Efficacy of Telehealth Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress-Related Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis summarizes the findings of outcome research on the degree to which telehealth treatments reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms. In a search of the literature, 13 studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis and were coded for relevant variables. A total of 725 participants were included. Results indicate that telehealth treatments are associated with significant pre- to postreduction in PTSD symptoms (d = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-1.11, p < .001), and result in superior treatment effects relative to a wait-list comparison condition (d = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76-1.26, p < .001). However, no significant findings were obtained for telehealth intervention relative to a supportive counseling telehealth comparison condition (d = 0.11, 95% CI: - 0.38 to 0.60, p = .67), and telehealth intervention produced an inferior outcome relative to a face-to-face intervention (d = - 0.68, 95% CI: - 0.39 to - 0.98, p < .001). Findings for depression symptom severity outcome were generally consistent with those for PTSD outcome. Telehealth interventions produced a significant within-group effect size (d = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.10, p < .001) and superior effect relative to wait-list comparison condition (d = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.56-1.05, p < .001). Relative to face-to-face interventions, telehealth treatments produced comparable depression outcome effects (d = 0.13, 95% CI: - 0.55 to 0.28, p = .53). Taken together, these findings support the use of telehealth treatments for individuals with PTSD-related symptoms.

Attitudes toward Face-to-Face and Online Counseling: Roles of Self-Concealment, Openness to Experience, Loss of Face, Stigma, and Disclosure Expectations among Korean College Students

“…Despite the above concerns about online counseling, a growing number of researchers have found evidence supporting the effectiveness of online counseling for a variety of psychological problems, including depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders (Sloan et al 2011). In addition, several studies about client satisfaction with online counseling have revealed encouraging results.…”

Rebooting Psychotherapy Research and Practice to Reduce the Burden of Mental Illness

“…With the continuing leadership of Dr. Antonette Zeiss (Zeiss & Karlin, 2011), many initiatives have been launched over the past several years to meet the goals of VA's 2004 MHSP. suggested the adaptation of technology to deliver psychotherapy; the VA has recognized that telehealth technologies (e.g., web-based, phone, video teleconference) are an increasingly important method of ensuring equal and timely access to mental health care services to patients who would otherwise not have such access to services because they live in locations that are a considerable distance from the nearest VA facility (Sloan, Gallagher, Feinstein, Lee, & Pruneau, 2011). Another advantage of telehealth technology is its ability to provide mental healthcare services quickly and efficiently to large numbers of individuals.…”

Consumer Information and Treatment Resources for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“…Based on AMSTAR assessment of the seven meta-analyses, one was rated high, 32 five were rated moderate, 16,25,[33][34][35] and one was rated low. 36 Of the 20 systematic reviews, two were rated high, 20,37 ten were rated moderate, 17,18,28,30,[38][39][40][41][42][43] and eight were rated low.…”