Computer and Internet applications for psychological treatment: update for clinicians

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Computers and the internet offer novel avenues for delivering psychological interventions.
• Various applications exist, ranging from minimal therapist contact to synchronous and asynchronous communication.
• These digital tools can serve as adjuncts to traditional psychotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of computers and the internet in delivering psychological treatments.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different internet-based psychological intervention modalities.
• To provide recommendations for integrating these tools into standard psychotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Selective review of existing literature on internet-based psychological treatments.
• Categorization of applications based on therapist involvement (minimal, asynchronous, synchronous).
• Analysis of data supporting the efficacy of different online intervention components.

Main Results:

• Internet-based interventions show strong support for behavioral assignments, peer support, and therapist-provided education/feedback via email or chat.
• Applications with minimal therapist contact are viable options for certain psychological needs.
• Online communication tools effectively supplement traditional therapy sessions.

Conclusions:

• The internet is a valuable tool for enhancing psychological treatment delivery.
• Specific applications, such as online assignments and communication, are particularly effective.
• Encouraging the use of the internet as an adjunct to psychotherapy can improve patient outcomes and access to care.