Telephone therapy for depression

A review of studies by researchers at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in the U.S. looked into the effectiveness of telephone therapy for depression. People with depression often have problems with motivation and of those expressing an interest in psychotherapy only 20% actually show up for a referral and half later drop out of treatment. Patients can have trouble with transportation and in finding the time to see a therapist. The review found that the average drop out rate for telephone therapy was only 7.6% compared to nearly 50% for face-to-face therapy. Telephone therapy was also found to be as effective as face-to-face therapy in reducing the symptoms of depression.

You can find out more about this research at

http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/09/23/teletherapy-aids-depression-care/2989.html