ABSTRACT
Despite its impressive evidence base, there is a widening access gap to receiving cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Video conferencing therapy (VCT) offers an effective solution for logistical barriers to treatment, which has been salient throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. However, research concerning the delivery of CBT via VCT for children and young people (CYP) is in its infancy, and clinical outcome data are limited. The aim of this service evaluation was to explore the effectiveness of a VCT CBT intervention for CYP referred from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK. A total of 989 records of CYP who had completed CBT via VCT in 2020 with Healios, a digital mental health company commissioned by the National Health Service (NHS), were examined to determine changes in anxiety, depression and progress towards personalised goals. Routine outcome measures (ROMs) were completed at baseline and endpoint, as well as session by session. Feedback was collected from CYP and their families at the end of treatment. There was a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression and significant progress towards goals, with pre- to post-effect sizes (Cohen's d) demonstrating medium to large effects (d = .45 to d = -1.39). Reliable improvement ranged from 31 to 80%, clinical improvement ranged from 33 to 50%, and 25% clinically and reliably improved on at least one measure;92% reported that they would recommend Healios. This service evaluation demonstrates that Healios' CBT delivered via VCT is effective for CYP receiving it as part of routine mental health care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological therapies rapidly moved online in mid-2020. The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in the UK (AFT) surveyed the attitudes and practices of systemic therapists in the UK in early October 2020, exploring members' views and gathered information about ongoing needs. A sample of 312 people were included in a mixed methods analysis. In total, 65% of respondents felt their overall experience of using online video technology professionally was positive, further reflected in responses to two open-ended questions. Detailed thematic analysis revealed that many positive comments were related to the practical advantages of online working, whilst many negative comments were related to technique and the therapeutic relationship. Possible respondent biases are discussed, and the implications of this change in practice are explored. It remains to be seen if this marks the beginning of a more permanent shift in our field as we explore the potential of new technologies. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The vast majority of UK systemic therapists felt that their experience of online video technology was positive.They noted many practical advantages but also identified many challenges regarding therapeutic techniques and the therapeutic relationship.Therapists developed a range of creative solutions to maximise the therapeutic opportunities of online video.