PsychologyOnline allows the patient to receive online-therapy via instant messaging with a therapist at a time and place of their own choosing. The first results show that many people, particularly those in work, are selecting to have their appointments at home after 19:00 on a weekday evening.
Shelley Weir, the interim service lead for the IOW NHS Trust, says: “We wanted to offer our patients as much choice as possible and PsychologyOnline help us do that.
“We’re a largely rural community and not everyone has the ability to easily travel to appointments. With online therapy, our patients don’t have to get on a bus or drive; it can be done from home, which is especially beneficial for people with long-term or recurring mental health problems.
“Patients working on the mainland are rarely back before our office closes at 19:00 for face-to-face treatment. Now they can benefit from therapy after work or at weekends, with less disruption to their lives.”
The data has also showed the online service is popular with people of all ages, with 18% of appointments made by patients aged 50+.
This text-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is being provided as an alternative to face-to-face to up to 40 patients classified as “step three”. These patients suffer from moderate to severe mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders. It is has been found to provide a better recovery rate than traditional CBT with less sessions.
Barnaby Perks, chief executive officer at PsychologyOnline, says many people still feel embarrassed to talk about their emotional problems and being able to communicate by instant messaging overcomes this obstacle.
He says: “Studies have shown that with text-based CBT patients get to the point more quickly and are more honest about their feelings and this helps bring about a swift recovery additionally the benefits are sustained."
The first step for individuals on the Isle of Wight experiencing low mood, stress and anxiety is to see their GP, who will refer them to the mental health team if appropriate. After an assessment, the patient will be offered a choice of treatment.
Sessions with PsychologyOnline can take place at home or wherever the patient is comfortable and has access to a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone connected to the internet.
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