A clinical trial involving 850 adults with mild to moderate depression found that text-based therapy produces outcomes comparable to traditional video sessions. The study randomly assigned participants to either weekly video therapy or unlimited messaging with licensed therapists over 12 weeks. Both groups showed similar improvement in depression symptoms. “We were pleasantly surprised to see that it was as good as weekly video therapy,” said co-author Patricia A. Areán, former University of Washington School of Medicine professor. “We didn’t really find any differences in the outcomes.” The research excluded higher-risk patients with conditions like psychosis or suicidal thoughts. Text therapy participants were less likely to drop out, though video sessions created slightly stronger therapeutic bonds. (Story URL)
