A recent study in Behavior Modification evaluated ratings submitted by veterans who were receiving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) via different delivery modes for post-traumatic stress disorder. The ratings measured competency and adherence to the CBT model when administering CBT through either telepsychiatric or same-room approaches. In telepsychiatry, a therapist and client communicate through resources such as the telephone and the Internet. It can also incorporate video-conferencing technology via satellite for real-time consultation in two different parts of the world. The researchers’ findings suggest that therapist competence and adherence to the CBT model is similar whether the treatment is delivered through telepsychiatry or conventional methods.

Study authors: B. C. Frueh, J. Monnier, A. L. Grubaugh, J. D. Elhai, E. Yim, R. Knapp