New Study Finds Texting with Therapist Can Be Just as Effective as Video Sessions
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that texting or emailing with a therapist may be just as effective as participating in video sessions for treating mild depression. The research, which involved 850 participants, found that those who communicated with their therapists through messaging or email experienced equivalent improvements in alleviating symptoms of depression and social interactions.
According to the study's co-author, Patricia A. Areán, patients showed significant improvement regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through text-based therapy or live video calls. "We found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls," she said.
The findings suggest that text-based therapy can be a viable and evidence-based way to treat the millions of Americans who experience depression every year. However, the researchers also noted that people who opted for video therapy tended to have stronger therapeutic relationships with their therapists.
On the other hand, those who chose message-based therapy were more likely to drop out earlier due to concerns about confidentiality or lack of face-to-face interaction. Nevertheless, the study's results support the idea of expanding the availability of therapy via email and text, as well as ensuring insurance coverage for this form of treatment.
While the study's findings are promising, several outside mental health professionals emphasized that more research is needed, particularly for individuals at high risk of suicidal thoughts or psychosis. Nonetheless, the option to choose between text and video therapy may be suitable for people with mild depression or as a first-step intervention leading to further treatment if necessary.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that texting or emailing with a therapist may be just as effective as participating in video sessions for treating mild depression. The research, which involved 850 participants, found that those who communicated with their therapists through messaging or email experienced equivalent improvements in alleviating symptoms of depression and social interactions.
According to the study's co-author, Patricia A. Areán, patients showed significant improvement regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through text-based therapy or live video calls. "We found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls," she said.
The findings suggest that text-based therapy can be a viable and evidence-based way to treat the millions of Americans who experience depression every year. However, the researchers also noted that people who opted for video therapy tended to have stronger therapeutic relationships with their therapists.
On the other hand, those who chose message-based therapy were more likely to drop out earlier due to concerns about confidentiality or lack of face-to-face interaction. Nevertheless, the study's results support the idea of expanding the availability of therapy via email and text, as well as ensuring insurance coverage for this form of treatment.
While the study's findings are promising, several outside mental health professionals emphasized that more research is needed, particularly for individuals at high risk of suicidal thoughts or psychosis. Nonetheless, the option to choose between text and video therapy may be suitable for people with mild depression or as a first-step intervention leading to further treatment if necessary.
. I mean, who doesn't love the idea of being able to chat with your therapist whenever you want? No more scheduling appointments or worrying about traffic getting in the way 
. And yeah, it's awesome that texting can be just as effective as video calls - I've had friends who are super busy and can't make it to sessions all the time, so this is a total game-changer for them 
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. And yeah, insurance coverage needs to catch up on this too - it's crazy that some people can't even get text-based therapy covered 
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and I think we're going to see a lot more of text-based therapy in the future. It's just one more way for people to take control of their mental health and get the help they need 
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! finally some good news about therapy 
the fact that text-based therapy can be just as effective as video sessions is a total game changer 
I mean, who needs face-to-face interactions when you can have a conversation with your therapist via messaging app 
? and yeah I can see how having a stronger therapeutic relationship could make a difference 
but at the end of the day, if it works for people then let's not judge 
this study is giving me all the feels 
I'm not sure why we're so fixated on video sessions for therapy. Like, texting your therapist is just as effective? It's low-key genius 
. I mean, what's wrong with sending an email to your therapist instead of dealing with their emotions all at once? It's like having control over your therapy sessions 
I'm so stoked about this study!!! 
It's all about flexibility when it comes to seeking help, right? 
Texting with a therapist can be just as effective as video sessions for mild depression - talk about convenient! 
And let's be real, some people are justIntroverts or have anxiety issues, so video calls might not be their cup of tea. But, at the same time, I think it's cool that we're seeing more options for therapy. Maybe one day we'll see a therapist-client matchmaker thingy 
. The idea that texting with a therapist can be just as effective is a total game-changer for me 
. And honestly, it's also kinda cool that we're seeing more tech-savvy ways to address mental health 
. But at the same time... I get why people would prefer video calls - it feels like there's something more personal about having a face-to-face conversation 
. And yeah, confidentiality is a big deal for me too 
. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this study has given me hope that therapy can be more accessible and flexible for people who need it most 
... I mean, who hasn't been there right? So it's amazing that this study found texting with a therapist can be just as effective as video sessions! It's all about finding what works for you, you know? 
. Like, shouldn't we just trust our instincts and try it out already? 
I mean, would people in urban areas respond differently to text-based therapy compared to those in rural areas? 
Also, Patricia Areán's comment about stronger relationships with video therapists seems a bit fishy to me... maybe that's just because she's biased towards the traditional approach 
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