Text-Based Therapy Matches Video Sessions in Addressing Depression, Study Finds

Recent research has demonstrated that therapy conducted via text messages can yield results comparable to those achieved through live video sessions in treating individuals with depression. This conclusion comes from a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different online psychotherapy delivery methods among adults experiencing depressive symptoms.

The study analysed data from 850 adults who received either text-based or video-based psychotherapy through an established digital mental health platform. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two therapy formats for a 12-week period. For those who did not show improvement after six weeks, the study offered a combination of both text and video modalities, ensuring flexible care tailored to individual needs.

Upon completion of the trial, both groups exhibited similar progress in alleviating depression symptoms and improvements in their ability to function socially. Importantly, the findings suggest that the method of communication--whether text or video--did not significantly affect the overall effectiveness of the therapy.

The researchers noted a slight difference in patient engagement between the two groups. Individuals participating in video-based therapy were marginally more likely to discontinue treatment early, while those using message-based therapy benefited from greater flexibility, allowing them to communicate with therapists at times that suited their schedules. This aspect may be particularly valuable for patients who face barriers to traditional appointments, such as demanding work hours, caregiving responsibilities, or limited access to private spaces for live video calls.

Depression is recognized as one of the most prevalent causes of disability and health-related challenges globally. Many individuals with depression encounter obstacles in accessing timely and consistent mental health care, including geographic limitations, financial constraints, and time pressures. Digital therapy platforms have emerged as a promising solution to bridge these gaps by expanding access to professional support beyond conventional in-person visits.

The study's results support the growing body of evidence that digital mental health interventions can be delivered effectively in a variety of formats. By establishing that text-based psychotherapy is as effective as video-based approaches, the research highlights the potential for broader adoption of messaging-based therapy, especially for individuals who may find it more convenient, comfortable, or accessible.

Furthermore, the authors emphasized the need for policy advances to improve access to digital mental health care. Expanding insurance coverage to include message-based therapy could enable more people to benefit from these services and help address widespread unmet needs in mental health treatment.

The findings contribute to ongoing discussions among mental health professionals, policymakers, and insurers regarding the most effective strategies for delivering care in a rapidly evolving digital health landscape. As the demand for flexible, accessible, and evidence-based mental health services continues to grow, this study provides important insights into the role of technology in supporting individuals affected by depression and improving population-level outcomes.

For those seeking more information, the full research is published in JAMA Network Open and is based on collaborative work among experts in psychiatry, behavioral sciences, and public health.