Study: Online Psychotherapy as Good as In-Person Treatment

A new study from Switzerland found that online psychotherapy is "just as efficient" as traditional, in-person therapy.

University of Zurich clinical researchers analyzed 62 patients who were experiencing moderate depression. The university said the patients were divided in two equal groups: one that received traditional cognitive behavior therapy both orally and in writing; and another who got online therapy and had to "perform one predetermined written task per therapy unit." The therapists knew the patients by name.

Following the therapy treatments, researchers say both groups reported lower levels of depression. The specific results were similar: 53% of patients in the online therapy group were no longer diagnosed as depressed, compared to 50% in the face-to-face group. The effectiveness of online therapy even continued three months after treatment. The university said after three months, depression couldn't be detected in 57% of the online group versus 42% of the traditional therapy group.

Almost all the patients in the study were reportedly satisfied with both forms of treatment. Among the online group, 96% characterized contact with their therapist as "personal," compared to 91% in the conventional treatment group.

Online therapy could be effective as a supplement, Professor Andreas Maercker explained in a statement : "Our study is evidence that psychotherapeutic services on the Internet are an effective supplement to therapeutic care."

While the overall study results might seem counterintuitive who view virtual treatment as inferior to physical human interaction, it does seem to show potential for supplemental telehealth services.

But the best medium for therapy is likely dependent on each person and each situation. The United States' National Institute for Mental Health has resources for those who need help addressing mental illness. If you are or someone you know is in crisis: contact your doctor, call 911 for emergency services or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's 24-hour number at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

What do you think about online therapy versus just meeting in-person? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Image: Flickr, _DJ_