Using technology to deliver therapy to children and young people is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy, according to a new study.
Research led by the University of East Anglia highlights the potential for using technology to expand access to mental health treatment, particularly in light of increased need due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely recognised and effective treatment for a range of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression in children and young people.
Over the past two decades, several innovative approaches to delivering CBT through technology have emerged.
This includes apps, online software and video games that deliver CBT directly through technology, as well as approaches that retain a human therapist via phone or video conference.
Although these technology-assisted versions have shown promise, there is limited research directly comparing their effectiveness with traditional face-to-face CBT.
Our findings suggest that technology-enabled CBT may be a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face CBT for some children and young people.
This is particularly important given the increased demand for mental health services following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Dr. Leonardo Bevilacqua Lead author, UEA Norwich Medical School
The study looked at multiple studies that tested different forms of CBT using technology, such as videoconferencing or online platforms. Seven of the studies focused on anxiety in children and adolescents, and the other seven on depression.
Results revealed that technology-assisted CBT was as effective as face-to-face CBT in treating anxiety and depression in this age group.
Co-author Dr Peter Beasley, from Norwich Medical School, said: “This study highlights the potential for technology-enabled CBT to expand access to effective mental health treatment for children and young people.”
“Future research should focus on identifying the most cost-effective delivery methods to ensure the best outcomes for patients.”
The research was led by the University of East Anglia and supported by researchers at University College London (UCL).
Future research should take a closer look at whether technology-assisted CBT is as effective for children as it is for adolescents, and whether there are differences in effectiveness between males and females.
The study, “Effectiveness of Technology-Assisted Versus Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” was published in the journal Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry (CCPP).
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University of East Anglia
