A Comprehensive Review and a Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Internet-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions

A systematic review of Internet-based therapy for the treatment of addictions

“…Consistent with the findings reported in other meta-analytic studies (Lambert & Ogles, 2004), Barak et al (2008) reviewed 14 studies that directly compared Internet therapies and traditional face-to-face therapy for the same problem, with participants randomly being assigned to each treatment mode. There was no statistically significant difference between the average weighted effect sizes for each modality leading these authors to conclude that "Internet based therapy on the average is as effective or nearly as effective as face-to-face therapy."…”

“…This is supported by findings from a meta-analysis of Internet treatment options that found CBT was much more effective than other approaches including psycho-education and behavioral therapies (Barak et al, 2008). Unfortunately trials reviewed did not evaluate treatment component effectiveness, however, as the multiple clinical methods and techniques employed all appeared to have positive treatment outcomes effects, this suggests that an eclectic approach to Internet-based therapy may be appropriate.…”

“…A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions (Barak, Hen, Boniel-Nissim, & Shapira, 2008) reviewed 92 studies revealing that such interventions have an average medium effect size of 0.53. The type of disorder treated important with psychological disorders appears better suited than those that are primarily physiological or somatic (e.g., weight loss) in nature.…”

“…Smoking cessation had an effect size of 0.62 while treatments for problem drinking were slightly less effective with an effect size of 0.48; however, more participants were included in the smoking cessation studies (n=5,460) than drinking interventions (n=35). Barak et al (2008) found that the effects of Internet-based interventions persist post-treatment.…”

“…There was no statistically significant difference between the average weighted effect sizes for each modality leading these authors to conclude that "Internet based therapy on the average is as effective or nearly as effective as face-to-face therapy." (Barak et al, 2008) p.30.…”