The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Zotero / D&S Group / Top-Level Items 2022-02-17
Type
Journal Article
Author
Tao Lin
Author
Timothy G. Heckman
Author
Timothy Anderson
Pages
No Pagination Specified-No Pagination Specified
Publication
Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice
ISSN
1468-2850
Date
2021
Extra
Place: US
Publisher: Educational Publishing Foundation
DOI
10.1037/cps0000056
Library Catalog
APA PsycNet
Abstract
Despite the increasing use of teletherapy, it remains unclear if client outcomes differ between remote and in-person settings and, if they do differ, what factors might contribute to these differences. The current study synthesized findings on the comparison between teletherapy and in-person therapy using a meta-analytic approach. All known RCTs comparing teletherapy (telephone and videoconferencing therapy) to in-person therapy were identified via bibliographic database search (PsycINFO, Medline, and Cochrane database), manual searches of previously published meta-analyses, and expert contact. We identified 1,393 studies in the initial search, 20 of which satisfied study inclusion criteria. No significant difference was found between teletherapy and in-person therapy in treatment outcomes at posttreatment (g = −0.043) or follow-up (g = −0.045) or in attrition rates (RR = 1.006). Trainee therapists experienced greater client attrition rates in teletherapy than did licensed therapists. Videoconferencing therapy was at greater risk for client attrition than telephone therapy. Within-group findings showed that teletherapy produced a symptom reduction of a large magnitude at posttreatment (g = 1.026) and follow-up (g = 1.021). These findings provide empirical support for the practice of teletherapy and that client outcomes in teletherapy do not differ from in-person versions of treatments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Short Title
The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person therapy