Cognitive-behavioural therapy via videoconferencing to a rural area.

OBJECTIVE

This case report describes the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy via two-way, interactive audiovisual videoconferencing and identifies issues involved in using this form of technology to provide therapy.

CLINICAL PICTURE: A 38-year-old married woman living in rural South Australia presented with panic disorder with agoraphobia and major depression. The patient had refused antidepressant treatment.

TREATMENT: The patient was treated with 12 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy delivered via videoconferencing.

OUTCOME: Anxiety and depressive symptoms resolved with concomitant improvement in function.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing this form of therapy via videoconferencing can be effective.