Used to treat patients with depression, the benefits of psychotherapy are undeniable. For some patients suffering from depression the presence of another person willing to listen, help and provide strategies for managing the disease is clearly a factor in why they seek treatment. Recent studies have discussed the idea of providing psychotherapy to patients via telephone. Providing therapy to people by phone is a novel idea because it takes advantage of modern technology to provide a convenient method for people to instantly pursue the treatment they need. But can truly effective treatment be offered by telephone?

According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, the Archives of General Psychiatry and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), telephone-based psychotherapy for patients diagnosed with depression is not only effective, it is also extremely affordable. The 2004 study involved approximately 400 patients who received telephone therapy, along with antidepressant medications.

Therapists from the Group Health Center for Health Studies, where the study took place, followed a structured protocol for each telephone therapy session administered. They provided cognitive-behavioral therapy to patients, encouraging them to identify negative thoughts and learn coping skills. Therapists also helped patients via phone apply methods of behavioral activation, as well as help them find better ways to care for themselves.

The results of the studies showed several positive outcomes from this telephone-based treatment. According to the findings, people who engaged in therapy over the phone experienced more depression-free days. In addition, those who received telephone therapy had only a 7.6% rate of attrition compared to 50% of those who dropped out of in-person therapy.

National statistics show that only 50% of patients with insurance have sought psychotherapy to treat their depression, and less than 33% have participated in four or more visits. The study shows a steadier rate of persisting through treatment when using the phone method. For the patients in the Group Health study, 75% completed at least six psychotherapy sessions by phone. In addition, the expense of telephone therapy is less costly than traditional forms of therapy, thus making it a popular alternative.

Many patients considered the convenience of treatment via telephone to be a major benefit. Because the symptoms of depression can prohibit patients from seeking help, the option of receiving services from the comfort of home may be a factor in the program’s success. As some people with depression might not feel comfortable with face-to-face contact, the telephone provides an accessible treatment option.

Researchers are conducting further studies to explain some of the findings. They want to understand why people who underwent telephone treatment followed their antidepressant medication routines more strictly than those who were involved in office visits. In addition, they want to understand why telephone therapy had a more positive effect for those with moderate to severe depression than for those with mild depression. As depression is a prevalent condition, proponents of telephone-based psychotherapy stress that the ease and convenience of receiving treatment without having to visit an office or facility makes it easier for people to receive the help they need to live healthier and more productive lives.