Videoconferencing for Mental Health Issues

Overseen By Sarah H Yon, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Schizophrenia, Dementia, Traumatic brain injury, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

80 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your medications, but it's best to confirm with the trial organizers.

What data supports the effectiveness of videoconferencing as a treatment for mental health issues?

Research shows that using videoconferencing for mental health therapy is generally as effective as meeting in person, with good user satisfaction and similar clinical outcomes. It helps people access therapy more easily, especially if they live far away from a therapist. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is videoconferencing for mental health issues safe for humans?

Research shows that videoconferencing for mental health care is generally safe, with most users reporting satisfaction and no major problems. Some technical issues like audio or picture problems can occur, but these do not affect safety. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the videoconferencing treatment for mental health issues different from other treatments?

The videoconferencing treatment is unique because it allows patients to receive mental health care remotely, which can improve access for those who face barriers like geographical distance or travel-related strain. It offers similar clinical outcomes to traditional face-to-face therapy and is generally associated with high user satisfaction. ^{1 6 8 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to refine and test a strategy for engaging Veterans with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as volunteers to help English language learners (ELLs) improve their speaking skills via structured conversations using videoconferencing.

Research Team

John D Piette, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for veterans experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. They will volunteer to help people learning English improve their speaking skills through video chats.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18, speak English, and have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or PTSD in the last year. I can video chat using common technology.

I am 18 or older, can video chat on a device, and understand basic English.

Exclusion Criteria

Veteran coach participant: schizophrenia, dementia, traumatic brain injury that significantly impedes ability to participate in sessions, significant sensory impairment, current alcohol or drug abuse/dependence that would affect their ability to participate in the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Orientation and Training

Tailoring training and program materials for VA patients and English language learners, and conducting orientation sessions

2 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in 8 weeks of 1-hour videoconferencing sessions with English language learners

8 weeks

8 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well as their sense of mattering

Immediately after 8-week intervention

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Intervention (videoconferencing)

Trial Overview The study is testing whether helping others can enhance the well-being and sense of purpose in veterans with mental health challenges by engaging them in volunteering activities via videoconferencing.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be paired with an English language learner and engage in 8 weeks, 1 hour videoconferencing sessions.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Findings from Research

Videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) is a feasible alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy, showing similar clinical outcomes and high user satisfaction across diverse populations and therapeutic formats, based on a review of 65 studies.

Despite the growing number of publications on VCP, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to better evaluate its efficacy and effectiveness in treating mental health issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Videoconferencing psychotherapy: a systematic review. Backhaus, A., Agha, Z., Maglione, ML., et al.[2022]

Mental health professionals view professional video consultations as effective as in-person meetings, offering greater accessibility and flexibility for patients without compromising treatment quality.

Successful implementation of video consultations relies on perceived usefulness, patient needs, and strong IT support, while challenges like high workload and technical issues can hinder their effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors that determine mental health professionals' decision to support home-based video consultations - A qualitative study. Moeller, AM., Hansen, JP., Andersen, PT.[2022]

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered through interactive audiovisual videoconferencing was effective in treating a 38-year-old woman with panic disorder and major depression, resulting in the resolution of her anxiety and depressive symptoms.

The case highlights the potential of using technology to provide therapy, especially for patients who refuse traditional treatments like antidepressants, demonstrating that remote therapy can lead to significant improvements in mental health and functioning.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioural therapy via videoconferencing to a rural area. Cowain, T.[2018]

Both phone and video mental health treatments effectively reduce symptoms and are comparable to in-person care, making them convenient options for patients.

Video therapy provides valuable visual cues that can aid in diagnosis and strengthen the therapeutic relationship, but phone therapy is more accessible and may have fewer technical issues, suggesting a flexible approach using both modalities is beneficial.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence of Phone vs Video-Conferencing for Mental Health Treatments: A Review of the Literature. Chen, PV., Helm, A., Caloudas, SG., et al.[2023]

Telepsychiatry has been tested in various European locations, including northern Norway and inner London, to enhance access to mental health services.

Despite the limited scale of these studies, they have revealed common themes that suggest telepsychiatry can effectively bridge gaps in mental health care delivery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telepsychiatry in Europe. McLaren, P.[2020]

A survey in northern Norway found that videoconferencing was used effectively in mental health care, with 1028 participants engaging in 140 sessions across 35 institutions, primarily for meetings and training.

The majority of users (87%) reported satisfaction with the videoconferencing service, indicating its potential as a reliable alternative to traditional contact methods like travel and phone calls.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Videoconferencing in psychiatry: a survey of use in northern Norway. Gammon, D., Bergvik, S., Bergmo, T., et al.[2018]

A telepsychology and telepsychiatry service evaluated 56 individuals, including staff and clients, showed that video consultations were well-received and considered effective for psychological evaluations, especially in cases referred by the state child welfare agency.

Participants found the telemedicine format useful for discussions and reported following up on recommendations, indicating that videoconferencing can be a viable alternative to face-to-face consultations in providing psychological support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telepsychiatry with child welfare families referred to a family service agency. Keilman, P.[2015]

The study evaluated the use of telepsychiatry in an inner-city community mental health service over 10 months, involving 19 patients managed via videoconferencing and 12 face-to-face, with no significant difference in attendance rates between the two methods.

However, new referrals managed through videoconferencing took longer to complete their treatment compared to those seen face-to-face, indicating potential challenges in the telepsychiatry approach for timely patient management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The North Lewisham telepsychiatry project: beyond the pilot phase. McLaren, P., Ahlbom, J., Riley, A., et al.[2019]

Videoconferencing (VC) in rural emergency departments (EDs) is viewed positively by staff as a way to improve patient experience and expedite assessments by mental health specialists during mental health emergencies.

However, challenges such as resource strain in EDs and difficulties in accessing psychiatrists were identified as barriers to effectively implementing VC for these emergencies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the views of emergency department staff on the use of videoconferencing for mental health emergencies in southwestern Ontario. Pangka, KR., Chandrasena, R., Wijeratne, N., et al.[2018]

The study involved 18 participants with alcohol use disorders who received eight sessions of group therapy via videoconferencing over four weeks, with 14 completing at least four sessions and assessments.

Participants reported high satisfaction with the telepsychiatry service, comparable attendance rates to traditional therapy, and 82% would recommend the service, indicating that videoconferencing is a feasible and effective method for delivering therapy to individuals with AUD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telehealth service delivery for persons with alcoholism. Frueh, BC., Henderson, S., Myrick, H.[2007]

A six-month trial using videoconferencing for mental health consultations between Jersey and a UK NHS Trust demonstrated high satisfaction levels among participants, indicating its effectiveness in delivering specialist services remotely.

The project successfully highlighted the potential of telemedicine in enhancing mental health service delivery, with various teleconsultations and presentations conducted on diverse psychiatric topics, raising awareness and interest in this approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of videoconferencing to enhance tertiary mental health service provision to the island of Jersey. Harley, J., McLaren, P., Blackwood, G., et al.[2017]

A national survey of 300 Norwegian mental health institutions found that while 90% of respondents found videoconferencing useful, only 51 institutions had used it clinically in the past year, indicating underutilization despite positive attitudes.

Access to videoconferencing was influenced by geographical and climatic factors, with a notable barrier being the lack of equipment in collaborating institutions, highlighting a gap between potential and actual use in mental health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of videoconferencing in Norwegian psychiatry. Hanssen, B., Wangberg, SC., Gammon, D.[2018]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Videoconferencing psychotherapy: a systematic review. [2022]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors that determine mental health professionals' decision to support home-based video consultations - A qualitative study. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioural therapy via videoconferencing to a rural area. [2018]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence of Phone vs Video-Conferencing for Mental Health Treatments: A Review of the Literature. [2023]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telepsychiatry in Europe. [2020]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Videoconferencing in psychiatry: a survey of use in northern Norway. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telepsychiatry with child welfare families referred to a family service agency. [2015]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The North Lewisham telepsychiatry project: beyond the pilot phase. [2019]

9. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the views of emergency department staff on the use of videoconferencing for mental health emergencies in southwestern Ontario. [2018]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telehealth service delivery for persons with alcoholism. [2007]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of videoconferencing to enhance tertiary mental health service provision to the island of Jersey. [2017]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of videoconferencing in Norwegian psychiatry. [2018]