A comparison of computer-based versus traditional individual psychotherapy

Professional psychologists are challenged to determine the appropriate use of interactive computer therapy programs. Although such programs have the potential of enhancing delivery of mental health services and reaching ever broader audiences, they raise serious clinical, legal, ethical, and practical concerns. This article reports on a controlled clinical trial comparing short-term traditional individual therapy with a computer-based intervention overseen by a therapist. Results were favorable and comparable in both conditions, with individual therapy outperforming computer-based therapy on some measures. The practitioner's use of computer-based psychotherapy interventions is discussed and some guidelines offered.