BOSTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Unlike common belief, a doctor and patient undergoing psychotherapy don't necessarily have to be in the same room, a new report says.
The January issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter states that studies are showing that psychotherapy can be effective even when the doctor is "seeing" the patient through phone calls or video.
The report cites one Maryland study in which patients who used computer video to make contact with their doctor were just as satisfied with therapy as those who had more traditional sessions.
Another study found that symptoms improved in depressed patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy by phone.
Yet another study showed that like so many other workers, therapists may potentially be replaced by machines in some situations with patients getting care through a special video program.
The editors of the Harvard Mental Health Letter note that long-distance treatment opens up new doors for patients unable or unwilling to go to a doctor's office.
