conducted methodically highlight the social responsibility of the intervention, which has an impact on the society and is consistent with the key objectives of the 2030 agenda."