New Study Reveals Texting Therapy Can Be Just as Effective as Video Sessions for Mild Depression
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that texting with a therapist can provide similar benefits to video sessions for individuals with mild depression. Researchers at the University of Washington divided 850 people into two groups and randomly assigned them to either receive unlimited communication with a therapist via text or email or participate in video therapy through Talkspace.
The study revealed that patients in both groups experienced comparable alleviation of depressive symptoms, as well as improvements in social interactions and daily functions. The results suggest that texting-based therapy can be just as effective as weekly therapy sessions, according to co-author Patricia A. Areán. "We found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls," she said.
Interestingly, the study discovered that people who received text-based therapy were more likely to drop out earlier than those in the video therapy group. Conversely, therapists and patients developed stronger relationships in video sessions, also known as a "greater therapeutic alliance." However, experts noted that the study did not include individuals at high risk of severe mental health issues, such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis.
The findings support the expansion of therapy services via email and text messaging, as well as insurance coverage for these types of interventions. While some professionals caution that this type of treatment may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with more severe forms of depression, it could serve as a viable option for individuals with mild symptoms or as an initial step towards further treatment.
According to Areán, "text-based therapy can be a valuable tool in addressing the mental health needs of millions of Americans." With its potential benefits and limitations, this new study sheds light on the growing importance of innovative approaches to treating depression.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that texting with a therapist can provide similar benefits to video sessions for individuals with mild depression. Researchers at the University of Washington divided 850 people into two groups and randomly assigned them to either receive unlimited communication with a therapist via text or email or participate in video therapy through Talkspace.
The study revealed that patients in both groups experienced comparable alleviation of depressive symptoms, as well as improvements in social interactions and daily functions. The results suggest that texting-based therapy can be just as effective as weekly therapy sessions, according to co-author Patricia A. Areán. "We found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls," she said.
Interestingly, the study discovered that people who received text-based therapy were more likely to drop out earlier than those in the video therapy group. Conversely, therapists and patients developed stronger relationships in video sessions, also known as a "greater therapeutic alliance." However, experts noted that the study did not include individuals at high risk of severe mental health issues, such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis.
The findings support the expansion of therapy services via email and text messaging, as well as insurance coverage for these types of interventions. While some professionals caution that this type of treatment may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with more severe forms of depression, it could serve as a viable option for individuals with mild symptoms or as an initial step towards further treatment.
According to Areán, "text-based therapy can be a valuable tool in addressing the mental health needs of millions of Americans." With its potential benefits and limitations, this new study sheds light on the growing importance of innovative approaches to treating depression.
I mean, think about it, texting with a therapist is way more convenient than sitting in front of a computer screen for a video call 
. And if it's working just as well for mild depression, that's a game changer right? 
But on the other hand, I can see how the lack of face-to-face interaction might make it harder to build that strong therapeutic alliance with your therapist 
. Plus, what about people who need more intense support? Maybe we should be looking at a combination of both text and video therapy 
?
. But at the same time, it's good to know that texting therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution and shouldn't be replaced for everyone 
.
! I've always thought that technology should be used more in therapy, you know? It's crazy how much texting can actually work for people with mild depression 
! I'm all about exploring new ways to make therapy more accessible, especially for people who might not be able to afford or find a therapist in person. Texting therapy seems like it could be a total game-changer for anyone with mild depression, and the fact that it can provide similar benefits to video sessions is just amazing 
. Can't wait to see more research on this topic and hopefully more people will be able to benefit from these innovative approaches 
just kiddin but seriously wut ppl dont get abt therpy its not 4 everybodi 
tho the fact that peeps in the text group dropped out faster is kinda weird...guess its bcos u cant have thos deep convos 
. maybe this new study will pave the way for more affordable therapy options? 
people r strugglin with depression n anxiety rn & it's like therapists r overwhelmed 
but idk wut's up wit textin therapy... apparently it works 4 mild cases tho 
but lol ther's a catch - ppl who do textin therapy r more likely 2 quit 
& therapists n patients form stronger bonds over video calls... weird 
. I've tried online therapy before and it was okay, but this sounds so much more chill 
. Plus, it's great that therapists and patients can develop stronger relationships in video sessions 
. Can we talk about how cool it would be to have a therapist who just gets you, you know? 
. Anyways, this study is like, totally on point 
and I'm so here for the expansion of therapy services via email and text messaging! 
? I mean, who doesn't love the idea of just sending a text to talk to someone instead of having to sit in a therapist's office all week 
?
. Like, isn't the point of therapy to help you work through your stuff? 
.
. And I'm all for making therapy more accessible to everyone, especially those who might feel too anxious or self-conscious to meet in person 
. Of course, it's also worth noting that the study highlights some limitations, like people being more likely to drop out of text-based therapy early on 
Texting therapy is a great alternative and I'm glad that research is showing it can be just as effective! But at the same time, I worry about those who are struggling with more severe forms of depression. We need to make sure we're not leaving anyone behind here.
We need more options for people who can't afford or don't have access to traditional therapy. This feels like a real game-changer and I'm excited to see where it goes from here.