Virtually possible: strategies for using telehealth in eating disorder treatment learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an abrupt shift from in-person to virtual treatment, and clinicians continue to offer telehealth due to its advantages. Telehealth may be a viable, effective, and safe treatment modality for many clients with eating disorders. We consider contemporary issues regarding the use of telehealth in eating disorder treatment and identify strategies to enhance its delivery. First, we emphasize key factors when choosing therapy delivery (telehealth, in-person, or hybrid). Second, we address telehealth-specific planning, preparation, safety, and privacy considerations. Third, we discuss how eating disorder assessment and evidence-based interventions can be adapted for telehealth delivery. Fourth, we raise telehealth-specific challenges related to group-based delivery and the therapeutic alliance offering alternative avenues for connection and engagement. We conclude with a discussion of how additional research is needed to refine the presented strategies, develop new strategies, and assess their efficacy and effectiveness.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Credit statement

Authors (CCC, JH, TLT, NWB) contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. They are ordered alphabetically rather than based on contribution.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.