Is remote therapy as effective as in-person sessions? What new research says
Global News
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) done remotely with a therapist is just as effective as in-person sessions, according to a new study published in the CMAJ.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) done remotely with a therapist is just as effective as in-person sessions, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
The study, published Monday in the CMAJ, found that “moderate-certainty evidence” showed little to no difference in the effectiveness of in-person and therapist-guided remote CBT across a range of mental health and somatic disorders.
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps people recognize and modify detrimental thought patterns and behaviours; it’s been proven effective for a variety of mental health problems, like depression and anxiety but also chronic pain.
“The World Health Organization has designated CBT as essential health care, but access remains an important barrier for many people in Canada. Our findings suggest that therapist-guided, remotely delivered CBT can be used to facilitate greater access to evidence-based care,” Dr. Jason Busse, professor in anesthesia at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., said in a Monday media release.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual healthcare, spanning from walk-in appointments to therapy sessions, has surged in popularity because of its convenience and accessibility, particularly benefiting individuals residing in remote communities.
In 2022, more than five million Canadians met diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder, and one in five adults live with chronic pain, the study said.
In Canada, CBT is offered mostly by registered psychotherapists, social workers and psychologists, making it costly because it is not covered by many publicly funded health systems and is capped by many private benefit plans, the researchers said.
While evidence supports the effectiveness of in-person CBT therapy, the study underscores uncertainty regarding a remote form of this therapy.
