McMaster University Study Shows that Virtual Therapy is Here to Stay
By Carly Fleming, M.Ed. RP
Registered Psychotherapist
In the not so distant past, it was the general perception that face-to-face therapy facilitated a better connection between a person and their therapist. However, new revelations have come to light about virtual therapy, debunking previous notions about the efficacy of treatment online. Our colleagues at McMaster University have published a study that fits exactly with what we have been seeing during the COVID-19 shutdown…
“Electronic therapy is not inferior to face-to-face. In fact, it’s better.”
“ Why is it better? It's accessible. It's more private. People felt that it was more personal because they are in their own home…”
Photo by BRUNO EMMANUELLE
The original study - which began before the start of COVID-19 - compared therapist-supported therapy delivered through video conferences, email and text with face-to-face meetings. A summary from the studies, showed both approaches were considered helpful, but virtual treatment was better. Specifically, online and electronic interactions were considered not only effective, they actually improved patients' symptoms better than in-person meetings.
In the study, therapy clients cited convenience, accessibility and privacy as reasons why they prefer virtual therapy.
As well, virtual treatments provide other tangible benefits including not having to travel or find child care. For those struggling to access care because of long wait times or being in rural / under served areas, virtual therapy could lead to even more positive changes in treatment opportunities.
"We hope that this study adds to healthcare providers, but also policy-makers to know what they are doing during the pandemic is something really positive that can continue beyond the pandemic," said Samaan.
At everwell we recognize that virtual therapy is a new reality for many clients and therapists in a post-COVID world. And we are relieved to see studies like this that allow us to confidently recommend virtual therapy to our clients – knowing that they will benefit just as much, if not more, than if therapy was offered in-person. Of course, we recognize that in-person therapy is still the best option for some people – and we eagerly await a time when we can offer in-person therapy again. But for many, virtual therapy is here to stay.
If you’re looking for strategies to cope with the challenges you are facing now, and want the tools to build a more purpose-driven life in the future, our Online Therapy Guide is a resource created to help you feel a little less anxious about taking that first step towards meaningful change.