New Study Reveals Texting with Therapist May Be as Effective as Video Sessions
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that texting with a therapist can be just as effective as video-based therapy for people with mild depression. In a recent study, published in the JAMA Network Open, 850 participants were divided into two groups: one that received unlimited communication via text or email and another that had video sessions through the online platform Talkspace.
The surprising results showed that both groups experienced significant alleviation of depression and improvements in social interactions and functions. According to co-author Patricia A. Areán, "we found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls."
The study's findings suggest that texting with a therapist can be as good as attending weekly therapy sessions, with no significant differences in outcomes between the two approaches. However, therapists and patients who used video sessions reported developing stronger relationships and a "greater therapeutic alliance."
On the other hand, people were more likely to drop out of video therapy earlier than message-based therapy. Despite this, researchers believe that expanding the availability of therapy via email and text could be beneficial for millions of Americans who experience depression every year.
However, some outside mental health professionals noted that the study had several limitations, including not including participants at high risk of suicidal thoughts or psychosis. They also emphasized that being able to choose between text and video therapy may be suitable for people with mild depression as a first-step intervention, which can lead to further treatment if necessary.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that texting with a therapist can be just as effective as video-based therapy for people with mild depression. In a recent study, published in the JAMA Network Open, 850 participants were divided into two groups: one that received unlimited communication via text or email and another that had video sessions through the online platform Talkspace.
The surprising results showed that both groups experienced significant alleviation of depression and improvements in social interactions and functions. According to co-author Patricia A. Areán, "we found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls."
The study's findings suggest that texting with a therapist can be as good as attending weekly therapy sessions, with no significant differences in outcomes between the two approaches. However, therapists and patients who used video sessions reported developing stronger relationships and a "greater therapeutic alliance."
On the other hand, people were more likely to drop out of video therapy earlier than message-based therapy. Despite this, researchers believe that expanding the availability of therapy via email and text could be beneficial for millions of Americans who experience depression every year.
However, some outside mental health professionals noted that the study had several limitations, including not including participants at high risk of suicidal thoughts or psychosis. They also emphasized that being able to choose between text and video therapy may be suitable for people with mild depression as a first-step intervention, which can lead to further treatment if necessary.
I think this is awesome! No more waiting around for weeks to see your therapist because you got stuck in traffic lol. It's like, we all know that life gets crazy and sometimes you just need someone to talk to ASAP. And honestly, who wouldn't want to just text their therapist instead of making a video call? 
I mean, not everyone is super comfortable on camera and it can be really intimidating to open up in front of a screen. But the fact that texting with a therapist can be just as effective is mind-blowing. And I love how they're expanding therapy options so more people can get help when they need it most 
. The fact that it works for mild depression is one thing, but what about the more serious cases? You gotta wonder how many people are gonna fall through the cracks because they can't afford video therapy or live in areas with limited internet access 
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for adapting to the digital age 
, this is kinda cool! I've been using talkspace for anxiety issues and sometimes it feels like texting my therapist works better than actual face-to-face sessions 
. Like, don't get me wrong, I love video calls too, but when you're having a bad day or can't leave the house, messaging your therapist can be super helpful 
. And yeah, it's awesome that they found texting to be just as effective as video therapy... maybe we should start calling them "therapy buddies" 
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. I mean, not everyone feels comfortable talking on camera or doesn't have the resources to attend regular sessions in person. It's all about finding what works best for each individual.
. The fact that this is just as effective as video sessions is mind-blowing in my opinion... I think we're living in the future now 
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i mean think about it - you can just send a message whenever you're feeling down and your therapist can respond when they're free 
. but at the same time, some people are like "wait what about the human connection" 
. plus its not like we have enough therapists out there already 
so maybe this is a good way to expand access to therapy for people who might not be able to afford it or find one in person 
. But hey, if texting is just as effective, why not give it a shot? Maybe we'll see more ppl taking advantage of these online therapy options and getting the help they need 
. I mean, what's the point of having an actual human connection when you can just type out your feelings and call it a day? 
There's something about seeing that therapist's face, getting nonverbal cues, and having a real-time conversation that just can't be replicated through texting. Plus, who wants to feel like they're stuck in a text loop with their therapist? 