Business as usual? Psychological support at a distance

Date

2020

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Clinical child psychology and psychiatry

Abstract

The impact of COVID-19 has challenged the long accepted ‘norm’ in delivery of psychological therapy. Public policies designed to reduce transmission have made it extremely difficult to meet with service-users safely in the traditional face-to-face context. E-therapies have existed in theory and practice since technological progress has made them possible. They can offer a host of advantages over face-to-face equivalents, including improved access, greater flexibility for service-users and professionals, and cost savings. However, despite the emerging evidence and anticipated positive value, implementation has been slower than anticipated. Concerns have been raised by service-users, clinicians, and public health organisations, identifying significant barriers to the wide spread use of e-therapies. In the current climate, many clinicians are offering e-therapies for the first time, without prior arrangement or training, as the only viable option to continue to support their clients. This paper offers a clinically relevant review of the e-therapies literature, including effectiveness and acceptability dilemmas and challenges that need to be addressed to support the safe use and growth of e-therapies in psychology services. Further research is needed to better understand what might be lost and what gained in comparison to face-to-face therapy, and for which client groups and settings it might be most effective.

Description

Keywords

telemental health, COVID 19, psychological support, therapy, telepsychology, International resources, United Kingdom

Citation

Payne, L., Flannery, H., Kambakara Gedara, C., Daniilidi, X., Hitchcock, M., Lambert, D., ... & Christie, D. (2020). Business as usual? Psychological support at a distance. Clinical child psychology and psychiatry, 25(3), 672-686.

DOI