eTherapy: A Pilot Study.

This Study explores the history and potential role for therapy deliveered through elearning in treating mental health problems. An online programme was developed, based on cognitive therapy, and a pilot study using the programme was conducted in a non-clinical population using blended learning and face-to-face contact. The conclusions reached were 1) It would not be enough to translate existing therapies into an online version. An entirely new form of would have to be developed because of the psychological effects and outcomes for users differ so much between online and face-to-face delivery. 2) Existing prejudices concerning 'therapy by computers' would have to be challenged. In fact the potential for etherapy lies not in replacing contact with a psychologist, but in complimenting their role in effective delivery and new treatment methods