Technology-assisted therapy for kids and young people is as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy

University of East AngliaJul 12 2024

Using technology to deliver therapy for children and young people is as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy, according to new research.

The University of East Anglia-led study highlights the potential for using technology to expand access to mental health treatment, particularly following an increase in need due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and effective treatment for a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression in children and young people.

Over the past two decades, several innovative approaches have emerged to deliver CBT through technology.

This includes apps, online software, and video games which deliver CBT directly through technology, as well as approaches which retain a human therapist via phone calls or video conferencing.

While these technology-assisted versions have shown promise, there has been limited research directly comparing their effectiveness to traditional face-to-face CBT.

Our findings suggest that technology-assisted CBT can be a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face CBT for some children and young people.

This is especially relevant given the increasing demand for mental health services following the Covid-19 pandemic."

Dr. Leonardo Bevilacqua, lead author, UEA's Norwich Medical School

The research looked at multiple studies which examined various forms of technology-assisted CBT, such as video conferencing and online platforms. Of these, seven studies focused on anxiety in children and young people, and another seven on depression.

The results revealed that technology-assisted CBT is just as effective as face-to-face CBT for treating anxiety and depression in this age group.

Co-author Dr Peter Beazley, of Norwich Medical School, said: "The study highlights the potential of technology-assisted CBT to expand access to effective mental health treatment for children and young people.

"Future research should focus on identifying the most cost-effective delivery methods to ensure the best outcomes for patients."

The research was led by the University of East Anglia with support from researchers at University College London (UCL).

Future studies should look closer at if technology-assisted CBT is as effective for children as it is for adolescents, and if there is any difference in effectiveness for males or for females.

'Effectiveness of technology-assisted vs face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in children and young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis' is published in the journal Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry (CCPP).