Therapeutic Alliance in Family-Based Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: In-Person Versus Telehealth

The therapeutic alliance is broadly linked with positive outcomes. However, nearly all research in this area involves in-person therapy, whereas teletherapy has grown increasing common since the COVID-19 pandemic. There is now a pressing need to establish whether the nature and importance of the therapeutic alliance is impacted by teletherapy. This study examined therapeutic alliance in families of youth with anorexia nervosa who were participating in a randomized controlled trial that transitioned from in-person to telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We analysed data from 53 adolescents and their parents (20 began in-person, 33 began with telehealth). Both parents, youth and therapist completed the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised after 4 weeks of treatment.

We found no significant differences across telehealth and in-person treatment for paternal or therapist reported data. However, both adolescents and mothers reported higher bond and goal-related alliance for in-person sessions compared to telehealth.

Findings regarding alliance across telehealth and in-person sessions were mixed, with some preference among mothers and youth for in-person treatment. Future studies should determine whether possible adaptations can improve working alliance during family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa via telehealth.