A recent study has revealed that text-based therapy can be just as effective as live video therapy for treating depression. Conducted by researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in collaboration with Talkspace, a telehealth mental health platform, the findings were published in the JAMA Network Open journal.
The study involved 850 adults who received therapy through either message-based communication or weekly video sessions. Over a period of 12 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to one of the two formats. The researchers assessed the outcomes based on improvements in depression symptoms and social functioning.
Results indicated that patients utilizing both methods experienced similar levels of improvement. Participants who did not respond after six weeks were re-randomized to receive a combination of both types of therapy. This flexibility allowed for tailored treatment plans that catered to individual needs.
Interestingly, the study also noted that those engaged in video therapy were more likely to disengage early compared to their counterparts in message-based therapy. The researchers attributed this trend to the increased flexibility offered by text-based communication.
The authors of the study emphasized that insurance coverage for message-based therapy could enhance accessibility for patients seeking mental health support. By making therapy more available, individuals may find it easier to engage in treatment, leading to better health outcomes.
These findings contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental health treatment options, especially as digital platforms continue to reshape the landscape of healthcare. As the demand for accessible mental health services grows, the effectiveness of various therapy formats remains a critical area of research.
