TelePsychology: Psychology R&D&i For More Than A Century
In recent decades, progress in the generation of new technological systems and the implementation of new information and communication technologies (ICT) has had a great acceleration in society, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, this acceleration increasing exponentially, changing our lives with new and interesting possibilities, and consolidating ICT as an alternative, and sometimes unique, form of interaction.
Psychology, as a science in continuous advancement, is not left behind in this revolution, making TelePsychology or Online Psychology a priority development
Currently, many people prefer TelePsychology, since it can be accessed practically anywhere in the world, from one’s own home, and with greater privacy. However, many other people still remain distrustful and doubtful.
Concept and brief history of telepsychological assistance
TelePsychological assistance or intervention covers almost all activities in Psychology (psychoeducation, counseling, evaluation, psychotherapy processes, etc.). However, it does not represent a new specialty, although it does require that Psychology professionals expand our technical skills and adapt our services to remote clients, through digital media.
Furthermore, the concept not only encompasses therapy sessions or psychological help via videoconference, but also It also includes other activities remotely and through the Internet such as email, instant messaging, blogs, apps, structured web interventions, which are programs with a change or educational objective that are developed on a platform, or therapeutic software and artificial intelligence technologies, such as diagnostic systems, therapeutic robots, virtual reality, etc.
Although it may seem that the use of TelePsychology is relatively recent, we can find historical references representative for more than a century, among them:
Currently, the professionals who offer Online Psychology services broadly comply with the practices and recommendations defined in scientific protocols and guides.
Main advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages and reasons that we can find in online Psychology treatments we can mention the following.
On the other hand, among the disadvantages and limitations that we can find:
Efficiency, quality and ease for clients
TelePsychological Interventions have an increasingly greater empirical support. Controlled trials and meta-analysis studies show the generation of changes in behavior for a wide variety of problems, confirming a similar effectiveness to face-to-face psychological interventions, without finding significant differences regarding the perceived quality of life, satisfaction and satisfaction. credibility of the treatment.
Besides, For clients the process is very simple since you only need an internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet or smartphone) and email to receive documentation, links and security keys, questionnaires, exercises, etc.
It is also recommended that you choose a space for the online session with a well-lit, pleasant, comfortable environment that avoids possible interruptions, as well as good image and sound quality. In addition, you can always consult with your psychologist, both technical and legal aspects.
The most important thing is that you make sure you choose a Psychology professional with the best experience, education and training to treat your health, well-being and quality of life needs with maximum guarantees and results.
