Psychotherapy Calling: Phone Treatment May Be Effective
October 12th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Headline
While the benefits of psychotherapy for clients with thoughts and feelings of depression have been well-documented, it is often difficult to reach those in need of treatment via traditional sessions and in traditional settings. A study investigating the efficacy and cost of telephone-based psychotherapy treatment has recently collected the results of nearly four years of the implementation of a set of trials, showing that sessions delivered over the phone with follow-up calls can have positive results. The researchers found that those who participated in a program with a structured cognitive behavioral program in addition to regular telephone care management experienced an average of forty six extra depression-free days within a two year period as compared to those receiving regular primary care treatment. The study also found that costs were manageable in light of collected data describing the value of depression free days to clients.
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6 comments so far
Communication and technology have enabled a lot of things to be done over a distance, and many victims just require someone to listen to, and phone counseling,I think, is very effective in this regard.
Phone-counseling has proved to be a life-saver many a times in remote areas or under-developed areas. This is enough proof that it is an effective way of counseling.
Talking, especially with a professional, is bound to help…in most cases, all the victims need is somebody to talk to, and who can do that better than a professional…knowing things that generally the victims go through, they will be in the right position to guide them, by just using vocal communication.
When managed correctly I think that this could be a real plus to people in many areas where access to care can prove to be difficult. I would want to know that this is not being done by some fly by night type of organization, but if the therapists handling the calls are well trained and there are people who are willing to try out this kind of treatment method, then it could be a bonus to the entire health care community.
I was not aware that phone-based counseling is an effective way of counseling, but it is a welcome news, nevertheless. It opens up new horizons to people who are either too far away from counseling facilities or cannot make it immediately to a local facility. Experts and professionals would know the basics and am sure can provide enough help through the telephone.
I am still not convinced that introducing more programs like this is a wise idea. I am always on the lookout for people who are gonna cheat the system and this looks like the ideal stomping grounds for those folks.