Telepsychology in a University Psychology Clinic Setting: A Pilot Project

Abstract

Objective

The focus of the present study was to investigate levels of psychological distress and therapeutic alliance rated by clients attending psychological therapy sessions via video therapy or in person at a university psychology‐training clinic.

Method

Participants were 23 clients who had completed at least five therapy sessions with a provisional psychologist on placement in a university psychology clinic. Six of these attended sessions via videoconferencing in Port Augusta and 17 were local clients who attended traditional in‐person sessions. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilised in order to identify perceptions of and reactions to video therapy as described by participants.

Results

Reported levels of psychological distress across sessions were within the clinical range and similar across both video therapy and in‐person settings, with no statistical differences between the groups. Equally high levels of therapeutic alliance were established across both settings. Participants' experiences of video therapy were further explored under five main themes identified through content analysis: Initial Reactions and Adjustments, Factors Affecting Communication, Perceived Effectiveness, Therapeutic Alliance, and Practical Factors.

Conclusions

Findings suggest video therapy provided by provisional psychologists represents a feasible and acceptable means by which rural residents can access psychological treatments in the Australian context.

Key words:

• psychotherapy
• telemental health
• telepsychology
• university
• videoconferencing