Psychologists' attitudes and COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Video based online psychotherapy has traditionally been an under-utilized tool by psychologists. Lack of experience, comfort with technology, and lack training, amongst other variables have historically been attributed as major barriers to adoption of online therapy. Only recently have psychologists' attitudes about online therapy been explored. Recent literature suggests psychologists' attitudes could significantly account for psychologists' intent to utilize online therapy in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an unprecedented opportunity for psychologists to experience providing video based online therapy. This study examined psychologists' attitudes about video based psychotherapy, their comfort providing telepsychological services, challenges they experienced in transitioning to online services and what resources they used to aid their transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychologists' intent to use online therapy for the future and platforms used to deliver therapy during the pandemic were also investigated. This study surveyed 230 psychologists and psychology trainees, collecting demographic data including practice setting, professional status, age, and ethnicity. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, attitudes about online therapy are discussed. Data analysis was conducted on quantitative measures and qualitative responses were categorized and coded. Results indicate most psychologists reported positive attitudes about online therapy and endorsed using online therapy in the future. Previous experience in online therapy had a statistically significant impact on psychologists' attitudes and their comfort level with the technology. This study's findings present a massive shift in participant comfort level with online therapy. Results show 90% of participants intend to use online therapy in the future. The implications of this study highlight the need to standardize training and incorporate training into psychology doctoral programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)