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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to assist veterans with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Participants will engage in video calls with individuals learning English, aiding in their language skills. The researchers aim to determine if this activity, known as a videoconferencing intervention, can also benefit veterans' mental health. Veterans diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or PTSD in the past year who can join video calls from home may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides veterans with a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions.

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 prior data suggests that this videoconferencing intervention is safe for mental health issues?

Research has shown that using video calls for mental health care is generally safe for most people. Studies have found that mental health care provided through video calls is as safe and effective as in-person meetings. For instance, one study found that virtual mental health care can help reduce events related to suicide, offering a significant safety benefit.

However, some risks exist, such as internet disruptions or privacy concerns. A good internet connection and a private space for sessions are important. Overall, video calls are well-received and have been successfully used for mental health care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using videoconferencing for mental health because it offers a unique way to provide support and therapy remotely. Unlike traditional face-to-face therapy sessions, this method allows participants to connect with English language learners from anywhere, making mental health care more accessible and flexible. Additionally, by incorporating language learning into therapy, it offers a dual benefit of personal growth and emotional support, which is not typically found in standard treatments like medication or in-person counseling.

What evidence suggests that videoconferencing is effective for mental health issues?

Research has shown that video calls can improve mental health. Studies have found that therapy through video can reduce symptoms of mood disorders like depression and anxiety. People generally find these services satisfactory, and they often cost less. Evidence suggests that video calls offer benefits similar to face-to-face mental health treatment, especially for veterans. Overall, video calls can be a practical way to manage mental health issues. Participants in this trial will engage in structured conversations via videoconferencing to explore these benefits further. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

John D Piette, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9437398/

Evidence of Phone vs Video-Conferencing for Mental Health ... Both video and phone have been shown to be effective for reducing symptoms related to mood disorders. Phone therapy for depression is more ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2758653/

Current Directions in Videoconferencing Tele-Mental ... Previous findings have demonstrated that tele-mental health services are satisfactory to patients, improve outcomes, and are probably cost effective.

3. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.20230176?utm_source=quora&utm_medium=paidforum&utm_campaign=Promoted%20Answers%20%2F%2F%20Topic%20-%20Mobile&utm_content=316659353770715&qclid=851222712616907474%7C211106240458566%7C0

Randomized Trial of the Effectiveness ... Objective:The authors compared the engagement, clinical outcomes, and adverse events of text or voice message–based psychotherapy (MBP) ...

4. karger.com karger.com/pps/article/91/1/63/826489/Effectiveness-of-a-Videoconferencing-Delivered

Effectiveness of a Videoconferencing-Delivered ... A videoconferencing-delivered psychological intervention for mental health problems during COVID-19: a proof-of-concept randomized clinical trial.

5. library.samhsa.gov library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-06-02-001.pdf

Telehealth for the Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and ... Evidence supports the efficacy of telehealth-delivered mental health groups for veterans with outcomes similar to those of in-person groups. However, groups ...

6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586283/

Evidence Brief: Safety and Effectiveness of Telehealth ... - NCBI Results of most studies found telehealth delivery of mental health care comparable to in-person delivery.

7. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825640

Virtual Mental Health Care and Suicide-Related Events The results of this cohort study suggest that offering virtual mental health care in addition to in-person care may reduce suicide-related events.

8. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638237.2023.2182422

A review of risks, adverse effects and mitigation strategies ... Mental health care over telehealth will have unique risks such as: potential internet disruptions or poor-quality during crises, privacy concerns such as a ...