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Title It’s time for disruptive innovation in psychotherapy
Journal The Lancet
Date August 22, 2009
Authors
  1. Gregory E Simon: Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA; Simon.g@ghc.org; www.ghc.org
  2. Evette J Ludman: Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA;
Overview Internet-based therapy has shown successful results for those facing depression.
Abstract Internet-based therapy holds the immediate promise of being a more successful treatment alternative for people seeking to overcome depression. In this study, the authors compare the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapy programs to conventional therapy and medication-centered approaches. The results clearly demonstrate that a video-counseling approach is superior to approaches that rely solely on computer programs and similar in effectiveness to traditional therapy. However, the internet-based therapy is clearly advantageous with respect to convenience: the dropout rate is significantly lower, providing more time for patients in need to get useful treatment.
Notable Quote “Traditional therapists might be horrified by the prospect of an overseas cognitive behavioural call centre or live-chat centre, available whenever patients choose. But the expectations of health-care providers are not the same as evidence. And the evidence that matters concerns clinical benefit and economic value to patients, rather than appeal or value to providers.” (Simon, Ludman, 08/22/2009, p. 595)
Keywords Internet, cognitive behavior therapy, therapy, depression
Section / Program Depression/Anxiety