Online Counseling: Does It Work? Research Findings to Date

Publisher Summary During the past few years, the efficacy of online counseling has been studied quite thoroughly. The general conclusion drawn from many studies and several meta-analysis reviews is that online counseling can be as effective as f2f sessions. This chapter reviews some of these studies that present empirical evidence, research findings, and future trends related to mental health services online. Most early studies concluded that online counseling has potential, but authors were often careful not to suggest that the modality was well understood. In 2008, a meta-analysis of online counseling research to date was published, which was conclusive in supporting the efficacy of online counseling. The authors based their conclusions on a review of 92 studies reported in 64 papers, collectively examining the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions done with some 9764 clients. Even though evidence now exists to support the practice, most clinicians are still hesitant about and many are unfamiliar with the potential of online counseling. In a comprehensive 2008 review of the effectiveness of video, text, and telephone consults for various mental health conditions, several areas were identified as promising, though more research was recommended. The authors reviewed 72 papers that described 65 clinical studies. Evidence of success with telemental health was reported in the areas of child psychiatry, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, suicide prevention, post-traumatic stress, panic disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and smoking prevention.