Cited by 275Telemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationDigital Mental Health InterventionsPsychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Videoconferencing psychotherapy and depression: a systematic review

Berryhill, Micha Blake, Culmer, Nathan, Williams, Nelle, Halli-Tierney, Anne, Betancourt, Alex, Roberts, Hannah, King, Michael·2019·Telemedicine and e-Health

Abstract

Introduction:Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world. Despite the prevalence of depression, a small proportion of individuals seek mental health services. A cost-effective method for increasing access to mental health services is the implementation of telemental-health programs. This review aims to summarize the state of the field on the efficacy and effectiveness of videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) for the treatment of depression. Materials and Methods:Systematic literature searches were performed using PsychINFO, PubMed, and EMBASE. Specific inclusion criteria were used to identify controlled and uncontrolled studies evaluating VCP for the treatment of depression. Data extraction included study assessment quality, research design, sample size, intervention details, outcome results, intervention effect size, and statistical differences between VCP and in-person (IP) therapy. Results:Of the 1,424 abstracts screened, 92 articles were critically reviewed. Thirty-three articles were included in the review, with 14 randomized controlled studies, 4 controlled nonrandomized studies, and 15 uncontrolled studies. Sample size ranged from 1 to 243 participants. Twenty-one studies reported statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms following VCP, and the median effect size for studies ranged from medium to the very large range. Most controlled studies reported no statistical differences between VCP and IP groups receiving the same intervention. Conclusions:VCP for the treatment of depression is a promising method for delivering mental health services. More rigorous research is needed to evaluate VCP on depression in various contexts and participants.

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Crossref · 10.1089/tmj.2018.0058

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51 of 51 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Berryhill, M. B., Culmer, N., Williams, N., Halli-Tierney, A., Betancourt, A., Roberts, H., & King, M.
Affiliations
University of Alabama (US)
Corresponding author
Berryhill, Micha Blake
Venue
Telemedicine and e-Health
Published
2019-06
Volume
25
Issue
6
Pages
435-446
ISSN
  • 1530-5627 (ISSN-L)
  • 1556-3669
OpenAlex
W2884104167
Cited by
275
References
51
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 45 · 2022: 58 · 2021: 74 · 2020: 30 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 1
FWCI
4.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Telemedicine Journal and e-Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Keywords
depression, telemental health, access to mental health care, depressive symptoms, effect size
MeSH terms
Depression, Humans, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Videoconferencing

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